I am very sad to report that Neil Peart's good friend, right-hand man and motorcycle riding partner Michael Mosbach has passed away after battling Glioblastoma - the same type of cancer that took Neil Peart and Neil's younger brother Danny. If you've been following Rush over the last two decades, you have likely encountered Michael at some point. Most Rush fans knew him as Praetorian on tour, where he was Neil Peart's riding partner between shows, and head of security for the band. On a personal note, I'd known Michael for 2 decades, ever since he first emailed me about the website back in '06, offering me encouragement and giving his appreciation for how I objectively covered Neil Peart and the band - something that meant a lot to me. Over the years since, I'd met him several times and gotten to know him a bit, and appreciated his help navigating the ins and outs of Rush's management, not to mention his generosity towards myself and other fans. I'll never forget one particular show back in 2012 where he grabbed me out of the floor crowd, said he was giving me an upgrade, and proceeded to take me backstage where I got to hang out on the bus, check out Neil's practice kit, and just experience that backstage energy during a show. It was an amazing experience and just exemplifies the kind of person Michael was. He was a good dude, and I'll miss him terribly. From RushCon:
We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Michael Mosbach, a dear friend to RushCon over the years and a beloved part of the Rush family.
Michael was Neil's right-hand man and best friend. He loved the band deeply and treasured his travels around the world with Neil. Those who knew him will remember his generosity, his protective spirit, and his fierce loyalty. Always on guard, Michael was our own Praetorian Guard-watching out for his people and making sure they were taken care of. Being his friend meant knowing he had your back.
His devotion to Neil continued through his tireless work on Bubba Bash each year, helping bring people together to celebrate Neil's life and keep his memory alive. It was a labor of love, and a beautiful expression of their enduring friendship.
That he faced the same illness that took Neil feels especially cruel and difficult to comprehend.
Michael meant so much to the Rush and RushCon communities. We send our love to his family, his friends, and everyone grieving this loss.
We'll miss you dearly, Michael. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, and the memories we'll carry with us.
