RIP John Rutsey

On May 11, John Rutsey, the first drummer for the Canadian rock band Rush, died at the age of 55 due to complications from a lifelong battle with diabetes.
He was the guy on the skins on the self-titled debut and an important part of bringing the band out into the rest of the world.
In 1974, the year Cleveland DJ Donna Halper discovered Rush and the year "Rush" was released, Rutsey left the band - it is said for health reasons, apparently due to his diabetic condition.
The same year, remaining members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson brought Neil Peart aboard. And the rest, as they say, is history. The band generated numerous gold and platinum albums over the course of at least three decades and a loyal following which continues today after 34 years. [They are currently on tour at the ages of 54 (Lifeson and Lee) and 55 (Peart.)]
A comment I read online in the last few days basically says this: Rutsey must have been a class guy because he didn't ride the coattails of his bandmates' later success. He didn't venture out to talk shows, or write books or do any other "Hey, look at me" stuff. He just lived the rest of his life in relative obscurity.
He helped launch one of the most successful and - in my opinion, one of the best - rock acts in recording history.
An anonymous drummer posted this tribute to Rutsey based on clips of his own very good drum-along to portions of the album "Rush."

So whether he asked for it or not, John Rutsey deserves one last round of applause.