Pye Dubois has died at the age of 77. The songwriter and poet was best known for his contributions to the Canadian band Max Webster and for collaborating with rock legends Rush on its hit "Tom Sawyer."
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Rush Confirmed the Death of Pye Dubois
Dubois' death was confirmed in an Instagram post by Rush and then reported by Parade. He died at his home in London, Ontario, on Sep. 15.
"It's been an unbelievably tragic year for Max Webster founder Kim Mitchell and all those who knew that band personally," the caption read.
The post also noted that two other Max Webster members died this year. Keyboardist Terry Watkinson died at the age of 85 on Feb. 28. Drummer Gary McCracken also died at the age of 75 on Sep. 17.
"For those who aren't aware, over a span of 20 years, Pye and Neil collaborated on the lyrics for four Rush songs: 'Tom Sawyer,' 'Force 10,' 'Between Sun and Moon,' and 'Test for Echo,'" the post continued, referring to Neil Peart, who served as the drummer and lyricist for Rush until he died in 2020.
It concluded, "We send our most heartfelt sympathies to the bandmates, friends and families of those three stellar musicians. RIP boys."
Dubois Never Performed With Max Webster
Dubois never played an instrument with Max Webster, but he did write lyrics for the group's albums. After the band ended, his relationship with Mitchell continued. Dubois is credited on several of Mitchell's hits. The pair were also inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.
Dubois' connection with Rush began when he brought Peart a poem that eventually became the lyrics for "Tom Sawyer." The song appears on the album Moving Pictures. It is also one of the Canadian band's signature tracks.
Dubois' family called him a "true Canadian Icon" in his obituary, adding that he was also a "gifted writer, artist, lyricist, and poet." He is survived by brothers Dave and Rob, nieces Taylor and Kaila, nephew Matt, and his extended family.
