Shocker Of The Day: RUSH Are Going Back On Tour Next Year With The Blessing Of Neil Peart's Family
File this under things I truly never thought I would see: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of RUSH are coming out of retirement and hitting the road next year with the blessing of the late Neil Peart's family, and German drummer Anika Nilles will be behind the kit for all twelve dates of the tour.
My immediate gut reaction to this news was that it obviously feels a bit wrong to call a band without Neil Peart "RUSH" considering his contributions and legacy overall - but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't get tickets in a heartbeat.
Here is Geddy Lee's statement about the decision to tour....
“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’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 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.”
....and here is the statement of Peart's widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia Peart....
“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's last tour was in 2015, and they still sounded amazing and went out with a bang; I still listen to the 'R40' live album to this day….
Since the passing of Neil Peart, Geddy and Alex have done a few performances with guest drummers, including the South Park concert at Red Rocks….
….and the Taylor Hawkins tribute shows in 2022….
Even though it was clear that they still had a lot left in the tank, I just never imagined they would tour again. I thought maybe they'd make a few surprise spots at award shows and events like this with a rotating cast of drummers.
Embarking on a full 12-date tour is a ballsy, bold step - but again, as someone who never got the chance to see RUSH live, I can promise you I'll be there when they make it to Madison Square Garden.
They're doing it right, with the blessing of Neil's family and goal to pay tribute to "The Professor" at every show - and it'll unquestionably be weird without him back there, but I feel the same way about this that I do Linkin Park carrying on without Chester, or Queen carrying on without Freddie. I think it's better for a version of the thing we loved to exist, than for nothing at all to be around. It won't ever be the same, but that doesn't mean it has to stop. If done right, I think it could be very special. Giving fans the opportunity to see Geddy and Alex on stage together playing some of the most iconic rock n' roll songs ever written is awesome, and I certainly won't take it for granted.
Anika Nilles has some massive shoes to fill, but I've got faith Geddy and Alex knew what they were looking for. Here's a performance of hers from a few years ago….
And for the legend himself, here's a classic Neil Peart drum solo….