John Howard Rutsey (July 23, 1952 – May 11, 2008) was a Canadian musician best known as a founding member and original drummer of Rush.

He was subsequently replaced by Neil Peart, who would remain the drummer of Rush on the band's future recordings and for the rest of its active history.

[4] Rutsey and Lifeson became close friends while attending St. Patrick’s School, and the pair would play street hockey together in their neighborhood.

During these early years, Rutsey played on the "Not Fade Away"/"You Can't Fight It" single as well as the debut album.

Lee and Lifeson have each acknowledged that during the writing and recording sessions for the band's debut album, Rutsey was given the role of chief lyricist.

[6] Soon after Rush released its debut album, Rutsey left the band, due to musical differences, health concerns related to diabetes, and his general distaste for touring.

[10] Rutsey's family wished to keep the funeral a private affair,[10] although donations would be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Markham, Ontario.

[11] After Rutsey's death, Lee and Lifeson released this statement: "Our memories of the early years of Rush when John was in the band are very fond to us.