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 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 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.”
Click here to read a statement from Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson of Rush.
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Jason Ward
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Thanks you for starting one of the worlds graetist rock band.R.I.P. rusty
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Posted By
tim dunn
On
11/17/2009 9:48:35 AM
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Rutsey was the "cool" one. Too bad.
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Posted By
asdfasdfdsa
On
10/25/2009 3:56:20 PM
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Those were the days. BTW: The 1st Rush LP sounds great at 45 RPM, keeps up with this slam-bamb rock of today.
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Posted By
Yogi Bear
On
7/15/2008 10:05:12 PM
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Only knew John for a short period of time in the early 80's. He was a great guy with a good sense of humour. RIP John.
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Posted By
Richard Kay.
On
6/27/2008 4:14:08 AM
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I just heard about mr. John H. Rutsey passing today 6/6/08 from a dear friend david j. stock!!! John, You will join the great drummers in the sky with a unique driving force/ sound. So Please tell all the drummers like Buddy Rich,Keith Moon,John Bonham,Gene Grupa,ect... that all of us drummers will be there to goin that GREAT DRUMMING GIG in the SKY some day!!! R.I.P. John and thanks for getting RUSH off the ground!!! +++=3 Period
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Posted By
TippyTodd/ Mr. Green2112
On
6/6/2008 3:20:50 PM
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John you were a great friend and cofidant I hope you are up in heaven with the many friends we have lost from the gym days . Hope you and pat sweeney are having a good laugh up there, your friend Barry
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Posted By
Barry Zebkowitz
On
6/4/2008 4:45:13 PM
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R.I.P. JR. It was a gas (works) being your friend and driving you to gigs and being golfing buddies.
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Posted By
Doc Cooper
On
6/3/2008 2:28:14 PM
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Very Sad News,
R.I.P. John
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Posted By
HN
On
5/22/2008 2:54:29 PM
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Fabulous man, who played a hand in creating a fabulous band. PLEASE, donate to Type 1 Diabetes/Juvenile Diabetes research. It is a horrid disease that cuts lives way too short. Unlike the common Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is NOT preventable, nor is it related to lifestyle or obesity in any way. It is a much more severe (deadly) form of the disease, and it usually starts in childhood. Insulin injections are needed for life, and they are not a cure, they are life support. All Rush fans, please spread the word about this little known horrid disease. RIP John. May your legacy do more than you know.
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Posted By
Sarah
On
5/20/2008 2:57:45 PM
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Love that first Rush album. Rest in peace, John. My condolences to your loved ones.
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Posted By
Theodoor van Heugten
On
5/20/2008 6:35:37 AM
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Yes, John was a very great drummer, and he will be missed. We'll never forget you.
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Posted By
Paul Cory
On
5/19/2008 6:25:37 PM
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The music world is a better place for having had John play on Rush's first album - an essential piece of Canadian hard rock. I understand he was ill with diabetes for a long time. Rest in peace.
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Posted By
Kurt Steiner
On
5/19/2008 3:53:00 PM
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Thanks John for showing me some cool grooves in my early years as a drummer. Rock on upstairs brother!
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Posted By
Maddog(an Alaskan in New Zealand)
On
5/19/2008 5:56:44 AM
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and if the band your in starts playing different tunes I'll see you on the dark side of the moon
RIP John
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Posted By
aj
On
5/17/2008 10:29:44 PM
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I remember you John during the old days at Georges Vanier S.S. Great laughs and times. You were always a kind, down to earh, nice and special person. God Bless you and your family.
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Posted By
Peter D.
On
5/17/2008 5:08:17 PM
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When I heard that you were gone, I felt a shadow cross my heart. Thanks for your part of the Rush legacy. RIP.
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Posted By
Danish Rush fan
On
5/16/2008 6:45:00 PM
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I heard he was a true gentleman and an inspiration to many. Peace John.
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Posted By
Gene Rush Hour
On
5/16/2008 6:10:37 PM
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Your legacy will live on. Rest in peace my brother
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Posted By
Mike Drum
On
5/16/2008 4:08:21 PM
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I hope RUSH makes some comment to acknowledge Johns passing. It's the polite thing to do...
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Posted By
scott
On
5/16/2008 3:46:18 PM
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"Suddenly you were gone, from all the lives you left your mark upon..."
R.I.P. John
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Posted By
Arleen2112
On
5/16/2008 3:30:27 PM
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