Drumming News :
A new chapter may be unfolding for Rush, and at the center of it is an unexpected name: Anika Nilles. As Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson explore a return to touring, the German fusion standout has stepped into the role once defined by the late Neil Peart—a move that has surprised fans and insiders alike.
In a recent conversation with GuitarPlayer.com, Nilles’ transition into Rush’s world was revealed to be anything but effortless. Despite her technical mastery, she admitted hesitation when approaching one of the band’s most iconic tracks, “Tom Sawyer.”
“Yikes. I don’t know if I want to play this one.”
The reaction underscores the weight of stepping into Peart’s legacy. Widely regarded as one of rock’s most influential drummers, his work—particularly on Rush’s 1981 album Moving Pictures—set a benchmark that few would dare to reinterpret.
Nilles wasn’t initially steeped in Rush’s catalog, a factor that may have worked in her favor. Rather than imitating Peart outright, she has been able to approach the material with fresh perspective. According to Lee, that balance between honoring the original parts and bringing her own voice has been key to the band’s renewed chemistry.
“It’s one thing to play it for the first time and work out what parts have to be, essentially, Neil Peart’s parts — and what parts she can make her own,” Lee explained. “Now she doesn’t have to think about it. She’s just grooving out.”
Still, mastering Rush’s music required more than technical precision. The real challenge, Lee noted, was capturing the intangible feel behind the parts.
“The fills were not the hardest part for her… It’s the feel — sitting in that groove that the song has. She’s clued in now. It’s really lovely to see.”
Nilles’ path to the band came through a recommendation tied to her work with Jeff Beck, offering a left-field alternative to the many drummers who had expressed interest in the role over the years. Her selection reflects a deliberate effort by Lee and Lifeson to move forward without simply recreating the past.
While any upcoming tour is being framed as a celebration of Rush’s legacy, the possibility of new material hasn’t been ruled out. With additional musicians like keyboardist Loren Gold joining the live lineup, the band appears to be building toward something more than a nostalgic return.
For now, Nilles’ evolution within the group mirrors the band’s own: cautious at first, but increasingly confident. And as she settles into one of rock’s most demanding roles, what began as hesitation may ultimately become the foundation for Rush’s next era.
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