Rush: The Tragic Death Of Drummer John Rutsey

[@rnrtruestories]

Here's the story about Rush's first US gig and why it was such a disaster kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWTViniDgM6ieNU

[@StevenEveral]

John Rutsey never gets enough credit for that first Rush album. While Neal Peart rightly gets a ton of focus, let's not forget about John. 🥁

[@Kgio-2112]

Exactly. Plus, he was approachable UN like Neil . we all know Neil was off the charts talented with drumming and song writing but he was aloof with fans and a weird guy. John was not hiding when fans wanted an autograph.

[@toddjames9232]

Too true. He really was a driving force on that album, and because of him it remains one of my favorite Rush albums.

[@menom7]

Agreed entirely!!!

[@bradleydurbin6784]

Rutsey got a raw deal and was shit on. After Peart joined it was all about fame and fortune and being rock stars. IMHO

[@toddjames9232]

@@bradleydurbin6784 buddy, watch the video. Rutsey left by choice. Lifeson said repeatedly that he left of his own accord. Rutsey said he left.

[@mathewlee5712]

It's incredible that there aren't any pics of John Rutsey beyond Rush. Not even a pic of him in his bodybuilding days. I am surprised that he never resurfaced with another band beyond Rush. RIP John Rutsey.

[@friendlyghost6564]

Such a good looking guy too.

[@ashowofhands9813]

There is one photo of him with a fan that was taken in 2007, it was posted on facebook.

[@Fish-cj4ub]

he was just true and loyal to his own self

[@jmangi6221]

Man that first album was Gold. When I first heard it, I got my first guitar.RIP John and Neil.

[@jojonorris8047]

Great Great songs.

[@jojonorris8047]

Here Again ...one of my all time favorites.

[@RW4X4X3006]

A staple playing on our boom box in the back yard, as kids. RUSH is a great rock album!

[@jmangi6221]

@RW4X4, same here, a few friends around, passing a blunt around, , turnin up some RUSH. .yea babay.🤘🎸🎵😉

[@sid7088]

Same here, one of the first songs I ever learned was "In the mood".

[@jeffreyoldham55]

I'm so glad that I got to see the original line-up of Rush play with Rutsey. It was at an outdoor venue just a few miles from where I lived outside Cleveland. It was the first time anyone had seen them, and everyone was simply blown away by this powerful trio. Especially 'Working Man', as Cleveland was a working mans town.

[@WillieDuitt1]

I had a roommate in college in the 1990's who was a real Rush fan, we would play rock n roll trivia and one his go to questions was, Who was the drummer on first Rush album? by the third time he asked I remembered John Rutsey. Never forgot.

[@kylehegedus5498]

R.I.P. John Rutsey and Neil Peart 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@mxgr194]

I knew from the minute I heard the first Rush album that these guys were destined to be superstars. That album is brilliant as were most of the material they released afterwards. Geddy and Alex were going to be stars no matter what. I love Peart's work, but yeah, you really can't ignore the talent in that band.

[@jimmccormick6091]

I have to say, for as many times as Alex and Geddy were asked about John, they maintained the same thing always. “No, it wasn’t a falling out. No, there is no animosity. No, we never accused John of not being good enough.” But, still, it just seems people keep picking at at, like a bug bite that won’t heal. If Alex and Geddy say “it’s this way”, then, good enough for me. I find it peculiar, for all the time John WAS alive, no interviews on him, telling his side of the story…. Which leads me to think there never was a story in the first place.

[@axelslingerland9920]

You forgot _"No, he wasn't kicked out."_

[@toddfeldman7661]

I thought he had a medical issue like diabetes or something and couldn't do the rigorous tour schedule

[@bradleyjones650]

Not gonna lie, Working Man is still my favorite Rush song. Raw and crunchy!!

[@michaelt3308]

EXTREMELY crunchy!

[@Mike-jv4rz]

Different guy-different style, great rock drummer. Neil was technician-RIP to both...

[@davoshaunessy7481]

I get up at SEVEN

[@BillDerBerg]

@@davoshaunessy7481 get out of bed around 9... wait wrong tune...

[@genxray951]

I crank that up just about every day on my construction site, it's our "anthem". Rutsey was not the drummer that Peart was, but he got it done in good fashion.

[@wearetomorrowspast.5617]

Peart may well be the best drummer but Rutsey played on the first album. John Rutsey rocked. His playing on " Working Man" just grooved so much.

