Neil Peart's Death Revisited: Geddy Lee Reportedly Received 'Inappropriate' Messages From Drummers After the Loss

Geddy Lee received messages after Neil Peart died in 2020, but some of them were "inappropriate."

One year after Peart announced his retirement, he was diagnosed with brain cancer - glioblastoma, an aggressive form. He soon lost his battle and died at his Santa Monica home on January 7, 2020.

Friends and fans reached out to his family to offer messages of support. Geddy Lee also received messages from musicians, but some drummers reportedly sent him "inappropriate" ones.

Geddy Lee Opens Up About Neil Peart's Passing

Speaking during an interview on "Strombo's Lit," the Rush bassist/vocalist looked back at the time they lost Peart and the things that happened afterward.

According to Lee, he heard from all kinds of people - even from those he thought were his friends.

"I was, like, 'Whoa, that's just so inappropriate right now. Dude, wait two months. At least two months - if ever,'" he said of the drummers who wanted to replace Peart. "It still happens, now that the clickbait freaks are out there talking about Alex and I getting a new drummer and starting RUSH again."

Rush's fans had hope again after Lee and Lifeson told CBS News' "Sunday Morning" correspondent Jim Axelrod in December that they were hopeful of touring again after getting "one of the great drummers."

Lee said that, while it was not impossible, he could not guarantee Rush's future at that moment.

The bandmates noted how difficult it was to start a new chapter without Peart.

He shared a similar sentiment in his interview with the Los Angeles Times, adding he would "never say there will never be another Rush show."

What Happened to Neil Peart?

Rush lost its one member in 2020 after the virtuoso drummer died at the age of 67 after his quiet battle with brain cancer for three-and-a-half years.

"Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil Peart's name. Rest in peace, brother," Lee and Lifeson told their fans at that time.

Peart announced his retirement in December 2015, years after Lifeson said Rush had disbanded because of Peart's health issues. He not only retired from the band but from drumming, as well.

In his final years, Peart stayed close with his family and loved ones in Santa Monica, Calif.

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