Rush. – Foto: instagram @ Rush.
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, co-founders of the Canadian band Rush, announced on Monday (6) their return to the stage with a summer 2026 tour. The series of shows, named Fifty Something, marks the group’s first live performance in 11 years and honors the musical legacy and life of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who passed away in January 2020 due to complications from glioblastoma. The tour begins in June in the United States and includes stops in Mexico and Canada, with 12 dates across seven cities.
The decision came after personal reflections by the musicians, who considered the void left by Peart, a member since 1974. The shows will be formatted as full evenings, with two sets each, selected from a 35-song repertoire, including hits and fan-favorite tracks. The new lineup features German drummer Anika Nilles, 42, who takes on the challenging role previously held by Peart.
The announcement took place during a private event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on Sunday night. There, Lee and Lifeson showcased induction speeches and performances by the band and revealed the news in an informal conversation with selected journalists and fans.
Tour dates and venues
The Fifty Something tour kicks off on June 7, 2026, with two nights at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, a symbolic venue where Rush played their final show with Peart in 2015. The schedule continues to Mexico City on June 14 and moves to multiple nights in key North American cities.
Fort Worth hosts shows on June 21 and 22, while Chicago gets performances on June 28 and 29. New York follows with dates on July 5 and 6, and Toronto, the band’s hometown, will have shows on July 12 and 13.
The tour includes two more nights in Los Angeles on July 19 and 20, before concluding with a single concert in Cleveland on September 17. Ticket sales for Citi members in the US begin on October 10, with general sales starting October 13.
Anika Nilles chosen for drums
Anika Nilles, an award-winning German composer and producer, joins the tour following a recommendation from John McIntosh, Lee’s bass technician who worked with Jeff Beck. Nilles, who performed over 60 shows with Beck, has released four solo albums and gained prominence on YouTube in the 2010s for her complex rhythm techniques.
Lee praised Nilles’ musicality in a recent interview, noting her ability to handle irregular time signatures, a hallmark of Rush’s sound. The drummer, who began playing at six, received awards from Modern Drummer Magazine and DRUM!, including second place as the best fusion drummer in 2017.
Lifeson mentioned that rehearsals with Nilles reignited his passion for the band’s repertoire, with technical challenges energizing the process. The three musicians, along with the original crew, are preparing productions faithful to the band’s progressive style.
Nilles’ addition represents a new chapter without replacing Peart, extending Rush’s sound. Fans have expressed excitement on social media, praising her versatility in jazz, fusion, and prog rock.
Preparations and recent history
Since Peart’s death, Lee and Lifeson pursued separate activities but collaborated on tributes. In 2022, they performed at events honoring Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters, and in 2021, they played with Les Claypool at a South Park event.
Lifeson released material with his shoegaze band Envy of None, while Lee published books about his baseball memorabilia collection, including “72 Stories” in 2024. In March 2025, Rush released the “Rush 50” album, a 50-track anthology closing with live recordings from their final 2015 show.
- Rehearsals include 35 potential songs for varied sets.
- Production retains Rush’s classic visual and sonic elements.
- The tour focuses on celebration, with no live recordings initially announced.
Lee emphasized in a homemade video the emotion of revisiting the catalog, describing the shows as a tribute to the past and Peart. The current lineup prioritizes technical precision, with Nilles adapting to the intricate style.
Tribute to Neil Peart’s legacy
Neil Peart, who joined Rush in 1974, contributed poetic lyrics and epic drum solos on albums like “2112” and “Moving Pictures.” His departure in 2015 due to health issues ended a 40-year era.
The tour incorporates elements of his influence, with selections highlighting his compositions. Peart sold over 25 million albums worldwide, earning three Grammys and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
Lee and Lifeson consulted Peart’s family before the announcement, ensuring alignment with the intent to celebrate his memory. The Cleveland event included displays of band-related museum items.
The initiative reflects Rush’s resilience, formed in 1968 in Toronto, with over 50 years of a career marked by innovation in progressive rock.
Initial fan reactions
Fans reacted with surprise to the announcement, highlighting the symbolism of the Kia Forum as the starting and ending point. Social media posts praise Nilles for her energy and skill, anticipating dynamic sets.
Expectations are growing for potential European extensions, though the focus remains on North America. Tickets are selling out quickly in pre-sales, signaling pent-up demand since 2015.
The official statement, via the band’s newsletter, included a video of Lee and Lifeson in a home studio, reinforcing the authenticity of the return. The tour promises immersive evenings, aligned with Rush’s tradition of long shows.