[@scottyo64]

First time I saw RUSH it cost $2.94 as a local rock station did a promotion for them. Been a fan since

[@Mike-jv4rz]

Can't download a song for that now lol, my how times have changed....

[@generoberts9151]

Lucky bastard. What year was that?

[@norton750commando]

First time I saw Rush, it was at my high school in Scarborough (a borough of Toronto) in 1972. They played in the cafeteria on the cafeteria tables put together for a stage. John was still the drummer at that time, and it cost me $1.25 to get in.

[@mikereiss4216]

His drumming fit the music on the first album. I'm glad they got Neil but I think John was a decent drummer in his own right and gave the band a lot of energy they needed at that early stage.

[@cycologist7069]

Neal was the right fit for the direction Rush went in. I agree his (John's) drumming fit the first album and would go so far as to say he was way more then just "decent" and if Rush had decided to remain a more bluesy hard rock band then John would have been the better fit for that direction.

[@brianshaffneraclc]

As a former bassist, I like the Lee/Rutsey rhythm section on that first album. Obviously Neil could do many things John couldn't, but it doesn't change that he was a capable drummer with his own style. Someone once asked Geddy to rank Rush's albums, worst to best. He didn't have the first album on the bottom; there were (if I remember) three other albums below it.

[@moriganna67ify]

I saw Rush live 2X. Once on their Roll The Bones tour and at a festival. Alex Liefson played air guitar with me on my friends shoulders. Geddy Lee looked over to him, saw what Alex was doing and ran over to do the same. I feel Rush is a perfect name because, what a rush that was. I was in utter heaven. LOL No word can describe how amazing and so sweet. Also they are a Canadian band who started in Montreal Qc.

[@unperson5713]

I saw Rush back in the, hmm?, late 80s early 90s? Can't remember. Anyways, I wasn't too excited, not a huge fan, but I enjoyed attending musical events, so I went. They blew me away! Way better live.

[@Superplums]

Rush was from Toronto, not Montreal

[@juanelorriaga2840]

My first shows were on the Presto tour and saw them everytime they came back to NYC but the 2004 2 sold out nights ar Radio City Music Hall were just insane people flooded the aisles saw guys hanging from the balconies it was total bedlam.I still think that show should’ve been recorded for a DVD although there are sone really good bootlegs I saw of that night.Also the 1997 Tour when they played 2112 in it’s entirety was just stellar

[@OnPointFirearms]

@@Superplums they were from Canada, not Toronto.

[@gregggoss2210]

I first saw them for the Spirit of Radio tour. Saw them at least 5 more times, including Moving Pictures tour. Incredible!

[@CarnorJast1138]

Favorite Rush song: Natural Science. Edgy. Brutish. Raw. Awesome! Saw Rush live in 1980. First concert I ever went to. I was 14. Been a Rush fanatic ever since!

[@HighPower762]

That was the 1st tour I ever saw them on as well, Permanent Waves is still my favorite album. Saw them a total of 37 times between 1980 and 2015!😎🤘

[@michaelfried3123]

And boy oh boy was that one helluva first Rush album! I've considered Rush to be my all time favorite band since I got turned onto them growing up about 80 miles south of Cleveland, OH in a little town in the late 70's. Rush songs are philosophically speaking, very deep!

[@cycologist7069]

I'm honestly surprised at how many people are saying they didn't know that Neal was not the first Rush drummer.

[@Kgio-2112]

I know, right? His picture is right there on the first album.

[@cycologist7069]

@@Kgio-2112 Not to mention the drumming style was radically different.

[@novadhd]

it was actually Phil Collins

[@killdozer3464]

old rush fan here and a drummer: out of my top 10 rush songs of all time, 3 are in that first album. John's drumming was impeccable. Right up there with Don Brewer.

[@jeffcrist2977]

Great band. Saw them a few times in the 70s. Good show, all pro. Nice to see a normal bunch of guys, working.

[@martinkdoors2perception.706]

That first album by Rush is wow powerful i have it on vinyl, and Rutseys drumming is amazing. v sad and yes without John we would have no Rush..Thank you John..RIP.

[@sugargold4126]

I’m happy you did a story about John. I love Rush, they were the first band I saw live in Chicago in the 70’s. I can’t imagine he was happy with the decision and who knows if it was really mutual. RIP John and Neil.

