Rutsey’s premature departure from Rush was due to medical issues which impeded his ability to tour. In March 1974, the second Rush line-up, consisting of guitarist Alex Lifeson, drummer John Rutsey, and singer and bassist Geddy Lee, released their self-titled debut album.In the following four months, however, Rutsey fell ill following complications with diabetes and had to sit out while the group continued with a replacement, Jerry Fielding. Although bandmate Geddy Lee disputed that in a 2003 interview , he did acknowledge that Rutsey had been dealing with diabetes for quite some time. An opening essay greets you, this written by Raymond Michael of Courier Express and dated August 29, 1974 and politely acknowledges Rutsey who got behind the kit in 1968 and replaced in July of 1974. The RUSH Tourbook does not feature John Rutsey, Rush’s original drummer, in any photos instead the production sticks with Peart. RUTSEY, John Howard - It is with deep sadness that John's family announces his untimely passing due to complications from his lifelong affliction with diabetes, at age 55. See more ideas about a farewell to kings, rush band, rush concert. Photos from John Rutsey's last performance - Centennial Hall - London, Ontario - July 25th, 1974 On July 25th, 1974, John Rutsey would perform for the last time with Rush during a concert at the Centennial Hall in London, Ontario. He performed on the band's 1974 debut album but left shortly after its release due to … The Ghost Rider. The … This was John Rutsey's final show ever as a member of RUSH And quite possibly the last photo taken of him with the band July 25, 1974 Centennial Hall, London Ontario . Back to top #31 JohnnyBlaze JohnnyBlaze. A few photos from that … This album features the band’s original drummer John Rutsey, a founding member who’d been playing with Lee and Lifeson since the band formed in 1968. ... Jeff Jones on bass and John Rutsey on drums. Formed in 1968 in Toronto, Canada, the band went through several configurations until arriving at its longest and most popular line-up when Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey in July 1974, two weeks before the group's first tour of the United States. John Rutsey Description. Members * 35824 posts Gender: Male; Posted 03 September 2015 - … The other musicians, Lee (born Gary Weinrib) and the guitarist Alex Lifeson, had recorded a self-titled debut album that year, but their original drummer, John Rutsey, had left due to health issues. Absolutely uncompromising in every conceivable way, the trio has spent the last 40 years cultivating the largest cult fan base in rock while still managing to sell out arenas around the globe. Lang: en John Howard Rutsey (July 23, 1952 – May 11, 2008) was a Canadian musician best known as a founding member and original drummer of Rush. In 1974, he reportedly left the band in part due to vaguely defined " health reasons ." Donations may be made in Joh Mar 8, 2021 - Explore aSymptomOfLife's board "A Farewell to Kings" on Pinterest. Background and recording. Formed in 1968 in Toronto, Canada, the band went through several configurations until arriving at its longest and most popular line-up when Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey in July 1974, two weeks before the group's first tour of the United States. John Rutsey was the first original member to leave Rush, and sadly, he was also the first to pass away.