Watch Tool drummer Danny Carey pay tribute to the late Neil Peart with a special drum solo
Prog-metal titans Tool performed a live tribute to Rush drummer Neil Peart this weekend in San Diego, California.
It was announced on Friday that Neil had passed away at the age of 67, following a three-year battle with brain cancer.
"It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must announce the terrible news that on Tuesday [7th January] our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma)," read a statement from the band.
Tributes came flooding in for the drummer and lyricist, with kind words being shared across social media by Dave Grohl, Geezer Butler, Slash, Gene Simmons, Ray Luzier, Mike Portnoy and more.
READ THIS: Neil Peart: The drummer who inspired a generation
Tool paid their respects to the iconic sticksman at their show in San Diego this weekend in a variety of ways. During the set they played a partial cover of A Passage To Bangkok (from Rush's landmark 2112 album) as well as closing the set with the 2112 title track blasting out of the PA.
But that's not all. Drummer Danny Carey gave his respects to Neil with a Peart-inspired drum solo, after a photo of the pair was displayed on a screen behind the kit.
"I love how he does the snare roll in the beginning just like how Neil would do in his solos," wrote one fan on YouTube. "I don’t know if there is a better way to memorialize and thank the professor than performing a solo like this. Thank you for doing this Danny," added another viewer.
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and drummer Taylor Hawkins were amongst some of the artists who shared their condolences via social media.
“Today, the world lost a true giant in the history of rock and roll. An inspiration to millions with an unmistakable sound who spawned generations of musicians – like myself – to pick up two sticks and chase a dream,” said Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. “A kind, thoughtful, brilliant man who ruled our radios and turntables not only with his drumming, but also his beautiful words.
“I still vividly remember my first listen of 2112 when I was young. It was the first time I really listened to a drummer. And since that day, music has never been the same. His power, precision, and composition was incomparable. He was called ‘The Professor’ for a reason: We all learned from him.
“Thank you, Neil for making our lives a better place with your music. You will be forever remembered and sorely missed by all of us. And my heartfelt condolences to the Rush family.”
Foos drummer Taylor Hawkins added: “Neil Peart had the hands of God. End of story.”
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