[@carlosm.devasconcelllos3939]

I never thought, throughout these 40 something years apreciatting Rush, that I would Miss so hard the presence of Neil Peart amoing us, despite the fact that i never was nearby him. But the simple fact of knowing he's not here anymore Fills me with a sense of sadness like it was a miss of a close friend or relative. RIP Neil Peart, Genius. And Thank You for all hapiness you brought to our Lives. 🙏

[@corinnewebb6424]

Here here.

[@LocoCocoJorge]

Seriously? You miss the drummer of the band that you've never met? sheeesh... Do you miss John Bonham, too? How about Keith Moon? Ginger Baker?..... Now that you mentioned it, I feel like I miss Jimmy Hendrix... This makes me very sad :(

[@lmn1966]

RIP John

[@williesnyder2899]

As a fan of RUSH since 1976, I often wondered about Rutsey… This is everything and more that I could want!! R.I.P. John, and thanyks

[@dHolbach77]

This fails to mention that (iirc at least) Ray Daniels went up to Ged & Alex right before the band's planned first US tour and said look: Rutsey's health is deteriorating due to just this local heavy gig playing schedule you are doing, especially since Rutsey is partying hard after the gigs: if he goes on a long tour to the states with you, we're going to bring him home in a box. So that was the last straw: Alex & Ged ultimately kicked Rutsey out of the band over concerns for his health. Obviously neither of them wanted to have to find a new drummer (who wouldn't know the songs, nor have any long chemistry with them) right before their first US tour, but they were more concerned about Rutsey's health than their career, even at that crucial point that could break or make them. That speaks volumes to their character. Of course, all of these reasons contributed to Rutsey's outage: 1. Rutsey's druming style wasn't suited to the more prog rock Ged & Alex wanted to do (nor was his musical taste) 2. Rutsey had torn up the lyrics he wrote for the first album right before recording (which was mentioned in this video) which infuriated Ged who had to come up with new ones on the spot (that was not mentioned in the video) 3. Rutsey missed weeks of gigs due to health problems in the period before he "quit", and Ged & Alex had to substitute a drummer for him (also not mentioned in the video) 4. Rutsey was ok with remaining a semi-professional local band that played small venues in the area 5. Rutsey required going to the doctor/hospital weekly to get tests and treatments for his diabetes done; that would be very hard or even impossible to do on long tours outside the local area (constantly trying to sign up with and see new doctors...in a country in which you weren't even a citizen and so didn't even have the health care there needed to get tests and treatments done, all while constantly on the road from one city to the next on a daily schedule even if you were a citizen or had US health care: imagine being in Detroit one day, trying to get in to see a new doctor the morning of a show, actually getting in and seeing a doctor and having a test done, then doing the show, then the next day you're on the road to a gig in Cleveland and you're trying to get into a hospital to get treatment done there, per the recommendation of the doctor in Detroit who now has your test results--assuming they can be that rushed--in the hours before a show that night in Cleveland...and repeating this logistic nightmare a couple times a week over months in between shows and partying! it's easy to see it would be next to impossible to do this and Rutsey simply would of not kept up with the demands his health required to stay healthy).

[@PoohbearPlus]

I respect all that you said, but I personally will always believe that John really didn't want to be in the band anymore and didn't mind going. Alex and Geddy just might have confronted John about his health, but John was ready to throw in the towel as well. Alex and Geddy have always stuck to their story that this was the case.

[@KingOFuh]

So TRAGIC. My tears won't stop flowing.

[@pewsterbaby]

For what it's worth, he was the best looking one of the original three at the time. It's why he's pictured in the middle often and also spoke between songs during shows.

[@frankatchison2519]

Thank's for the video! Never knew anything about the guy, I started listening to the band later. 2112 was the first "Rush" album I ever heard.

[@markdaniels7174]

At 2:28, there’s a mislabeled photo which has spread across the Internet. The photo labels the sitting member of Rush as “Lindy Young” when in actuality it’s Mitch Bossi, who briefly played rhythm guitar. But kudos that both Young and Bossi are at least spoken about in this piece. More trivia: to this day, Geddy is married to Nancy Young, Lindy’s sister. So Lindy became Ged’s brother in law!

[@alejandrososa5146]

Yep. You can see Lindy to the far right in the photo at 2:35

[@HighPower762]

I knew Getty's wife was named Nancy Young, but I never realized that she was the sister of a previous band member. I'd never heard of him or the existence of any other former members of the band besides John Rutsey and Jeff Jones. It's interesting that they had at one point a keyboard player, considering how much maligned their "synth era" is by many fans. I don't have a lot of problems with their synth era. But, they did get a little carried away on the Hold Your Fire album!🤗

[@DMSProduktions]

@@HighPower762 Who is Getty?

