Drumming News
The Peart family faced another devastating loss in March 13th, 2025. Danny Peart, Neil Peart’s younger brother, passed away after a year-and-a-half battle with glioblastoma, the same rare and aggressive brain cancer that claimed Neil’s life just over five years ago. It is unknown at this time his age. The heartbreaking news was shared by their sister, Nancy Peart Burkholder, on the Peart Family Events Facebook group.
“Danny shared our amazing Peart traits… a true gentleman with a kind heart and generous spirit,” Nancy wrote. She described him as a man whose motto was “be kind” and who would always find a way to help and encourage others. Danny, like Neil, was a talented poet and writer, a member of the League of Canadian Poets, and author of two poetry collections.
Danny’s death followed a string of tragedies for the Peart family: Neil’s passing in 2020 and their father Glen’s death from cancer the following year. Despite the deep sorrow, the Peart family found ways to honor Danny’s memory. They planned to plant a tree at Lakeside Park, beside their father’s tree and Neil’s pavilion, and to create a new award at their annual golf tournament to honor Danny’s love for the sport.
Meanwhile, the surviving members of Rush, particularly Alex Lifeson, have continued to grapple with life without Neil. While Alex has enjoyed jamming with friends and recording new music, he remains firm that Rush without Neil would not be the same. “For 40 years Rush included Neil,” Alex said. “I don’t think putting some new version together would have the same magic.”
Though the band’s farewell tour in 2015 marked their final performance together, their legacy lives on — through the music, through Danny’s poetry, and through the love and kindness that defined the Peart family.
