Rush Announces 2026 Reunion Tour with New Drummer Anika Nilles
After 11 years of hiatus, legendary Canadian rock band Rush is set to reunite for a 2026 tour, dubbed the “Fifty Something” tour. Founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson revealed the news on October 6, 2025, along with the announcement of Anika Nilles as the band’s new drummer. This tour will mark the band’s first performances since the passing of iconic drummer Neil Peart in 2020.
The Tour
The “Fifty Something” tour will kick off on June 7, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, with multiple shows scheduled across seven cities in North America, including Los Angeles, Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Cleveland. Each city will host two shows, except for Mexico City and the final date in Cleveland. The concerts will feature a two-set format, showcasing a vast selection of Rush songs from their 35-song setlist, including hits like “Tom Sawyer” and “New World Man”.
Anika Nilles – The New Drummer
Anika Nilles, a German drummer, composer, and producer, will join Rush as their new drummer. With experience performing with Jeff Beck and releasing four solo albums, Nilles brings a fresh dynamic to the band’s classic sound. Geddy Lee expressed his excitement about introducing Nilles to Rush’s loyal fanbase, acknowledging the “near impossible role” she’ll play in filling Neil Peart’s legacy.
Tribute to Neil Peart
The tour will also serve as a celebration of Neil Peart’s life and legacy. Lee and Lifeson emphasized that the tour is a tribute to their past and to Peart, who was an integral part of Rush’s success. Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter, expressed their support for the tour, highlighting the band’s music as a source of inspiration for generations of fans.
Tickets and Presales
Tickets for the tour will go on sale on October 17, 2025, with various presale options available, including Rush’s artist presale, Citi cardmember presale, and American Express cardmember presale for Canadian shows.
Rush’s Future Plans
While the band hasn’t confirmed any plans for new music, Lee mentioned the possibility of adding another musician or two to the lineup to expand their sound. This could potentially include a keyboard player, allowing Lee and Lifeson to explore new aspects of their performance.
With the “Fifty Something” tour, Rush is poised to once again deliver an unforgettable experience for their fans, honoring their legacy while embracing the future with Anika Nilles on board