[@johnandrews3568]

@@DMSProduktions he makes photographic images. LOL

[@DMSProduktions]

@@johnandrews3568 So I heard!

[@northernsurferboy]

A co-worker at a former place knew John a bit and ran into him a few months before he passed at a bar here in Toronto, when I was telling me I didn't know Rush had another drummer, I seen Geddy Lee many times walking around Rogers Centre during Jays games

[@paradoxward2533]

life is full of twist and turns. can't imagine Rush without Peart no more than I can imagine Pink Floyd without Gilmour. both men had transformative effects on those bands. Last minute fill ins. incredible.

[@user-ql1pc7pi9x]

That first album was awesome. Probably one of my favorites. Good heavy hard rock sound. The drumming was very solid. R.I.P

[@paulgtr3636]

You know you're good when the band has to hire the world's greatest drummer to replace you.

[@finnsterling6514]

Ha. Really well put.

[@BillDerBerg]

Carl Palmer was in Rush? When did that happen?

[@mike04574]

probably didnt know that at the time

[@hoppes9658]

Steve Miller’s drummer never played with Rush.

[@MrDevtun]

As Neil has admitted....there was a lot of luck involved. He was just another struggling musician at the time.

[@tonysimmons5729]

Until this very moment, I never knew Rutsey talked Geddy into coming back to the band after he had left. Maybe the quietest and most vital bit of RUSH trivia/history EVER! Thank you John Rutsey! RIP.

[@rabarebra]

Think if John didn't invite him back, there wouldn't be any Rush as of today. Maybe no Rush at all.

[@billbowman3413]

I can’t image a life without Rush.

[@SimonCarrick]

Geddy didn’t leave, he was kicked out basically

[@mattnicholson2364]

Per Geddy's memoir, it was John's idea to fire Geddy. When the replacement didn't work out, he swallowed his pride and asked him to come back.

[@joepesch240]

Joe Augustine is the guy in that final picture of John Rutsey in 2007. He shared that photo on Facebook a few years ago.

[@stewiedarkinvisibleid]

With much respect to the memory and talents of Rutsey, the Rush we know and love would never have existed without Peart.

[@edwardestes8038]

I was lucky enough to see this MACHINE twice.In 1975 and 1978 in areas of N W Indiana.RIP John and Neil........... Fly By Night

[@davearthur4683]

Saw them in a bar in Toronto on Yonge Street in 1974 two weeks after The first album came out sounded so good

[@cannedheat2264]

When I listened to Working man I was about 16. I went out worked hard and bought my first guitar.

[@jeffnovak568]

That first Rush album is a fantastic record and the drumming is perfect, because Rutsey was a phenomenal drummer, just not well suited to the very progressive style Lee and Lifeson pursued for the rest of their careers in Rush. I think Rutsey made the only decision he could make in light of his health struggles, because in all likelihood, leaving Rush extended his lifespan by several decades. Rush was equally as incredible with him, just different.

[@Bark3rd]

The class of these guys in regards to their former bandmate is in stark contrast to the vast majority of rock stories. RUSH, GOAT.

[@davidrpriest]

I think Rush has always been the classiest band in the business. No feuds, no cutting down former members or other bands. They have always done it right.

[@scottroberts7103]

That first RUSH album caught my ear as soon as it came out. But couldn't find it in any and every store. Will always be my favorite RUSH album.

[@viciousdope66]

I never realized that Rush had a different drummer before Neil Peart.

[@yucawhotv6714]

John Rutsey was on their first album "Rush".

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@yucawhotv6714 yeah , the “ pink” album.😂

[@yucawhotv6714]

@@guaporeturns9472 lol

[@roberthargrove5598]

Neil was also in a band jr flood

[@toms3664]

Millennials

[@johnord684]

I was on holiday from the Uk and was in a pub in Windsor Ontario and well John was in a bar .What a great guy and he was huge like a body builder and bought our drinks all afternoon,great stories about the road.

