Rush is a Band Blog: Longtime Rush friend and photographer Andrew MacNaughtan passes away from a heart attack

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Longtime Rush friend and photographer Andrew MacNaughtan passes away from a heart attack

UPDATE - 1/30@10:16AM: Here's Andrew's obituary in the Toronto Globe and Mail (thanks RushFanForever). And Neil Peart wrote a tribute to Andrew that he posted over at NeilPeart.net.

UPDATE - 1/28@10:42AM: Here's a CBC video news story on Andrew MacNaughtan's death (thanks RushFanForever). And photographer John Vinson sent me a couple of photographs he took of Andrew at work at the Red Rocks show in 2010 which you can check out by clicking on the thumbnails.

UPDATE - 1/27@9:27AM: Here's a CBC report on Andrew's passing that mentions his age as 47. And here's a great 1991 interview with Andrew where he talks at length about how he first got involved with Rush. 47 is way too young to die...

UPDATE - 1/26@7:40PM: Here's a report on MacNaughtan's death from the Toronto Star (thanks RushFanForever):

Toronto photographer Andrew MacNaughtan, longtime documenter of Rush's exploits and the man behind dozens of iconic portraits of Canadian celebrities, passed away suddenly in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

MacNaughtan, in his mid-40s, reportedly suffered a heart attack while in California shooting his old friends, Rush.

A member of the band's local management staff told the Star the office was "heartbroken over here," ...

----- snip -----

Andrew MacNaughtan - photo courtesy Paul Beaulieu I'm very sad to report that Rush's longtime friend and photographer Andrew MacNaughtan has passed away. From the Rush Facebook page:

We're deeply shocked and heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of our close friend and long-time photographer, Andrew MacNaughtan. He was a sweet person and a very talented artist. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed. - Geddy, Alex & Neil

Apparently Andrew died of a heart attack while on assignment with the band in Los Angeles. Andrew had worked with Rush as a photographer and videographer for many of the band's projects since back in the '80s. His latest project was a unique art book showcasing the beauty of Africa through a series of stunning black and white photographs called GRACE: Africa in Photographs. Proceeds from sales of the book and prints of the photographs go to support Andrew's charity ArtGivesHope. Andrew spoke about the project in this November interview with Global News which you can view below or at this link (thanks RushFanForever). Thanks to Paul Beaulieu for the great photo of Andrew. Andrew was an integral part of the Rush family and will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of Andrew's friends and family.

COMMENTS

#1 - Posted 1/26/12 @4:15PM by QweziRider [contact]

Far too young.

#2 - Posted 1/26/12 @4:17PM by hermy [contact]

:-(

"...and the bridge of death was crossed"

RIP Andrew.

#3 - Posted 1/26/12 @4:17PM by timintey [contact]

How tragic. RIP Andrew. You were a great talent and will surely be missed

#4 - Posted 1/26/12 @4:45PM by RNO2YYZ [contact]

What a loss. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight.

#5 - Posted 1/26/12 @4:55PM by Sean

Tragic. I had spoken with Andrew on a number of occassions. He was a really sweet guy and a hard worker. The story of how he became who he became with Rush is a classic. Knocked right on Geddy's front door to get the gig.

#6 - Posted 1/26/12 @4:55PM by Rushguy [contact]

So sad :( I met Andrew at Ged's Headache CD signing in Edison NJ. I asked him if he too would sign my cd. He so VERY politely declined, saying he wouldn't feel right - that is wasn't his record, just some of his artwork. He was so genuinely apologetic about it I was sorry I even asked :) He even sought me out TWICE while I waited in line to explain why he said no. Years later when he began offering prints online, I bought a few and sent a note mentioning that story and apologizing again. He sent my prints, signing one of them "I'm Not Geddy Lee - - Andrew MacNaughtan" and put a giant smiley face. It made me cry with happiness so I framed it and put it on my most special Rush wall. You can tear my house down around it, take all my worldly possessions, but I'm keeping that.

#7 - Posted 1/26/12 @5:20PM by John E. [contact]

Such a shame. You just never know when it's your turn. He was a very talented and enterprising guy. From the sounds of it, he was an even better person. If I'm not mistaken, Andrew introduced Neil to his current wife in California.

Very sad.

#8 - Posted 1/26/12 @5:33PM by mark one [contact]

i check the riab web everyday. sad day to say the least. we all take life and are loved ones for granted . i didnt know andrew . but knowing how close ged ,al, and neil, are to him . im sitting at my pc crying. very well said post# 4 rip andrew

#9 - Posted 1/26/12 @5:36PM by rushfan1968 [contact]

What a Great Loss, very sad.

#10 - Posted 1/26/12 @5:42PM by Cajava [contact]

So very sad to hear about his passing; even more upsetting because he was so young. My thoughts go out to those who new and love him well. RIP.

