UPDATE TO BELOW STORY.....
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are reuniting as Rush next summer for 12 dates in seven cities -- New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Fort Worth, Cleveland, Toronto and Mexico City. The dates are quite spread out so expect them to add more.
Joined by drummer Anika Nilles from Jeff Beck's band, the Fifty Something Tour will be the first time Geddy and Alex have toured together in 11 years since the finale of Rush's R40 tour on August 1st, 2015 at the Forum in Los Angeles, which is where this tour will start on June 7th.
Geddy says, “It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil [Peart]. 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 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. Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated Rush fan base, 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.”
And the tour has the approval of Peart's widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and their daughter, Olivia, who say, "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.”
Rush will perform multiple shows in seven cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico, with Geddy saying, "We'll see how that goes." These special “evening with” shows will find the band playing two sets each night. Each show will feature a distinct selection of songs and Rush will build each night’s set list from a catalog of 35 songs including greatest hits and fan favorites.
Tickets go on sale Friday at Rush.com. The dates are as follows, and are all subject to change.
- 6/7+9 - Los Angeles, CA - Kia Forum
- 6/18 - Mexico City, MX - Palacio de los Deportes
- 6/24+26 - Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena
- 7/16+18 - Chicago, IL - United Center
- 7/28+30 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
- 8/7+9 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena
- 9/17 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Arena
ALSO....IF YOU WERE WONDERING HOW ANIKA NILLES GOT THE GIG......
In a November 2023 Guardian interview, Rush's Geddy Lee noted that we were living "in a time rich for great drummers." He name-checked Tool's Danny Carey and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Then he mentioned a far less familiar player: "I heard this drummer the other day, I think her name is Anika [Nilles]. She played on the last Jeff Beck tour and I thought was she was terrific."
Whether Lee knew it or not a that time, it turns out Nilles is the person who would help him and guitarist Alex Lifeson feel confident enough to reunite for the first Rush tour since Neil Peart's 2020 death.
Read More: How Anika Nilles Became Rush's New Drummer
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WE KNOW....WE KNOW. WE CAN'T BELIEVE IT EITHER.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductees, GRAMMY® Award-nominated icons, and RUSH Co-Founders Geddy Lee [bass, keys, vocals] and Alex Lifeson [guitar, vocals] have announced their return to the stage for a very special 2026 headline tour, Fifty Something, in celebration of RUSH’s music, legacy, and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. It notably marks the first time Lee and Lifeson have toured together in eleven years since the finale of RUSH’s R40 Tour on August 1, 2015 at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA, bringing it full circle with a return to the Forum to embark upon these special shows.
WHO'S PLAYING DRUMS?
For Fifty Something, Lee and Lifeson will be accompanied by German drummer, composer, and producer Anika Nilles, who has performed as Jeff Beck’s drummer for over 60 shows and has released four solo albums. Check out Anika's skills in the below video!
RUSH WILL BE LIVE AT DICKIES ARENA IN FT. WORTH FOR TWO SHOWS: JUNE 24, 2026 AND JUNE 26TH, 2026.
FAN PRESALE: NOW. GO HERE https://livemu.sc/rush
PUBLIC ON SALE: OCTOBER 17TH.
WIN TICKETS TO THE 6/24 SHOW EVERY DAY THIS WEEK AT 750AM ON THE BO AND THEM SHOW!