RIP John Rutsey

[Bartman]

http://www.q107.com/Blogs/TheQ107RockReport/BlogEntry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10000007


John Rutsey, Rush’s founding drummer, dead at 55.
Posted 5/12/2008 5:00:00 PM


John Rutsey, a founding member of Toronto rock band Rush, passed away this weekend according to Rush management company Anthem Entertainment. He was 55.

Rutsey was famous for playing on Rush’s 1974 debut album, including the song “In The Mood,” before deciding to leave the group due to health concerns. Rutsey suffered from diabetes and was unable to go on extended tours with the group.

Rutsey was replaced by dummer Neil Peart, which marked a turning point in the band’s sound towards progressive rock.

Rush formed in 1968 in Toronto and was originally composed of guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist Jeff Jones (who shortly thereafter was replaced by Geddy Lee) and Rutsey.

According to a 1989 interview with Alex Lifeson on the Rockline Radio program quoted by Wikipedia.org, Rutsey, “gave up playing (drums) shortly after he left the band and went into bodybuilding. He competed on an amateur level for a while, doing that for a few years.”

As of Monday afternoon, no official statement has been released on a cause of death, nor plans for a memorial service.



RIP John

~B

 

[koelling]

That's too bad. He was the leading contributor to Rush's success. By leaving and allowing Neil to take his place, Rush became one of the greatest progressive rock bands in music history.

 

[Slappy7768]

Very sad. He was still young. RIP

 

[stryder]

that sux , god speed

 

[Jax]

RIP John, & thanks for the music.

 

[Renegade Drummer]

R.I.P. John.

Robby

 

[Sorrell]

Very sad. He was a young man. 55 is just around the corner for many of us here...

I always kinda wondered why he left the band, and what happened to him.

SS

 

[YJ2K]

Sad news indeed. Like others said, through his sacrifice of leaving the band, it allowed them to grow into what it is today. Thank you John, and may you rest in peace.