RIP John Rutsey

Bartman · May 13th, 2008, 12:02 PM

http://www.q107.com/Blogs/TheQ107Roc...tryID=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 · May 13th, 2008, 12:07 PM

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 · May 13th, 2008, 12:11 PM

Very sad. He was still young. RIP

stryder · May 13th, 2008, 01:47 PM

that sux , god speed

Jax · May 13th, 2008, 01:58 PM

RIP John, & thanks for the music.

Renegade Drummer · May 13th, 2008, 02:05 PM

R.I.P. John.

Robby

Sorrell · May 14th, 2008, 11:53 AM

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 · June 13th, 2008, 07:10 AM

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.

May 13th, 2008, 12:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bartman Chinese fighter pilot Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ranch on Mars Posts: 114	RIP John Rutsey http://www.q107.com/Blogs/TheQ107Roc...tryID=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 __________________ "I'm afraid I'll go berserk, rip the Elvis Costello mobile from the ceiling, throw the "Country Artists Male A-K" rack out onto the streets, go off to work in a Virgin Megastore and never come back"

May 13th, 2008, 12:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
koelling APT Keyboardist Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 284	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. __________________ I need to find a better sig than this one

May 13th, 2008, 12:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Slappy7768 Dude..... Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MA Posts: 59	Very sad. He was still young. RIP __________________ Try hard to remember all that glitters is not gold You can pay the piper, but you cannot buy his soul

May 13th, 2008, 01:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jax Forum Goddess Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 8,552	RIP John, & thanks for the music. __________________ chants WLOJ..WLOJ..

May 13th, 2008, 02:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Renegade Drummer The 5th Beatle Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Portland area, Oregon Posts: 90	R.I.P. John. Robby __________________ Master! Apprentice! Heartborne, 7th Seeker! Warrior! Disciple! In me the Wishmaster!

May 13th, 2008, 01:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
stryder Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Murrieta Posts: 118	that sux , god speed

May 14th, 2008, 11:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
Sorrell APT Guitarist/vocalist Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fairfield, CA Posts: 311	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 __________________ Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Give a man religion and he'll starve to death, praying for a fish.

June 13th, 2008, 07:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
YJ2K why-jay-two-kay Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Kansas City Posts: 24	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.