Published: September 25, 2026 · 3:23 AM EDT
The longtime collaborator of Neil Peart and Kim Mitchell died September 15, 2026, leaving behind songwriting credits on four Rush tracks and Canadian rock classics including “Go for Soda” and “Patio Lanterns”
Pye Dubois, the Canadian lyricist and poet who co-wrote Rush's classic “Tom Sawyer” and contributed to the music of Max Webster and Kim Mitchell, died on September 15, 2026, at the age of 77. Born Paul Phillip Woods, he died at his home in London, Ontario, according to an obituary published by his family. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Dubois developed a longstanding creative partnership with guitarist and singer Kim Mitchell, joining Max Webster as the band's principal lyricist in the 1970s. Although he was not a performing member, his writing appeared throughout the group's five studio albums, including the 1980 release Universal Juveniles, which featured the collaboration with Rush on “Battle Scar.”
His connection with Rush began when he presented Neil Peart with lyrics originally titled “Louis the Lawyer,” which became the foundation for “Tom Sawyer,” the opening track of Rush's 1981 album Moving Pictures. Dubois subsequently collaborated with Peart on three additional Rush songs: “Force Ten,” “Between Sun and Moon” and “Test for Echo.”
Following Max Webster's breakup in 1981, Dubois continued writing with Mitchell, contributing to his solo career and songs including “Go for Soda” and “Patio Lanterns.” Their songwriting partnership was recognized with induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.
Rush paid tribute to Dubois following the news of his death, acknowledging his contributions to four of the band's recordings and extending condolences to his family and former bandmates. Mitchell also shared a tribute to his longtime writing partner, remembering his distinctive approach to language and songwriting.
Watch Rush's official “Tom Sawyer” music video, featuring the song co-written by Pye Dubois and Neil Peart, below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: cshf
