The first drum kit the late Neil Peart ever played with Rush has been sold at Bonhams auction for exactly $500,312, Exclaim reports. Peart originally purchased the Slingerland double bass drum in Toronto in August 1974, mere weeks after joining Rush. He played the kit on his first three albums with the band as well as during various live performances. The set had been expected to fetch between $100,000 and $150,000.

“'I’m not physically or musically capable, but thanks for the offer', said Dave Grohl when it was suggested he replace Neil Peart in Rush after the legendary drummer retired from the group in 2015... Peart was nick-named The Professor thanks to his meticulous, intricate, firebrand drum work in all manner of exotic time signatures, which was key in making Rush one of the most renowned bands of classic rock and inspired countless drummers to take to the sticks in awe of his skills".

In four days after the news of Neil Peart's passing, on-demand audio and video streams of Rush’s catalog of songs in the U.S. increased to a combined 24.54 million - up 776.4% as compared to the previous four days (2.8 million on Jan. 6-9). In terms of sales, Rush’s catalog of songs grew by 2,304% to 19,000 (from 1,000), while the group’s album sales gained 1,820% to 6,000 (up from a negligible figure).

Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist for Rush has died at age 67. Peart had joined Rush in 1974, remaining their drummer and primary lyricist up through their 2015 breakup.