Drummer Mike Portnoy , a self-proclaimed Neil Peart , reacted to the news of his idol's death.
“Absolutely breaks my heart to pieces to receive the news of the death of one of my all-time greatest heroes #RIPNeilPeart,” he wrote on Twitter. “My deepest condolences to the band, crew and family. Rest in peace my friend. You will always be my hero.”
Portnoy also recalled, on Facebook, moments from their friendship, which began 15 years ago. “Probably the most special of all was the last time I saw him. I took my son Max to see Rush on their farewell tour because I wanted him to see the band before they retired… Neil invited us to the soundcheck, let Max play his drums, gave him a pair of drumsticks and autographed a drum kit for him. He opened his dressing room for us to stay there that night.”
See here the reaction of other artists and personalities, including the Prime Minister of Canada .
Recently, Portnoy joked about the possibility of replacing Peart in Rush.
Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist for Rush, died last Tuesday, the 7th, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 67.
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