Rush: The Tragic Death Of Drummer John Rutsey

The lift and death of Rush drummer John Rutsey
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I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos.
Rush’s original drummer John Rutsey was 55 at the time of his death in 2008. Following his departure from the band in 1974, after the release of their first album, Rutsey would be out of the rock n’ roll spotlight, all the while his former band would become one of the biggest acts in the world. This is his story.
John Rutsey founded Rush in 1968, in Toronto, Canada, along with guitarist and childhood friend Alex Lifeson, and future Red Rider bassist Jeff Jones, who was the band’s original frontman. The three musicians would use the band name Rush last minute, right before playing their first show, after struggling to come up with one during practice. Author Bill Basiniewicz wrote about how they’d eventually get their name in his 1988 biography on the band, Visions.
“The band was excited, but they had a big problem. While they had been dreaming of playing, they had neglected to come up with a name for their group. So, a few days before the gig, they sat around in John's basement trying to come up with an appropriate moniker. They weren't having much luck when John's older brother Bill piped up, 'Why don't you call the band Rush?,' and Rush it was," he’d say.
Rush’s first performance with Jeff Jones was successful, but on their next one, he would pull a no-show. Jones would leave the band and was replaced with Geddy Lee, another childhood friend who John and Alex knew from their time as students at St. Patrick’s School. Rush’s first roadie, Ian Grandy, who was with the band until 1983, discussed a temporary direction Rutsey had them pursue, in a 2009 interview with Guitar International Magazine:
“John led the guys as far as being 'glam rockers', with really flashy jackets and pants, and eight-inch high boots," Grandy would then mention an anecdote about him and Rutsey catching up at a now-legendary Toronto club.
“One time, he was speaking to me at the Gasworks and I said, ‘Didn’t we used to be the same height (5’8”)?’ He laughed and said ‘Well, maybe a long time ago!’”
In fact, Rush wouldn’t always be a trio. By 1971, the band also experimented briefly as a four piece, incorporating Mitch Bossi as second guitarist. But that didn’t satisfy John Rutsey, who sought a different direction for the band. On the podcast In Conversation with Chad Smith, Alex Lifeson said in 2013:
“John wanted to [do] more of a Bad Company or Small Faces sort of thing. That’s the kind of music he was really into…the English bluesy kind of thing,”
“We went for a while, for a few months. I remember we were at a rehearsal, and we told Mitch that it wasn't really working out. He picked up his stuff, and he left,” he’d say.
For a brief moment, it seemed as though Rush’s early efforts were about to pay off, but they’d hit another dead end. An episode of the podcast series Full in Bloom in May of 2020 featured Epic Records A&R Tom Werman talking about his attempt to sign Rush back in the early 70s:
“I heard a demo, and I went up to Toronto to see them, the manager picked me up - Ray Danniels, I think he managed Van Halen later on, I can't remember.”
“I went backstage and said, ‘This is incredible.’ This was very artsy. This wasn’t your standard rock ‘n’ roll, and I thought this would be a really great signing for me because it’s high-class, you know, and it’s differe
But Rutsey’
Sources:
Bosso, Joe. “In Conversation: Chad Smith with Alex Lifeson - Part Two.” MusicRadar, MusicRadar, 20 May 2013, www.musicradar.com/news/guita....
Daly, Skip. “Ian Grandy Interview: Rush's First Roadie.” Guitar International Magazine, 16 Sept. 2009, guitarinternational.com/2009/0....
“The National Midnight Star #138 (Rockline Radio interview excerpt).” The National Midnight Star - Digest Archives, www.pelstudio.com/tnms/0138.html.
Reed, Ryan. “The History of John Rutsey and Rush.” Ultimate Classic Rock, 25 July 2015, ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-....
“Rush: Tom Werman Talks about Trying to Sign the Band in the '70s.” SoundCloud, Full In Bloom, 22 May 2020, / rush-tom-werman-talks-... .
Trunk, Eddie. "Hangin' With: Rush" Interview. KZbin, VH1, 2005, • Eddie Trunk "Hangin' W... . Accessed 6 Oct. 2021.

