Drumming News :
The wait is over—fans have finally witnessed the first taste of Rush with drummer Anika Nilles behind the kit.
At this year’s Juno Awards, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson delivered on their promise of something special, opening the show with a live performance that marked a new chapter for the legendary band. The trio chose “Finding My Way,” the opening track from their 1974 debut album Rush—a nod to their earliest days, when John Rutsey handled drums before the arrival of the late Neil Peart.
All eyes were on Nilles, formerly of Jeff Beck’s band, as she stepped into one of rock’s most revered roles. In what may have been the most high-pressure performance of her career, she didn’t just hold her own—she excelled. Seated behind a massive kit emblazoned with the Rush logo, Nilles powered through the song with precision, creativity, and explosive fills that honored the band’s legacy while asserting her own voice.
Lee and Lifeson, meanwhile, looked revitalized. After years away from full-scale performances, Lee’s vocals soared with surprising youthful energy, while Lifeson’s guitar work retained its signature blend of texture and fire. Adding depth to the lineup was keyboardist Loren Gold, who is set to join the band on their upcoming tour.
The stage production reinforced the emotional weight of the moment. Behind the musicians, archival footage of Peart flickered across screens—serving as both tribute and reminder that this return is as much about honoring the past as it is about embracing the future.
Held at TD Coliseum in Hamilton, the performance marked the first time Lee and Lifeson had appeared as Rush since the conclusion of their R40 Tour, which ended on August 1, 2015, at The Forum. In the years since, the duo only reunited occasionally under their own names, including appearances honoring Gordon Lightfoot and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters.
Reflecting on the song choice, Lee admitted the difficulty of narrowing down their vast catalog. “If we have to choose one song, it’s almost impossible,” he said. Lifeson added with a touch of humor, “It’s the only song we know how to play.”
The performance also served as a preview of the upcoming “Fifty Something Tour,” kicking off June 7 at the Forum in Los Angeles. What began as a modest run has expanded into a 58-date trek across North America, including multiple nights at Scotiabank Arena. Each show promises a two-set experience drawing from a rotating pool of roughly 35 songs, signaling that Rush’s return is not just symbolic—it’s масштабный, ambitious, and very real.
For fans, this wasn’t just a performance. It was the beginning of a new era.
Source: HERE
