Toronto photographer Andrew MacNaughtan dies at 47

 TORONTO – Toronto photographer Andrew MacNaughtan, well known for his work documenting rock band Rush and many other Canadian musicians, has died. He was 47.

Rush members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart confirmed the death in a statement on their website, which expressed shock and sadness at MacNaughtan’s sudden passing.

The rockers called the photographer a “sweet person and a very talented artist” who will be deeply missed.

MacNaughtan was the principal photographer for Rush since 1989, photographing all their tours, promotional materials and album art.

Friend and singer Jann Arden tweeted that MacNaughtan died in Los Angeles.

A number of other Canadian artists, including members of Great Big Sea, Barenaked Ladies and The Trews, took to Twitter Thursday night to mourn MacNaughtan’s death.

One of MacNaughtan ‘s most recent projects, ‘Grace: Africa in Photographs’, an 80-page hard-cover book filled with photographs from east-Africa, was a departure from his usual work.

MacNaughtan teamed up with some of Canada’s top recording artists for this project that showcases the beauty of Africa and the transformational work of World Vision through a series of black and white photographs.

In November of 2010, MacNaughtan travelled to Tanzania and Kenya to capture the landscapes, wildlife and people to raise funds for the prevention, care and advocacy of children in HIV/AIDS affected regions.

MacNaughtan enlisted the help of friends in the recording industry to lend a poetic voice to his images.

More than 30 artists including Celine Dion, Geddy Lee and Bryan Adams provided commentary to the photos that inspired them.

MacNaughtan sat down with Global Toronto’s Morning Show in November to talk about his trip to east Africa.

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– with files from The Canadian Press