Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson Announce RUSH 2026 Tour, Anika Nilles To Play Drums
RUSH co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have announced that they will be returning to the stage in 2026 for a very special RUSH headlining tour dubbed “Fifty Something”. The tour came as a bit of a surprise, as a core member of the iconic rock trio, drummer Neil Peart, passed away in January 2020. The shows will be intended to honor the legacy of the band and Peart, with German drummer/composer/producer Anika Nilles filling in on drums.
In a press release, Geddy Lee stated the following:
“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 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.”
Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter, also shared:
“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.”
This exclusive run of shows will take place from June 7th in Los Angeles to September 17th in Cleveland, OH. Tickets for all dates will go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 17th at 12 PM local time for the US and Canada (11 AM local time for Mexico). You can view the full tour routing below.
June 7th: Los Angeles, CA - Kia Forum
June 9th: Los Angeles. CA - Kia Forum
June 18th: Mexico City, MX - Palacio de los Deportes
June 24th: Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena
June 26th: Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena
July 16th: Chicago, IL - United Center
July 18th: Chicago, IL - United Center
July 28th: New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
July 30th: New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
August 7th: Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena
August 9th: Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena
September 17th: Cleveland, OH - Rocket Arena
