Rush to Tour in 2026 with New Drummer Anika Nilles

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson revealed Monday that Rush is returning to the stage in 2026, rehearsing around 35 songs for a North American tour. Dates currently span June through September in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, including two Toronto shows in August.

The legendary Canadian rock band has not performed together since 2015. Plans for a reunion seemed unlikely after drummer Neil Peart’s death in January 2020 from glioblastoma. German drummer Anika Nilles will join Lee and Lifeson on tour, bringing experience from her solo projects and her time in Jeff Beck’s touring band.

Honoring Neil Peart

Lee acknowledged the difficulty of replacing Peart, calling him “irreplaceable,” but said rehearsals with Nilles have sparked new energy. Lifeson added that each performance will include a tribute segment to honor Peart.

“It’s going to be beautiful to celebrate him every single night,” Lifeson said.

Side Projects and New Lineup

Since Peart’s passing, Lee and Lifeson have occasionally performed together for tribute shows, including homages to Gordon Lightfoot and Taylor Hawkins. Lee released his autobiography in 2023, while Lifeson put out two albums with his project Envy of None.

The upcoming "Fifty Something" tour may also feature a fourth musician, likely a keyboardist, deviating from Rush’s classic power trio setup.

A Lifelong Partnership

Lee and Lifeson, both 72, first met in junior high in North York, Ontario. They bonded over bands like Cream and The Who, eventually forming Rush around 1970. After original drummer John Rutsey left in 1974, Peart joined, becoming both the band’s drummer and primary lyricist.

Rush earned Juno Awards for most promising group in 1975 and group of the year in 1978 and 1979. With hits like Fly By Night, Closer to the Heart, and Tom Sawyer, they transitioned from supporting acts to headliners in arenas and stadiums worldwide.

Despite personal tragedies in the late 1990s, Peart returned to tour in 2001, performing until 2015. Lee’s memoir My Effin’ Life detailed his complex feelings toward Peart, who had chosen to step back to spend time with his family.

Legacy and Accolades

Rush became the second Canadian group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Their honors also include the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (1994), Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), and the 2012 Governor General’s Performing Arts award for lifetime artistic achievement.