John Rutsey

John Rutsey (born 1953) was a founding member of Rush along with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. He was the band's drummer from spring 1968 to July, 1974. Rutsey played only on the debut LP, and subsequent eponymous album, after which he quit the band, citing health reasons and creative differences. He's rumored to still be friends with Alex Lifeson.

Related Topics:
1953 - Rush - Geddy Lee - Alex Lifeson - Drummer - 1968 - July - 1974

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Rutsey's parting is very often considered a 'blessing in disguise' by Rush fans. His replacement, Neil Peart ended up being one of the most respected drummers and lyricists of all time. Peart would eventually record over 17 studio albums and 5 live albums with the band.

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In a 1989 Rockline interview, Alex Lifeson remarked, "John's still around. I see John quite often. He gave up playing 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, and has sort of been in and out of that, but he still works out, and I work out with him a few times a week at a local gym - at a Gold's, here in Toronto."

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