Rush: Time Stand Still

This one hurts.

Like many of us, I am a long-time Rush fan. I bought my own record player when I was 12, and the very first album I bought was Rush’s Moving Pictures. I only played double bass at the time, but the album was the start of my dream to buy a bass guitar.

I wore that record out, particularly “YYZ.” As a bassist, I was of course drawn to Geddy Lee. But it was Neil Peart’s drums that also caught my attention.

As I got older and hit the record store the first day a new Rush record was out (as well as securing their entire back catalog), I began to appreciate the lyrics. Of course, that was Peart’s work too. I started learning more about the band, and how Peart replacing John Rutsey set the band on an entirely different trajectory.

We found out yesterday Peart had passed on Tuesday, after a three-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. I had always hoped Rush might one day reunite – for a record at least. Now we understand why that wasn’t to be. Thankfully, they provided us with more than enough to enjoy for years to come.

It was hard to pick a video for today – with Rush’s vast catalog and epic performances, you probably could argue there’s a better one. But “Time Stand Still” just seemed right to me. And I watched a ton of Rush videos last night.

Sometimes we all wish we could freeze this moment a little bit longer.

RIP, Mr. Peart. We will miss you, and we thank you for your massive contributions to music and the written word. We wish his family, bandmates, and friends peace and love during this difficult time.

Rush shared this note on Facebook and Instagram:

“It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma). We ask that friends, fans, and media alike understandably respect the family’s need for privacy and peace at this extremely painful and difficult time. Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil’s name. Rest in peace brother.”