Neil Peart tribute show moved to October
An event celebrating the life of iconic drummer Neil Peart will have to wait a little longer.
Organizers for “A Night for Neil” at Meridian Centre have postponed the event from May 16 to Oct. 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show is being organized by the Peart family, the City of St. Catharines and the charity Overtime Angels, Inc.
“Everyone waited as long as they could to make a decision,” says Donna Halper, a spokesperson for the event.
“The Peart family really hoped it would happen, but obviously it has to be postponed until things calm down with the virus.”
Peart, the drummer for Canadian band Rush for more than four decades, died from brain cancer in January.
Though born in Hamilton, he was raised in St. Catharines and regarded it as his hometown.
The show was expected to feature several musicians, speakers and Peart’s friends. It has not been confirmed whether Peart’s Rush bandmates, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, will attend.
The show will benefit three charities chosen by Peart’s family — The St. Catharines Hospital and Walker Cancer Centre, the Juravinski Hospital & Cancer Centre in Hamilton and The Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie.
“Our family is very much looking forward to celebrating Neil’s legacy with all of his fans, in support of our charities,” said Peart’s sister Nancy in a statement.
“The outpouring of support for this event from across the globe has been tremendous,” added Overtime Angels, Inc. vice president Lance Kasten.