Rush Redux 2026

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SUMMARY

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have officially reformed Rush for a 2026-2027 reunion tour, including 24 European and South American shows added to 58 North American arena dates. The tour features Anika Nilles, a 42-year-old German drummer, replacing the late Neil Peart after a rigorous audition process. Nilles was recommended by Lee’s bass technician based on her work with Jeff Beck. The tour kicked off with performances at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, showcasing full setlists and live recordings with Nilles on drums.

PREREQUISITES

  • Knowledge of Rush’s band history and lineup changes
  • Familiarity with Neil Peart’s drumming style and legacy
  • Understanding of live rock concert tour logistics and setlist structuring
  • Awareness of contemporary drumming techniques and notable drummers like Anika Nilles

NEXT STEPS

  • Research Anika Nilles’ drumming style and previous collaborations, including Jeff Beck tours
  • Explore Rush’s 2026-2027 tour setlists and live performance reviews
  • Study the impact of replacing iconic band members on legacy rock tours
  • Analyze fan and critical reception of Rush’s reunion performances with the new lineup

USEFUL FOR

Fans of Rush, rock music historians, concert promoters, and musicians interested in band dynamics and legacy preservation during reunion tours.

Astronuc
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Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson apparently decided reform Rush for a new road tour in 2026-2027.

Lifeson came over to Europe for some health checks, and Lee decided to come with him. Once they were here, they decided they may as well talk to some journalists about Rush’s upcoming R50 reunion tour, and the decision to add 24 European and South American shows to the 58 arena dates they’d already announced for North America (they’ll play the UK in March 2027).


https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/27/rush-geddy-lee-alex-lifeson-interview
There remained one problem: the drum stool. Peart wasn’t just a notable drummer; he was perhaps the most distinctive and technically adept rock drummer of his and most other generations. He was many fans’ favourite member of Rush. And he wrote the lyrics. Lee and Lifeson nod when I suggest that replacing him is a little like telling a young ball player he’s in for Babe Ruth.

“Go out there and take a swing, kid!” Lifeson says, laughing.

The drummer they have chosen is 42-year-old Anika Nilles, from Germany. Lee’s bass tech had recommended her, after working on a Jeff Beck tour she played on. After a video call, she came to Canada last March for a week of auditions.

I saw Rush in concert about 50 years ago.
 
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Astronuc said:
I saw Rush in concert about 50 years ago.
1988, Hold your fire, tour.
 
IMG_20260228_070542_771~2.webp
 
"notable drummer; he was perhaps the most distinctive and technically adept rock drummer of his and most other generations"

Absolutely disagree with that. There was nothing special about his technique. He was great for Rush, that's it for me.
 
Rush - Tom Sawyer - 50 Something Tour - Opening Night LA KIA Forum



RUSH - YYZ - Kia Forum - 6-7-26 - Inglewood Los Angeles


RUSH - THE SPIRIT OF RADIO - Kia Forum - 6-7-26 - Inglewood Los Angeles



Rush @ Kia forum Inglewood California 6/7/26 set 1


Rush @ Kia Forum Inglewood California 6/7/26 set 2 and encores


Rush ** FULL SHOW ** First w/ Anika Nilles, Complete Audio with 100% Anika Cam, LA June 7, 2026
(comments has the set-list with timestamps)