Despite the veil of privacy surrounding Rush drummer Neil Peart's passing two weeks ago, Geddy Lee assured fans that the band and Peart's family deeply appreciate the support they have received.
Peart died on Tuesday, January 7, after secretly battling brain cancer for three-and-a-half years. The band did not alert the public until three days later, when it did so in a brief statement which contained the first public disclosure of Peart's illness.
On behalf of himself and band mate Alex Lifeson, Lee followed up with a more personal note this past weekend.
"Our most heartfelt thanks go out to family, friends, musicians, writers and fans from around the globe for the incredible outpouring of love and respect for Neil since his passing," Lee wrote via Instagram. "These touching tributes help to lessen the pain of this terrible loss and remind us all to celebrate his remarkable life and our connections to it."
With the post, Lee included several shots of Peart through the years with his band mates.
Rush's last tour was its 'R40' anniversary tour, which wrapped in 2015.
Prior to the tour, the band suggested retirement was a possibility, though there was no formal farewell declaration. It remained unclear whether the three members aspired for one last go-around after recuperating physically and spending some well-deserved time with their respective families.
Lee, Lifeson and Peart remained close friends in retirement, talking often and apparently spending as much time together as possible.
Lee is the only member of the band to perform live since Rush's final shows, though he's done so sparingly. He and Lifeson joked last summer about recording together again. It's unlikely such a collaboration would be under the Rush name.
Photo: Getty Images