Rush announces a new tour. WAIT–WHAT?
This was not an announcement anyone was expecting to start the week.
When Neil Peart died, the general consensus among everyone–including Geddy and Alex–was that Rush was done. They’d been a team since 1975. Who could possibly fill The Professor’s spot behind the kit? Like with The Tragically Hip, Rush fans had resigned themselves to the fact that the band’s era was over.
Well, not so fast.
Geddy and Alex kept jamming together and showing up in different places, including for a special South Park-themed concert outside of Denver, and of course, the Taylor Hawkins tributes. But these were regarded as one-off special events. Any mention of anything permanent was quietly shot down.
Once again, not so fast.
Just after 10 am ET today. an email from Live Nation popped into my inbox.
Wow. Just…wow.
Naturally, the first thing I did was scroll through the rather lengthy press release to find out who will be on drums. Danny Carey of Tool? Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater? Maybe Herb Alexander now that he’s no longer with Primus?
Nope. The first lineup change in 50 years will include 42-year-old German Anika Nilles. She comes from Jeff Beck’s band and a family of drummers. She’s also a YouTuber who has posted all kinds of instructional videos, plus she’s worked as an instructor at a number of schools. She’s also got a band called Nevell. If you want to get up to date on her resume, check out the albums Pikalar (2017) and For a Colourful Soul (2020).
This was her cover feature on Modern Drummer.
VERY cool. And no pressure. None at all.
There will also be a touring keyboardist this time (identity TBA), which Geddy and Alex say will allow them to move down front “and perform their dance moves.”
Here’s what Geddy has to say about the Fifty Something tour.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage. 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 fucking miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of RUSH music. So in 2026 my BFF Lerxst (aka Alex Lifeson) and I are going to hit the road once again to pay tribute to our past and to Neil by performing a vast selection of RUSH songs in a handful of cities. No small task, because as we all know Neil was irreplaceable.
Yet life is full of surprises, and we’ve have been introduced to another remarkable person; an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey. Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated RUSH fanbase, whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role. Before we hit the stage, we also hope to add another musician or two to expand our sound a wee bit and free up Alex and I, in order to show off some of our new fancy dance steps.
Lerxst, Anika and myself, along with many of our longstanding crew members have been hard at work rehearsing and designing the kind of RUSH show you’ve grown accustomed to expect from us. We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together.”
And before you ask, Neil’s family is totally okay with this. Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter, had this to say.
“We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honor Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist.
Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and power that expanded what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched in the depth and imagination he brought to the lyrics that inspired and moved so many, he profoundly shaped how fans connected with him and the band, giving voice and meaning to their own lives.
As the band enters this new chapter, it promises to be truly unforgettable. We are excited to see how their new vision unfolds, and to hear this legendary music played live once again.”
There’s also this video message.
Sun Jun 07 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
Tue Jun 09 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
Thu Jun 18 Mexico City, MX Palacio de los Deportes
Wed Jun 24 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
Fri Jun 26 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
Thu Jul 16 Chicago, IL United Center
Sat Jul 18 Chicago, IL United Center
Tue Jul 28 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Thu Jul 30 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Fri Aug 07 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
Sun Aug 09 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
Thu Sep 17 Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena
Tickets? Read this from the press release.
Fans will be able to participate in the RUSH Artist Presale by signing up here by Thursday, October 9 at 11:59pm ET. Artist Presales for this tour are hosted by multiple ticketing sites but anyone who signs up can join the sale. For Artist Presales on Ticketmaster, no code is needed – access is tied to your account. The Artist Presale on SeatGeek for Cleveland will require a code. The Artist Presale begins on Monday, October 13 at 12PM local time in the US and Canada and Thursday, October 16 at 12PM local time in Mexico. General onsale begins here on Friday, October 17th at 12pm local time for the US & Canada, and 11am local time for Mexico.
Additionally, these pre-sales will be available:
- American Express for Canada: American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets for the Toronto show before the general public beginning Friday, October 10 at 12pm local time through Sunday, October 12 at 11:59pm local time.
Rush invites fans to get closer than ever with three elevated offerings: an all-new VIP program, the first-ever 2112 Platform Experience, and curated Travel Packages for fans making a trip to see the show.
For VIP: http://wearesuper.co/rushvip
For Travel: http://wearesuper.co/rushtravel
And there’s still more: RUSH 50, a 50-track super-deluxe anthology, which Geddy and Alex call “an epic saga, that functions equally well as an introduction for the uninitiated or a companion piece for the super fan.” It’s available here.
