Rush Announces 2026 Fifty Something Reunion Tour
Music legend Rush is making a highly anticipated return, announcing a 2026 reunion tour billed as Fifty Something. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are stepping back onto the stage to celebrate Rush’s storied legacy and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Joining the duo on drums for this run is Anika Nilles, a German drummer and composer noted for her inventive percussive approach and recent collaborations with top-tier artists.
Honoring Neil Peart While Celebrating the Band’s Legacy
The tour is described as a tribute to Peart and a broader celebration of Rush’s impact on rock and progressive music. Lee emphasized that Peart remains irreplaceable, and the ensemble will honor his memory throughout the shows. Lifeson echoed the sentiment, noting that reconnecting with Rush material has rekindled the band’s excitement and renewed their creative energy.
Meet the New Drummer: Anika Nilles
Replacing Peart is Anika Nilles, an award-winning German musician who has toured with Jeff Beck and released four solo albums. Nilles was introduced to the project in a somewhat secretive fashion, described by Lee as an “experiment” that clicked. Her presence is expected to bring a fresh rhythmic dimension while preserving the intricate Rush articulation fans expect.
Tour Details: Cities, Dates, and Venues
The Fifty Something tour will hit seven North American cities, beginning with two LA shows at the Kia Forum on June 7 and June 9. The run then includes a single show in Mexico City, followed by multiple performances in Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, and Toronto before concluding in Cleveland on September 17. Notably, the Kia Forum hosts Rush’s final live appearance from 2015, giving the opening two nights a symbolic resonance.
Full Schedule
- Sun Jun 7, Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
- Tue Jun 9, Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
- Thu Jun 18, Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
- Wed Jun 24, Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
- Fri Jun 26, Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
- Thu Jul 16, Chicago, IL – United Center
- Sat Jul 18, Chicago, IL – United Center
- Tue Jul 28, New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
- Thu Jul 30, New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
- Fri Aug 7, Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- Sun Aug 9, Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- Thu Sep 17, Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Ticket information indicates an artist presale via Ticketmaster and SeatGeek, with specific codes required for Cleveland’s SeatGeek presale. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the Rush artist presale before the deadline to maximize access to seats.
Context and Reception
Rush’s 2026 reunion follows a period of onstage collaborations and private rehearsals that helped Lee and Lifeson rediscover the chemistry that defined their decades together. The duo has publicly stated that the aim is not to recreate Rush as it was, but to honor the music and Neil Peart’s legacy while exploring a slightly expanded sound with an additional keyboardist. The inclusion of a new drummer, a refreshed setup, and careful setlist planning suggests a balanced approach that respects tradition while inviting new energy.
What This Means for Fans
For longtime Rush fans, Fifty Something offers a chance to revisit a catalog that spans four decades, from early power-rock to progressive epics. The planned two-hour-plus performances, with a rotating setlist of 35–36 songs, promise varied experiences on different nights and a live show that respects the band’s complex musical language. Lee’s commitment to honoring Peart’s memory while celebrating Rush’s future underscores the emotional resonance of this tour.
About the Announcement
The news emerged at a private Rock & Roll Hall of Fame event in Cleveland, where a casual interview with Lee and Lifeson preceded the formal confirmation. The event also highlighted Rush’s enduring influence and the broader story of their rise to global stardom, including the band’s early U.S. breakthrough tied to WMMS and the station’s role in introducing Rush to a wider audience. As the tour approaches, fans can look forward to a concert experience that nods to the past while inviting new chapters in Rush’s ongoing story.
