John Rutsey was a founding member of the Canadian rock band
Rush. The drummer formed the band in 1968 with guitarist
Alex Lifeson and bassist Jeff Jones, who would soon be replaced by
Geddy Lee. The name
Rush was actually suggested by
John's brother Bill during a band meeting in the Rutsey family basement. He appeared on the band's debut single, a rendition of
Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away," in 1973, and on their self-titled debut which followed in 1974. He was unanimously chosen as the head lyricist for the band, but became frustrated with the job and failed to produce much text. This, combined with a fight against diabetes that kept him from touring, found him exiting the group in late 1974 and replaced by
Neil Peart.
Rutsey fought diabetes for the rest of life and passed away from complications related to the disease on May 11, 2008. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
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