In what might be the most anticipated comeback of the decade, RUSH are preparing to return to the live stage. Bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson will reunite under the RUSH banner for the "Fifty Something" tour, with German drummer and composer Anika Nilles stepping into the role previously held by the late, great Neil Peart.
The tour launches June 7 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles and spans seven cities across 12 dates. The shows will celebrate RUSH's extraordinary legacy while honoring the memory of Peart, who passed away in January 2020 after a private battle with brain cancer.
Nilles comes with impeccable credentials. The German musician toured with the legendary Jeff Beck and has built a substantial following through her own solo work and educational content. According to Lifeson, Nilles exceeded all expectations during rehearsals. "She nailed all those songs by the fifth day of rehearsals," the guitarist marveled, a testament to both her talent and the complexity of RUSH's catalog.
The connection came through an unexpected channel — Geddy Lee's bass tech Scully discovered Nilles and brought her to the attention of the band's founding members. The chemistry was apparently immediate, leading to the announcement of the tour.
For RUSH fans who thought they would never see the band perform live again, the "Fifty Something" tour represents a dream scenario. While no one can replace Neil Peart, Nilles brings her own formidable skill set to the drum throne, ensuring that classics like "Tom Sawyer," "The Spirit of Radio," and "YYZ" will be performed with the precision and power they demand.