#11 - Posted 1/26/12 @5:50PM by random_sample [contact]

wow, I was pretty shocked to see this news. I'm not sure of his age, but I wouldn't think he's any older than around 45.
I watched the interview with Andrew on the morning show and thought that was cool that the woman mentioned Geddy Lee. I figured when Andrew mentioned Rush ,they would just skip past Rush and ask him about the "others". Anyway, that was cool.
R.I.P Andrew MacNaughtan

#12 - Posted 1/26/12 @6:17PM by carndts2112 [contact]

Suddenly, you were gone...from all the lives you left your mark upon...very tragic news, my condolences to family and friends.

#13 - Posted 1/26/12 @6:44PM by musicofthespheres [contact]

very sad.

his "Boys in Brazil" and "Game of S&A" (MVI) documentaries are my favorite Rush products -- in some ways even more satisfying than the albums.

#14 - Posted 1/26/12 @6:50PM by Liverpool 78

Oh hello there world...

I met Andrew at EUCON in 2007. He was a lovely, friendly approachable man with time to talk.

Strangely, the photo of him and I that he graciously allowed my wife to take of the two of us, appeared on my digital photo frame this morning.

Hehas left a great legacy.

Liver.

#15 - Posted 1/26/12 @6:53PM by Rob [contact]

Horrible news.

RIP Andrew.

#16 - Posted 1/26/12 @7:05PM by jazzboy621 [contact]

A very sad day . R.I.P. Andrew....

#17 - Posted 1/26/12 @7:06PM by Taurus Pedal Boy

So very sorry to hear about the passing of Andrew. A very sad day for RUSH fans everywhere. Sincere condolences and prayers to Andrew's family, friends, and fans.

#18 - Posted 1/26/12 @7:28PM by Mars

This is unbelievably sad, he was a gifted photographer and a great guy. Condolences to his family and friends.

#19 - Posted 1/26/12 @7:48PM by chrxtopher [contact]

Awfully sad news. Condolences to the family. I'm sure the guys are in shock. Always heard great things about him, and obviously he was a terrific photographer.

#20 - Posted 1/26/12 @7:59PM by Hemisfears [contact]

Sad news.
R.I.P. Andrew.
I enjoyed looking at all of the incredible photographs he took of my favorite band. His contributions and life will be missed.

Truly a very sad day for Rush, Andrew's family and all of the fans.

#21 - Posted 1/26/12 @8:29PM by RushFanForever [contact]

For those who're curious about the song on the closing credits of Andrew MacNaughtan's interview on Global News, it's the following:

The Last Goodnight - Pictures Of You
link

#22 - Posted 1/26/12 @8:56PM by holeinone53575

I enjoyed the Boys in Brazil. It was simply yet creatively shot. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.

#23 - Posted 1/26/12 @9:31PM by zebec [contact]

Andrew was a good friend of our tech Jeff, the person whom my wife and I call whenever we have a computer problem. Jeff btw, is a monster Rush fan. Anthem has had a few unfortunate deaths over the years, aside from Neil's tragedies. Steve Hoffman was one. He worked as a staffer who primarily handled the Tea Party band. Shelly Nott was another. She was close with Geddy and can be seen briefly on the Brazil DVD. Shelly lived a block away from us and her best friend Deb was our immediate neighbour. Shelly got us a backstage pass for the local R30 concert. Alex commented in an interview about a decade ago that SRO-Anthem had suffered a series of unexpected deaths.

#24 - Posted 1/26/12 @9:31PM by snowdog2113 [contact]

This is a punch to the gut, he was obviously very good at what he did and everything I read about him was positive. Sad.

#25 - Posted 1/26/12 @9:37PM by hfd413

#11 He would have turned 48 next month on the 25th of February. Way too young. Sounds like he was a very humble and selfless guy-just the kind this world needs more of. Wish I had met the man. RIP Andrew.

#26 - Posted 1/26/12 @9:51PM by Tintin [contact]

Very sad news. I enjoyed his work tremendously, and he seemed like a great guy.

#27 - Posted 1/26/12 @10:13PM by JakeBlues [contact]

RIP Andrew! We will never see Rush the same way without you! All our best to the McNaughtan family and all those who knew Andrew personally. Truly one of the great see-er's of our time.

#28 - Posted 1/26/12 @10:37PM by dah2112 [contact]

Very sad news R.I.P Andrew )-:

#29 - Posted 1/26/12 @10:47PM by RushFanForever [contact]

Another tribute article from the Winnipeg Free Press:

link

Andrew MacNaughtan also directed the video for the song 'All You Need' by Andrew Cole.

All You Need (Official Music Video)
link

Andrew Cole - All You Need [Behind The Scenes] with Andrew MacNaughtan
link

Andrew Cole worked with Tom Cochrane and Alex Lifeson on the recent 'Voices at 4AM musical collaboration'.