[@rockygilio3678]

Everytime I see those really old clips of Rush with John Rusty he seems like he's the leader of the band always talkin and introducing the band and the songs something I've always wondered just how much money he got from the first album and if those guys ever threw him more cash since they became super rich just for the hell of it let's give John some money he was their friend and he was their first drummer

[@Russpng]

Thank you John, for bringing together the band we all love so much. Maybe it wasn't destined to be your vision, but you certainly got it on the road. RIP...:(

[@gratefuldreadness3249]

I've been a drummer/ percussionist since I was in Grade 4 and yes, taking my very own practice kit home. I was so inspired, and I would consume myself with different bands, artist, and I Would never confine myself to one type or genre of music. Anyways RUSH is one of those bands that leaves an imprint. For me starting w/ YYZ, and the list goes on

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

Wow, very informative video! I didn’t know John was in charge of most of the direction of the band in the early years, or that he did a lot of the writing. I always thought of him as “just the drummer“.

[@rickmoustier1723]

John kicked ass on the self titled debut album RUSH. One of my favorites.

[@robpierce4712]

I love Rush. Nearly everything they've done is a masterpiece. Yes, there have been hiccups here and there. That's unavoidable. Of all the amazing work, my favorite is Here Again from the first album. Simply amazing.

[@BozoseCompany]

ive been a RUSH fan for years and didnt know all this. Cool story, especially the part about bodybuilding!

[@tyandambika]

I had no idea we have John to thank for Rush!

[@demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy3929]

I had already been listening to the 3 travelers for a few years when I heard the debut album and I didn't care for it. I gave it another chance about a decade later and found it so underrated I still recommend it to people today. Rush cult members since 1981.

[@namegoeshereorhere5020]

My aunt had a boyfriend who was friends with Rutsey. He asked me once if I wanted to come and watch his friends band record(or maybe rehearse for) their first album but I was 8 and wanted to watch cartoons or something. Kind of wish I hadn't done that now.

[@babyjesuslovesme1219]

Rutsey was great. Solid player.

[@charlesmoore456]

I still listen to John Rutsey on a daily basis.

[@MrRukiddin]

Still my favorite Rush album.

[@dsholt]

That opening disclaimer is hilarious.

[@JasonSmith-jr7jh]

Aside from the clickbait title, this is one of the best 'early histories' of the band that I've ever seen on KZbin. Spot on, even. You read the right books! (Not some clueless fan-made video, from people who think Neil's last name is pronounced PERT/PURT!)

[@jamesbarrick3403]

Ah you are one of those guys... getting triggered if people do not have their facts just as you would agree. Correcting people on random pronunciations. I'm sure you are fun at parties

[@theonlyredspecial]

🤣

[@JasonSmith-jr7jh]

@@jamesbarrick3403 Sounds like your one of those guys who've been saying PERT for the last 39 years because you can't pronounce simple words.

[@kimgarner5743]

John deserves to be remembered RIP.

[@rockyclick371]

I'm a late bloomer I guess. First time I heard them was on 2112. I heard that voice coming out of Geddy Lee's mouth and thought - Damn !! I'm hooked !

[@SuperBroncosguy]

I'm sure he was a great guy, but imagine being replaced with the Professor, best drummer in the entire world.....🌎

[@Skabanis]

Buddy rich?

[@simplebutnotsolongname6642]

In his Position, I’d be more concerned with my health, accepting not seeing eye to eye musically with Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, and going my own path in life; Rather than worry whether or not the next person they get would be better than me, instead I’d worry if they can keep going as Rush and Find a new drummer. I would also be proud that they got recognition and as well as my contributions being recognized in turn as well. Besides, the debut was an excellent Hard Rock album (despite not having the flashiness and Technicality of Neil Peart) and has one of their best Classic songs that they played to the very end, Working Man, and some overlooked gems too.

[@RiggerHippie]

Jaki Liebezeit

[@demonhoopa]

Neil was a unique talent and a fan favorite. There’s no empirical evidence he was “the best”.

[@apatheticallylethargic4639]

@@demonhoopa it always comes down to opinion. Not sure if he would make my top ten.

[@vallaindigital]

Even though I'm glad Peart has joined the band to become my favorite band ever, I still cannot deny that it would not have become like this if it was not for Rutsey forming the original trio. I still really like his drumming on their first album. And I find it's a bit of a sad story, mostly since he did not continue drumming afterwards. Even though Lifeson said Rutsey was happy with the decision he made, it feels like it discouraged him to continue... RIP John.

