John Rutsey was a founding member and the original drummer of the legendary Canadian rock band Rush. He played on the band’s debut album in 1974, but left shortly after due to health problems and personal differences. He died in 2008 from complications of diabetes, leaving behind a legacy of music and influence. In this article, we will explore the life and death of John Rutsey, and how he contributed to the success of Rush.
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Early Life and Formation of Rush
John Rutsey was born on July 23, 1952, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of Howard Rutsey, a crime reporter for the Toronto Telegram, and Eva Rutsey, a homemaker. He had two brothers, Bill and Mike, who became a baseball writer. John Rutsey developed a passion for music at a young age, and started playing drums when he was 13. He attended St. Patrick’s School, where he met Gary Weinrib and Alex Zivojinovich, who later changed their names to Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, respectively. The three of them shared a love for rock music, and decided to form a band together. According to sitename Wikipedia, Rutsey’s brother Bill came up with the name Rush for the band during a rehearsal in the Rutsey family basement in mid 1968.
Rutsey was the driving force behind the band’s early direction, as he took the band more seriously than the others and insisted on regular practice sessions. He was also influenced by the harder styles of bands like Bad Company, while Lee and Lifeson were more into progressive rock bands like Yes and Pink Floyd. Rutsey also suggested that the band adopt a glam rock image, with flashy jackets, pants, and boots. According to sitename Billboard, Rutsey was supposed to write the lyrics for the band’s first album, but he was dissatisfied with his attempts and never completed them.
Rush’s Debut Album and Departure
Rush released their self-titled debut album in 1974, which featured Rutsey on drums, Lifeson on guitars, and Lee on vocals and bass. The album was a mix of hard rock and blues, with songs like “Finding My Way”, “Working Man”, and “In the Mood”. The album received mixed reviews from critics, but gained a cult following among fans. The band also started to tour extensively, opening for acts like Aerosmith, Kiss, and Blue Oyster Cult.
However, Rutsey’s health problems soon became a major issue for the band. Rutsey had been diagnosed with diabetes when he was a child, and he had to take insulin injections daily. He also had trouble coping with the stress and pressure of touring, and often indulged in alcohol and drugs. He also clashed with the band’s manager, Ray Danniels, over the direction and style of the band. According to sitename Variety, Rutsey decided to leave the band in July 1974, after the band’s first US tour. He was replaced by Neil Peart, who became the band’s permanent drummer and lyricist.
Later Life and Death
After leaving Rush, Rutsey became a fitness fanatic, and worked as a bodybuilder and personal trainer. He also kept in touch with Lifeson until the early 1990s, but had little contact with Lee. He never played drums again, and avoided the spotlight. He lived a quiet and private life, and rarely gave interviews or talked about his time with Rush.
On May 11, 2008, Rutsey died in his sleep at his home in Toronto. He was 55 years old. According to sitename The Celebrity Deaths, his death was caused by complications from his lifelong affliction with diabetes. Some news reports said he died from a heart attack. His family did not disclose his death to the public until a week later, and kept the funeral arrangements private. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered by his family.
Legacy and Influence
John Rutsey may have been a short-lived member of Rush, but he left a lasting impact on the band and the music world. He was the one who helped shape the band’s early sound and image, and played on their first album, which is considered a classic by many fans. He also influenced many drummers with his powerful and energetic style, such as Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, and Chad Smith. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame along with the rest of Rush in 1994, and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. He was also honored by the band in their 2010 documentary, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage, and in their final tour in 2015, where they played a video tribute to him.
John Rutsey was a talented and passionate musician, who lived a troubled and tragic life. He was a founding member of one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time, but he also suffered from a debilitating disease that ultimately claimed his life. He was a friend, a brother, and a legend, who will always be remembered and missed by his fans and peers. Rest in peace, John Rutsey.
