Forum Closed

The forum is now to new posts. All the historical content is still available to browse.

if you are looking for musicians to play with, please view the Bands Seeking Musicians list, or use the Musicians Directory

You can use our pages on social media to connect:

John Rutsey, Rush’s founding drummer, dead at 55.
Message Board > Music Chitchat - General ( Indie, Jazz, World, Electronic etc.) > John Rutsey, Rush’s founding drummer, dead at 55.
[Jump to Last Post] 
_Griphin_
User Info...
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 drummer 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.

Posted by: Jason Ward on Q107 Rock Report. URL: http://www.q107.com/Blogs/TheQ107RockReport/BlogEntry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10000007 - Tue, 13 May 2008 12:18pm Edited: Tue, 13 May 2008 12:21pm
Sati
User Info...
You know what? Thats probably a really big deal in a lot of other places. Travelling, you realize what HUGE thing Rush is everywhere else.
"Oh you're from Canada? RUSH is from Canada!"
(not that him passing away isn't alone a big thing, rip) - Wed, 14 May 2008 8:03pm Edited: Wed, 14 May 2008 8:04pm
_Griphin_
User Info...
Nothing beats listening to that album on album/big CD. I dunno why though (I own Archives on record which includes the first 3 Rush albums). - Thu, 15 May 2008 2:26pm Edited: Thu, 15 May 2008 2:40pm
Not logged in Log In / Register (optional)

Featured Events

Featured Historical Events

Featured Article

Melanie Golder
from Victoria BC
The 11th HOUR
Classic Rock, R & B, Country from Duncan BC
The Maroons
from Victoria BC
Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery
Vegetarian & organic!
330 Duncan St Duncan BC
Open / Operational
Vic Biz Hub
Victoria's most eco-friendly business centre.
Open / Operational
Haute Curations
We sell original giclee canvas art prints to businesses
Victoria BC
Open / Operational
Arts On View Society
The Arts On View Society continues to operate Hermann's Jazz...
753 View Street Victoria BC
Open / Operational

Search the Directory / Archive

List an Event in the Calendar

List a Physical Single Date or Recurring Event

For physical events that happen at a specific time. For example a concert, or dance performance. If there are multiple shows, you can still duplicate your event to cover them all.

List an Online Livestream Event

For online / livestream events. This will allow you to include a livestream url and have it featured in our livestream listings.

Submit a Profile to the Directory

List a Music Band / Ensemble

(Band / Choir / Orchestra etc.)

List an Individual Musician

(Guitarist, Singer, DJ etc)

List a Music Resource

Venues, Event Promoters, Support Services etc.

News + Media

Log In to Your Account