[@trendmassacre8423]

John and Neil were great for Rush! John was forced to leave because he was diabetic, in came Neil. Both men were great for their eras. John was good for their straight rock sound, and Neil was great for their progressive sound.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

No, he left because he didn’t agree with the direction of the music.

[@johnanderson9494]

@@PNW_Sportbike_Life He didn't leave he was kicked out.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

@@johnanderson9494 most likely yes

[@CB-ke7eq]

Even Canadian band breakups are nice and courteous. Jeez.

[@3rdstone1]

RIP John Rutsey. Rush is my alltime favourite power trio. And yeah, RIP Neil Peart. It's an end of an era now sadly..

[@kennethsmith8968]

in the dvd beyond the lighted stage it was said that rutsey was fired.it didnt say he left on his own accord.they supposedly let him go because of his issues with his diabetes and didnt think he would last thru a whole u.s tour.

[@itkojecockot]

always loved John, but his departure gave us the greatest drummer of all time......

[@percys9427]

This line up of Rush played at my High School !

[@jjs3287]

Its easy to forget that Neil wasnt a part of that debut album and in my view, that says a lot for John.

[@jamesbond4633]

RUSH opened up for KISS in 1974 and I got to see them at Centennial Hall in London Ontario. John Rutsey was the drummer then. I didn't realize this was the last time he performed with RUSH. I got to meet Alex Lifeson this past summer and he signed my original Moon Record first RUSH album. I told him about seeing RUSH with KISS and he asked me where that was at. I didn't realize from his point of view he has played so many concerts over the years they must all be blurs. I wish I had known this was the last performance of John Rutsey and he probably would have remembered that. HOpe I get to meet him again one day and ask him if he has any memories of that night. Probably bitter sweet. Having a drummer quit but not knowing that just around the corner Neil Peart was coming in.

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for another interesting video

[@GalacticPossum]

Fun fact: The Lindy Young that was briefly in the band? Geddy married his sister.

[@Kgio-2112]

Facts will never be fun.

[@Kgio-2112]

@@aethrya hour glass figure? Figurines? Fig Newton's? Jim neutron?

[@davoshaunessy7481]

Alex’s sense of humour has transformed Geddy into a beautiful MONSTER over a very long time

[@Krullmatic]

Alright, man! You pronounced Neil's last name correctly!

[@gr.vo.3058]

Thank you for this rare and great Insight to early RUSH!

[@Dethmeister]

Whew, I saw that title and thought for a second that Neil Peart had died.

[@mr.timebombman2230]

He did die though.

[@Eatinbritches]

oof

[@skyrocketautomotive]

He did, and I'm still not over it. He was my hero and the world feels emptier knowing that he was deprived of a hard earned retirement. R.I.P to both of them.

[@lk3309]

Heard the first album in 1980 when I was 12. Been a fan ever since.

[@durrrrl3435]

I’m the same age as you, but for me it started in about 1977 or 78 when I heard 2112!

[@lancekraft4040]

Love it. Thanks!

[@rnrtruestories]

Thank you too!

[@DonovanWert]

Awesome 😎 I never knew this information. Thanks brother!!🙏

[@rnrtruestories]

@@DonovanWert you’re welcome!

[@jerryhatrick5860]

Rush is a fucking class act, all of them. Respectulful and grateful, The world should learn from their humble loving respectful kindness. Yes I spelled grateful wrong.

[@MDavidG1]

Rush is the kind of class act that would not inject a totally unnecessary 'fucking' into a sentence. Oh the irony...

[@ziggylayneable]

This video deserves a thumbs-up just for the fact that you pronounce Neils name properly

[@spellerlittlewing]

Great video right to the point

[@husq48]

Surprised that there were never any interviews with John after Rush made it big...

[@lmn1966]

John led a very private life until his death

[@gladiator6153]

51 years old and i never knew. Always thought Neil was always was the first. Cool learned something today before the day is over.

[@jamiewoodcock9765]

I was a kid when I bought the working man cassette I thought the drumming was phenomenal and the band as a whole was one of my favorites I didn't know the history with Rutsey until later but I'm sure he probably felt sad to see his friends hit the jackpot without him really sad he probably spent time thinking of what could have been through his life R.I.P. John Rutsey one of rocks great drummers

[@guaporeturns9472]

Thing is Rush wouldn’t have hit the jackpot with Rutsey so it’s kinda 🤔

[@HighPower762]

@@guaporeturns9472 I totally agree. If Rutsey had stayed in the band, they would have been just another Bad Company clone. Don't get me wrong, Bad Company was great for their time, but they were never able to engender the kind of Passion that Rush did amongst their fans.

