Anika Nilles – Foto: instagram
The Canadian band Rush announced on Monday (6) the hiring of German drummer Anika Nilles for their 2026 reunion tour. Founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will lead the shows in the United States and Canada, marking the first concerts in 11 years and the first since the death of Neil Peart in 2020. The decision was made in Cleveland, USA, during an event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, aiming to celebrate the band’s 50-year career.
Nilles, 42, takes Peart’s place with the approval of the late drummer’s family. The tour, named Fifty Something, will feature 12 performances in seven cities, focusing on hits and fan-favorite tracks. Tickets will be available starting with a pre-sale for registered fans.
The announcement surprised fans, as Lee and Lifeson had previously indicated retirement from touring after Peart’s passing. However, recent rehearsals with Nilles confirmed the project’s feasibility.
- Tour begins June 7, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
- Shows continue to Toronto, Chicago, New York, and other major cities.
- Each night will feature two sets with a selection of 35 songs from Rush’s catalog.
Family background boosts Nilles’ career
Anika Nilles was born on May 29, 1983, in Aschaffenburg, Germany. Her father, also a drummer, began her training at age six, alongside uncles and cousins in the same profession.
The musician went professional at 26 and quickly gained recognition for complex grooves in odd time signatures.
Early steps in the music scene
Nilles built a solid foundation with formal studies. She taught at institutions like Nexus ICA and Drumeo before heading the drum department at Popakademie Baden-Württemberg since 2021.
Her style blends urban jazz, funk, and progressive, adapted to Rush’s standards.
By age 30, she was posting educational content online, amassing millions of views.
Discography highlights originality
Anika Nilles’ solo career gained traction with independent albums. In 2017, she released Pikalar, promoted on the cover of Modern Drummer.
For a Colorful Soul followed in 2020, then Opuntia in 2022. Her latest, False Truth, released in 2025, explores electronic fusions.
These works, recorded with her band Nevell, total four full-length albums.
Nilles also collaborates as a composer, expanding beyond drumming.
Collaboration with Jeff Beck marks a turning point
In 2022, Anika Nilles joined Jeff Beck’s live band for a European tour. The guitarist praised her precision across over 60 performances.
The experience with Beck highlighted her ability in high-level settings, influencing her selection for Rush.
Lee mentioned discovering her recordings through a bass technician who worked with Beck.
Secret rehearsals in 2025 sealed the partnership, focusing on adapting to the progressive repertoire.
Recognitions solidify expertise
Specialized publications have repeatedly awarded Nilles. In various years, she topped rankings like best rising star and educator in DRUM! and Music Radar.
She placed second in fusion and first in clinics, per Modern Drummer.
These awards reinforce her technique in complex rhythmic signatures, aligned with Rush’s style.
Tour preparations advance
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson began rehearsals with Nilles and the traditional technical team. The shows plan to expand with additional musicians to enrich the sound.
Each performance will vary the setlist, prioritizing hits like “Tom Sawyer” and “YYZ.”
The tour honors Peart with an explicit dedication, including visual elements of his legacy.
Fans can register for pre-sale on official websites until October 9.
