Rush's original drummer, John Rutsey, died earlier this week at the age of 55, apparently from a heart attack brought on by complications due to diabetes, a disease with which he struggled all his life.

If truth be told, John represents something of a footnote in the band's history. After six years with Rush from the very beginning, he decided to leave shortly after their self-financed debut album was recorded, when Rush was still an unknown band making a living playing the Toronto college and bar circuit. They were on the brink of their breakthrough, having secured a record contract and a US tour.

He was replaced by Neil Peart, with whom the band went on to gain great acclaim and success, and who finalised the Rush lineup that went on to record another 17 studio records and far too many live albums over the next 30-odd years. John is pictured on the right in the following photo, probably taken sometime in early 1974 and scanned from a concert flyer.

He was always something of a mystery figure to me, if that's not putting it too strongly. Perhaps 'obscure' would be more honest. I've only ever seen three or four photos of him, including the image that adorns the rear cover of the Rush debut album. He gave up professional music and maintained a very low media profile after leaving Rush, and he had been out of the band for two and a half years when I discovered Rush for myself in early 1977.

While the first album contains one or two bona-fide classics that would hold a place in the band's live set for many years, it is not considered one of the great Rush records. Nonetheless, he was integral to the birth of the band, and for that he will be fondly remembered by a great many people.

The following statement from his former bandmates appeared on rush.com today:

Our memories of the early years of Rush when John was in the band are very fond to us. Those years spent in our teens dreaming of one day doing what we continue to do decades later are special. Although our paths diverged many years ago, we smile today, thinking back on those exciting times and remembering John's wonderful sense of humour and impeccable timing. He will be deeply missed by all he touched.

Alex & Geddy

I love the reference to his "impeccable timing".

I'll try to write another blog entry before someone else dies, if that's not tempting fate.