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@HighPower762 yes indeed.

[@PoohbearPlus]

@@guaporeturns9472 Fascinating point! I completely agree. I will always believe that John really didn't want to be in the band anymore. He left and he did not regret leaving. Yes, if he would have stayed Rush would have been a Trivial Pursuit question and nothing more.

[@malinwj1167]

Even Neil respected Rutsey's playing and drum parts, as Peart played them accurately but with a bit of his own flavor

[@killrmillr]

Trivia: The Jeff Jones mentioned here later became the bass player for Red Rider. You can see him in the Lunatic Fringe video.

[@HighPower762]

I did not know that. Now I have to check out the video!😁

[@markconnell7723]

John Rutsey..........LEGEND !

[@neillenet291]

So the "tragic death of John Rutsey" gets mentioned briefly in a video that should have been titled "how Rush formed."

[@chrisstone5607]

your videos are generally really good but they all end in the same sudden way

[@RCAvhstape]

Interesting trivia about Rush's first bassist, Jeff Jones, he went on to play bass for Red Rider and can be heard on the hit song Lunatic Fringe. He's still with that band today last I read.

[@lyndas2767]

No, he has worked with several bands over the years. He is now with Burton Cummings touring band.

[@bobthebear1246]

Although Rush would soon branch-out into Progressive Metal, that debut album was great and still holds-up today. Although "Take A Friend" is a complete and utter throwaway song, the rest of the album is near-perfect. Side 2 is an absolute perfect album sidez especially with "Working Man."

[@mr.wallstreet718]

That's odd. I think Take A Friend is a powerful song and is actually my favorite one, even over Working Man. In The Mood, to me, is the throwaway song, albeit a great jam!

[@davoshaunessy7481]

Well said but I like the darn thing

[@georgeedward1226]

How cool would it have been if Rutsey had joined that other Canadian rock trio Mahogany Rush?

[@markco61]

John was a type 1 diabetic and had complications which ended in his death from a related heart attack at 55 years of age. I've been a type 1 since ten years old and have made it to 60 without serious complications (heart, kidney, neuropathy, etc) but it will kill me eventually. We all have to die sometime, right? But I wouldn't wish pain and suffering on anyone before that happens.

[@Jens-tc5yz]

Thanks.❤❤❤

[@dwade6322]

Rutsey had a lot to do w/the early structure of RUSH.A forgotten drummer who always lived in Neil Peart's shadow unfortunately.

[@attila7092]

I have the Rush Visions biography. When I bought it I was low on cash but shelled out the 20 bucks anyway. It was Rush! I consider it the best book of my collection and would never part with it no matter how much someone offered me

[@dannyhughes8187]

I had read that upon the success of the first album then the need to go on tour the record company executives decided Rutsey couldn't survive life on a tour. He was unruthlessy let go just as they started to make it. But god bless john and neil..

[@mikereiss4216]

The management advised him that it was in his best interest to leave and John somewhat reluctantly agreed. I think the fact that the band wanted to go in a different direction musically was a factor also.

[@dannyhughes8187]

@@mikereiss4216 I agreed. We will never know but in the end we the people were blessed with what they gave us. No band in this world holds a candle to rush... peace bud..

[@Kgio-2112]

I think they let John go cause they wanted Neil.

[@PoohbearPlus]

Yes it was something like that. The story I heard was that it was a combination of musical differences, John's diabetes affecting his playing (it started to get sloppy), his getting tired of performing, and he had grown slightly distant from Alex and Geddy. The management, Alex and Geddy and John himself felt he just couldn't go on anymore especially on a tour (their first). So John left. He said "You don't want me, I don't want this. I can't handle it anymore so why don't I just leave." The only thing was he did this weeks before the tour. The other two scrambled to find a drummer. That is where Neil came in.

[@HighPower762]

@@Kgio-2112 Yeah, except that didn't happen. They didn't even know who Neil was until he walked in to the and to be audition.🤩

[@jeffdarnell7942]

Rutsey had diabetes something terrible, and passed away from that, in 2008. They were worried about him partying like he did when they were together. They all decided it was for the best, all of them did. And they threw him money from time to time, from what I was told.

[@theonemodifier]

Their first album was my favorite

[@angry_mouse]

John and the Professor are having a good time together now, jamming, drinking and smiling forever.