(hennemusic) The Ohio State University Marching Band performed a Rush tribute in honor of their late drummer, Neil Peart, during its halftime show at Ohio Stadium as part of Ohio State University's homecoming game against University Of Maryland on October 9.
The outfit delivered a medley of classic Rush tracks, including "The Spirit Of Radio", "Fly By Night" and "Tom Sawyer", while presenting formations that replicated Peart and Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, and spelled out the title to a pair of the Canadian band's tracks, "2112" and "YYZ."
"To honor the early 2020 passing of one of the greatest drummers in history, Rush's Neil Peart, the Ohio State Marching Band added a little more percussion to the mix for the halftime show Saturday," said the group in a statement, adding: "To help recreate Peart's sonic impact, the percussion section was expanded by 20 toms and 20 extra cymbals mounted on four racks. They were at the front of the formation and played by the band's five percussion alternates for this week."
"We're speechless," tweeted Rush alongside three applause emojis following the performance.
After Rush performed their final concert in Los Angeles in 2015, Peart passed away in January of 2020 at the age of 67 after a three-and-a-half year battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Watch the tribute here.
Rush's Alex Lifeson Not Interested in Tour But Open To Working With Geddy Lee
Rush Icon Alex Lifeson In Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett Debut Podcast Episode - 2023 In Review
Rush Have Discussed Continuing With Another Drummer
Rush Legend Geddy Lee Releases 'The Lost Demos'
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
Megadeth Announce North American Destroy All Enemies Tour
Asia Announce The Heat of The Moment Tour
blink-182 Lead Inaugural South Star Festival Lineup
Enter Shikari Announce New Companion Record 'Dancing On The Frontline'
Sammy Hagar To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame
Beatles Legend John Lennon's Lost Help! Guitar Discovered After 50 Years
Paul McCartney & Wings: One Hand Clapping 1974 Live Studio Sessions Available For The First Time