Key Points
- Rock legends Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are reuniting as Rush for a North American tour in the summer of 2026.
- The tour, named “Fifty Something,” is a tribute to the band’s legacy and their late drummer, Neil Peart.
- Award-winning German composer and drummer Anika Nilles will join the band for the tour.
- Peart’s family has given their full blessing and support for the reunion.
A Legendary Return to the Stage
In a move that has thrilled rock fans worldwide, Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have announced they will return to the stage for a reunion tour in the summer of 2026. Dubbed the “Fifty Something” tour, the series of concerts will be a grand celebration of the band’s iconic music, their enduring legacy, and the life of their legendary drummer and lyricist, the late Neil Peart, who passed away in 2020.
Introducing Anika Nilles
The monumental task of filling the drum throne falls to Anika Nilles, an acclaimed German composer, producer, and drummer known for her work with the late Jeff Beck. Lee and Lifeson revealed that Nilles was brought in for an “experiment” rather than a formal audition, and the musical chemistry was immediate. The decision marks a new chapter for the band, with Lee stating they are “excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated RUSH fanbase.”
A Difficult But Joyful Decision
The announcement was made during a surprise event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Lee acknowledged the “very difficult decision” to tour without Peart, calling him irreplaceable. However, after jamming together again, the founding members rediscovered the joy in their music. “We were laughing so hard, and we were enjoying it so much, and it was almost like playing those songs dispelled the dark clouds,” Lee explained.
Crucially, the tour has received the full support of Peart’s widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and his daughter, Olivia, who expressed their excitement to see the legendary music played live once again.
What to Expect from the “Fifty Something” Tour
Fans can anticipate shows lasting over two hours, with the band planning to rehearse around 35 songs to vary the setlist between nights. The tour will kick off in Los Angeles on June 7, 2026, the same venue as their final show in 2015, before hitting several major North American cities. Lee assured fans that Peart would be honored throughout the trek, stating, “Our idea was not to try to be Rush 2.0… [We want] to pay homage to our music, pay homage to our lost brother, represent the songs — and celebrate the songs.”
Image Referance: https://variety.com/2025/music/news/rush-reunion-tour-2026-geddy-lee-alex-lifeson-new-drummer-1236540828/
