By MARKO JOVANOVIC
IN A monumental announcement that’s sent shockwaves through the rock and metal world, the surviving members of Canadian prog-rock icons Rush have revealed plans for a reunion tour in 2026. This marks their first tour since the death of legendary drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in 2020. The tour, titled “Fifty Something”, will span 12 dates across seven cities, kicking off in June at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and wrapping up in Cleveland in September.
The big question on every fan’s mind, however, is who will take on the near-impossible task of filling Peart’s shoes behind the drum kit. The answer? German drumming prodigy Anika Nilles, a name that may not be familiar to casual fans but is well-known among drum enthusiasts. Nilles, who has previously toured with the late Jeff Beck, was handpicked by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson after a series of inspiring rehearsal sessions.
“How do we replace someone who is irreplaceable?” Lee said in a video accompanying the announcement. “I had heard from Scully, my bass tech, about this drummer named Anika Nilles. He mentioned how talented and powerful she was. When Alex and I played with her, it felt like our songs were coming back to life. That’s when I knew we could do this and do it justice.”
Nilles, who boasts over 225,000 YouTube followers, has been drumming since childhood and is celebrated for her technical precision and musicality. Despite her impressive resume, which includes her debut album Pikalar and a stint with Jeff Beck in 2022, she remains a fresh face to many rock fans. Lee and Lifeson are confident Rush’s loyal fanbase will embrace her. “We could not be more excited to introduce her to our fans, whom we know will give her every chance to live up to that near-impossible role,” Lee said.
The tour also marks a significant shift for Rush, who have famously avoided adding new members to their lineup since Peart joined in 1974. Even when the band incorporated keyboards into their sound, Lee managed to juggle bass, vocals, and keyboard duties without bringing in additional musicians. This time, however, the band is open to expanding their live lineup, hinting at a new chapter in their storied career.
The “Fifty Something” tour follows the release of Rush 50, a greatest hits collection that dropped earlier this year. The album fittingly concludes with the final songs the band performed during their last show in 2015.
Peart’s widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and daughter, Olivia Peart, expressed their support for the tour in a joint statement. “Neil’s musicianship was singular. As the band enters this new chapter, it promises to be truly unforgettable. We’re excited to see how their vision unfolds and to hear this legendary music live again.”
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