[@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.

[@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".

[@kylehegedus5498]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-lp7fe1fv7c]

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.

[@DrumWild]

WITHOUT John Rutsey, we'd not have RUSH. WITH John Rutsey, we'd not have RUSH. John Rutsey, without a doubt, is a VERY tragic hero.

[@renehinojosa1962]

With Rutsey we would have had a band with a more heavy rock sound like their first album. Some people say that with Neil's joining and taking over, it changed Rush for the worst. Just compare the sound of that first album to the rest of their work, it's unmistakable. Regardless, I still listen to Rush as they are a very skilled musicians, just amazing talent.

[@jonnuanez2843]

Well put...

[@KingTabor]

Great quote dude

[@virginiaviola5097]

Kinda like Brian Jones and the Stones. At least this story has a happier outcome and John just got on with his life. Sad that he died so young tho.

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@renehinojosa1962 In my opinion Rush definitely got better after Rutsey.

[@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

[@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

[@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!😎🤘

[@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.

[@jeffcrist2977]

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

[@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 :(

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@gr.vo.3058]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@KingOFuh]

So TRAGIC. My tears won't stop flowing.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@cannedheat2264]

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

[@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...:(

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@stewiedarkinvisibleid]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@husq48]

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

[@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.

[@rickmoustier1723]

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

[@davearthur4683]

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

[@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.

[@charlesmoore456]

I still listen to John Rutsey on a daily basis.

[@babyjesuslovesme1219]

Rutsey was great. Solid player.

[@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

[@MrRukiddin]

Still my favorite Rush album.

[@dsholt]

That opening disclaimer is hilarious.

[@tyandambika]

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

[@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.

[@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“.

[@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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@percys9427]

This line up of Rush played at my High School !

[@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.

[@kimgarner5743]

John deserves to be remembered RIP.

[@runtinen8201]

John was my manager at a gym we worked at. Funny story. He pinched a nerve in his neck, not funny, and so he got a device to help fix the problem. The thing was basically a chin strap with a rope that was supposed to stretch the neck. He installed it in a doorway at his house. His mom came home saw him hanging from the thing and freaked out. He thought it was hilarious. John was a great person.

[@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..

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for another interesting video

[@CB-ke7eq]

Even Canadian band breakups are nice and courteous. Jeez.

[@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!😁

[@BozoseCompany]

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

[@lancekraft4040]

Love it. Thanks!

[@rnrtruestories]

Thank you too!

[@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.

[@itkojecockot]

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

[@spellerlittlewing]

Great video right to the point

[@jjs3287]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@marcdemell5976]

Good video man.

[@Krullmatic]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JWCFB]

Just because a drummer isn't as good as Neil Peart, that does not mean that he is not a great drummer. Rutsey killed it on that first album.

[@Neworldisordered]

Thanks!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@markconnell7723]

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

[@williamnorris4323]

That was a great video

[@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.

[@Jens-tc5yz]

Thanks.❤❤❤

[@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...

[@chrisstone5607]

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

[@ziggylayneable]

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

[@skiresort133]

Great images

[@Dethmeister]

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

[@mr.timebombman2230]

He did die though.

[@Eatinbritches]

oof

[@skyrocketautomotive670]

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.

[@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

[@angry_mouse]

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

[@malinwj1167]

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

[@maxreichert8050]

Rutsey does a great job on the first album and it's always been a favorite. When you listen to the very next record "Fly By Night", you can tell why they got Neil. Neil accented and elevated their compositions. Not a drumming detail left to waste. Rutsey would always have the distinction of playing one of their finest albums.

[@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.

[@adriennereyes5405]

He was beautiful may he rip

[@georgeedward1226]

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