Drumming News :
For the first time since their final concert in 2015, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are reuniting to bring the music of Rush back to the stage. In a powerful and heartfelt statement, Lee announced the 2026 “Fifty Something” Tour, a limited run of shows celebrating over five decades of Rush’s storied legacy — and honoring the memory of legendary drummer Neil Peart.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” Lee said. “And so, after all that has gone down since that last show, Alex and I have done some serious soul searching and come to the decision that we f**ing miss it… It’s time for a celebration.”*
The tour, which kicks off in June 2026, will feature a “vast selection of Rush songs” played across select North American cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and Chicago. A key part of this revival is the introduction of Anika Nilles, the German-born drummer who will take on the daunting task of filling Peart’s place behind the kit.
Nilles, who gained international acclaim through her solo work and a 2022 tour with Jeff Beck, caught Lee and Lifeson’s attention through a recommendation from Lee’s longtime bass tech. After a series of low-profile rehearsal sessions in Canada, she earned the duo’s trust — and the gig.
“We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together,” Lee said.
Backing the reunion is the support of Peart’s family. Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart offered a moving joint statement, expressing excitement about the tour and faith in the band’s choice of drummer.
“Neil’s musicianship was singular… Irreplaceable in his artistry,” they said. “We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour… It promises to be truly unforgettable.”
The choice of Nilles — relatively unknown outside of drumming circles — is a bold one, but Lee and Lifeson are confident she brings the technical skill, heart, and humility necessary for the role.
“You can play a drum fill. A lot of drummers can play Neil’s drum fills,” Lee noted. “But to combine that with the feel of those songs… that requires work. So she’s winning.”
In a 2023 Guardian interview, Lee had already hinted at her potential, casually noting, “I heard this drummer the other day… I think her name is Anika. She was terrific.”
Rush fans have waited more than a decade for this moment — one many thought might never come after Peart’s retirement and untimely death in 2020. But now, with the band’s blessing and Peart’s legacy deeply woven into the show’s fabric, the “Fifty Something” Tour offers a celebration not just of Rush’s music, but of resilience, friendship, and evolution.
Tour Dates:
- Jun 07 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
- Jun 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
- Jun 18 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
- Jun 24 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
- Jun 26 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
- Jul 16 – Chicago, IL – United Center
- Jul 18 – Chicago, IL – United Center
- Jul 28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
- Jul 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
- Aug 07 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- Aug 09 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- Sep 17 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this historic tour. For fans old and new, it’s a rare and emotional chance to once again experience the timeless power of Rush — live.
This article leaned heavily on these 2-articles:
Deadline – Rush Announces 2026 Reunion Tour To Celebrate Life Of Late Drummer Neil Peart HERE
Classic Rock & Culture – How Anika Nilles Became RUSH’S New Drummer HERE
