Rush Announces Fifty Something Tour: A Landmark Return
Rock legends Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced a limited 12-date, seven-city return to the road next year, dubbing the venture the Fifty Something tour in tribute to the band’s enduring legacy. The tour is dedicated to the memory of their late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who passed away in 2020 after a private battle with brain cancer. The kickoff date is set for June 7 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles—the very venue where Rush played their final show with Peart in August 2015.
New Chapter, New Drums: Anika Nilles Joins the Band
In a bold and historic move, German drummer Anika Nilles will join Rush on stage for the 12-date run. Nilles, 41, is known for her technical prowess and mastery of complex time signatures, a hallmark of Rush’s music. She has also backed guitar legend Jeff Beck in recent years. Lee and Lifeson describe the appointment as a way to honor Peart while expanding the group’s sonic palette. “As we all know, Neil was irreplaceable,” Lee said in a press release. “Life is full of surprises, and we’ve been introduced to another remarkable person.”
Lifeson echoed that sentiment, noting the band’s mission to celebrate their history while welcoming a fresh voice to the stage. The collaboration marks one of the most talked-about lineup changes in rock’s veteran circles, signaling a forward-looking approach after years of public debate about reviving Rush without Peart.
A Celebration, Not a Replication
The Fifty Something tour, as described by the band, is less about reviving a past era and more about celebrating the music Rush has created over five decades. Lee and Lifeson have long debated the viability of touring again without Peart. Even as late as May, Lifeson publicly expressed skepticism about finding a fit that could honor Rush’s legacy. The new plan reframes that conversation: with Nilles aboard and additional backing musicians to expand the sound, the duo aims to deliver performances that feel fresh while staying true to Rush’s identity.
A Personal, Family-Endorsed Return
The announcement has a personal resonance for Rush fans. Paul McCartney reportedly encouraged the duo to hit the road again, underscoring the magnetic pull of the band’s chemistry. The news also carried emotional weight for Peart’s family. Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia offered their full support for the tour, underscoring the project’s emphasis on Neil Peart’s extraordinary legacy as both drummer and lyricist. “Neil’s musicianship was singular,” they stated, and their endorsement signals a cooperative, fan-focused approach to the comeback.
Tour Details and Setlist, Plus a New Era
Rush plans to present each show as two sets drawn from a pool of 35 songs, mixing greatest-hits staples with fan favorites. The approach offers a balance between nostalgia and discovery, with an emphasis on delivering a robust live experience for long-time fans and newcomers alike. In a nod to modern touring, Lee and Lifeson also unveiled a plan to welcome additional musicians to their lineup for the run, “to expand our sound a wee bit” and keep performances engaging as the musicians age gracefully on the road.
What This Means for Rush’s Legacy
The Fifty Something tour marks a significant moment in rock history: a veteran duo revisiting a storied catalog with a newer drummer while acknowledging the irreplaceable impact of Peart. The tour’s 12 dates across seven cities will give fans a concentrated window into a new chapter of Rush’s ongoing story. The broader release of Rush 50, a 50-track anthology, complements the live experience by offering a comprehensive look at the band’s career for both longtime devotees and curious newcomers.
Important Dates and Access
Artist presales begin October 13, with general on-sale starting October 17. Additional details about venues and exact city stops will be released by the band’s team in the coming weeks, with fans eager to secure seats for a show that promises to be both a tribute and a vibrant return to the stage.