#30 - Posted 1/26/12 @11:41PM by Peart#1 [contact]

This is so sad. I feel terrible. I actually found out by visiting his art store site as I check in from time to time to see if there is anything new I had to have.

RIP Andrew, you will be missed.

#31 - Posted 1/27/12 @12:09AM by Rubinowits [contact]

I won't be surprised if they dedicate the new album to him.

#32 - Posted 1/27/12 @12:26AM by bluebuttskunk [contact]

Met him once, didn't know who he was at the time but I was back stage and he pointed at my tour book and said..."how do you like my work?"

Thoughts out to his family.

#33 - Posted 1/27/12 @12:38AM by patrush

On the upcoming tour, Rush should open with the song Afterimage, followed by the entire GUP album.

#34 - Posted 1/27/12 @12:51AM by RushFanForever [contact]

Here's a couple of interviews with Andrew McNaughtan:

An Interview with Andrew MacNaughtan
The Spirit Of Rush #17, Winter 1991
link

An Interview With Andrew MacNaughtan
By Brad Parmerter, FYE.com, September 26, 2003
link

#35 - Posted 1/27/12 @1:58AM by Micky [contact]

When ages ago I discovered Rush I started being familiar with those so nice pictures of Andrew.
His family name was always attractive to me somehow.
This news just shocks me and I feel so sorry and scared too...his age is basically around mine.
God I'm here now working in south east of Asia and someone like my age passed away over there...
RIP ANDREW!

#36 - Posted 1/27/12 @3:12AM by ghost__rider [contact]

R.I.P. Zulu, it was a fun week.

#37 - Posted 1/27/12 @4:01AM by MAVIII [contact]

His name was synonymous with Rush, as I always will remember his Photos within Albums, Programs and Credits on every Album, as I poured over each word to intake the full experience of a new Rush Recording.
I wish his friends and Family and his friends in RUSH my deepest love for his works and the joy he brought to all of us and all that he shared :').
". . . We each pay a fabulous price
For our visions of paradise
But a spirit with a vision is a dream
With a mission"

. . . bless you for your visions.

#38 - Posted 1/27/12 @7:43AM by africadrum2000 [contact]

There's a whole group of people who work with the band (crew etc) that as Rush fans we all know (even though, for most of us, we don't), Andrew MacNaughten was one of them and I'm saddened and shocked by this news- RIP.

#39 - Posted 1/27/12 @8:02AM by Runkerry [contact]

This is just terrible, and I have every sympathy for Andrew's family, friends, and of course our boys given their long friendship.

#40 - Posted 1/27/12 @8:26AM by LanceTheShred [contact]

I remember...........

Thoughts and prayers to Andrew's immediate and Rush family. You will be greatly missed.

#41 - Posted 1/27/12 @8:41AM by Cajava [contact]

Aw Lance, your simple two word statement choked me up. 'Afterimage' has been in heavy rotation in my house for a few weeks now.

Why does it happen? Because it happens.

#42 - Posted 1/27/12 @8:43AM by chutch15 [contact]

Very sad news.

#43 - Posted 1/27/12 @9:20AM by Mr. K

Wow... that's terrible.

RIP Andrew... thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

#44 - Posted 1/27/12 @10:04AM by lerxst68 [contact]

So sad ....."Suddenly you were gone, from all the lives you left your mark upon"

#45 - Posted 1/27/12 @10:05AM by limelighter [contact]

thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. great photographer.
i read the article and he mentions rush shot a video of war paint from the presto album. will that ever be released? that would be awesome to see. now i am going to be thinking about this all day.

#46 - Posted 1/27/12 @11:01AM by Fish Eyelands [contact]

That really is a shame, his images of the band were iconic. Obviously the next album will most likely be dedicated to him.

#47 - Posted 1/27/12 @2:05PM by Micky [contact]

When ages ago I discovered Rush I started being familiar with those so nice pictures of Andrew.
His family name was always attractive to me somehow.
This news just shocks me and I feel so sorry and scared too...his age is basically around mine.
God I'm here now working in south east of Asia and someone like my age passed away over there...
RIP ANDREW!

#48 - Posted 1/27/12 @7:50PM by Count Floyd [contact]

I have always been impressed, and even a little proud of the bands loyalty to their people, crew etc. seeing the same names chart over many years, and many of the same (usually!) smiling faces when on the road... It just strikes home how much of being a Rush fan(for me) resides outside the lines of the music itself. The way the band has chosen to interact with their fanbase, their crew, their industry, the way they themselves have interacted as artists... I am happy to know what it means care about a 'band' like that, and can't help but believe Andrew would've felt the same way prior to his amazing journey through the looking glass. and pun or not, that is one cool trip. rock on Andrew, you were truly one of the boys.