Rush Announce Surprise Reunion Tour with Drummer Anika Nilles
After years of speculation and the profound loss of their legendary drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart, the Canadian progressive rock icons Rush have officially announced their return to the stage.
Co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson revealed plans for a limited "Fifty Something Tour" in 2026, marking the band’s first live performances since 2015 and the beginning of a new chapter featuring a "remarkable" new drummer: the highly acclaimed German virtuoso, Anika Nilles. The news has sent seismic waves through the rock world.
The possibility of Rush continuing without Peart, who passed away in 2020 after a battle with brain cancer, had been publicly ruled out by the surviving members on several occasions. However, as Lee stated in the official announcement, the decision came after "serious soul searching," concluding that they "fucking miss it" and that it was time for a celebration of the band’s half-century legacy.
Nilles, a German drummer, composer, and educator, steps into what Lee himself described as a "near impossible role". Known for her intricate rhythmic techniques, complex time signatures, and powerful command of the kit, Nilles gained prominence through her work with the late guitar legend Jeff Beck, as well as her popular YouTube channel and solo career.
Lee and Lifeson disclosed that they had secretly brought Nilles to Canada for rehearsals sessions that were initially just an experiment to see if the chemistry was right. The results were undeniable. Lee praised Nilles’ musicality and her ability to handle the band’s demanding catalog, emphasizing that she brings a fresh perspective to the music.
The upcoming "Fifty Something Tour" is scheduled for a limited run of dates across North America and Mexico, kicking off in Los Angeles in June 2026. The shows will feature two full sets drawn from an extensive 35-song repertoire spanning the band’s 19 studio albums, giving audiences both classic tracks and deeper cuts.
Crucially, the reunion has the blessing of Peart’s family. His widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and daughter, Olivia, issued a joint statement expressing their support for the tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honor Neil’s extraordinary legacy.
While no drummer could ever truly replace the irreplaceable Neil Peart, Rush’s decision to move forward with Anika Nilles is a powerful testament to the enduring vitality of their music.
The reunion is poised to be a complex, emotional and musically daring tribute to their past, while simultaneously writing a bold new page in the storied history of Canadian rock. Lee and Lifeson have also hinted at adding other supporting musicians to expand their sound a little bit, allowing them more freedom on stage.
For a generation of fans who thought they’d heard the last of Rush live, 2026 now promises a momentous and surprisingly progressive new beginning.
Photo: PatiPatah
