Rush will celebrate a milestone anniversary by hitting the road next year for the first time since the 2020 death of legendary drummer Neil Peart. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, who are both now 72, will be joined for the shows by new drummer Anika Nilles, who previously played with Jeff Beck and has released four solo albums.
The Fifty Something tour will begin June 7 in Los Angeles and run through Sept. 17 in Cleveland. Rush will play two sets each night selected from a pool of 35 songs, including hits and rarities. Click here for tickets.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” says Lee. “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,” he continues. “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.”
Lee and Lifeson have performed together on a handful of occasions since Peart’s death, most notably for two 2022 tribute concerts in memory of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
“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,” said Peart’s widow Carrie and daughter Olivia. “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.”
Here are Rush’s tour dates:
June 7, 9: Los Angeles (Kia Forum)
June 18: Mexico City (Palacio de los Deportes)
June 24, 26: Fort Worth, Tx. (Dickies Arena)
July 16, 18: Chicago (United Center)
July 28, 30: New York (Madison Square Garden)
Aug. 7, 9: Toronto (Scotiabank Arena)
Sept. 17: Cleveland (Rocket Arena)
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