Rush announces a 2026 reunion tour in a moment that’s rocking fans once more
Fans of the iconic Canadian rock trio Rush will be thrilled by news that Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are reuniting for a 2026 tour, dubbed Fifty Something. The venture marks a highly anticipated return to the stage for the band’s core duo—longtime bassist/vocalist Lee and guitarist Lifeson—since the death of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in 2020 and Rush’s final 2015 concert. The tour is framed as a tribute to Peart and a celebration of Rush’s enduring legacy, with a fresh chapter led by an innovative new drummer, Anika Nilles.
Who is behind the drums and what to expect on stage
The touring lineup features Anika Nilles, a German composer and drummer known for her intricate, groove-driven approach. Nilles has shared stages with artists like Jeff Beck and released multiple solo records. Her appointment continues Rush’s tradition of collaborative, high-precision musicianship, while Lee and Lifeson focus on the broad, ambitious catalog that fans expect—songs from the band’s four-decade-plus career, performed with renewed energy and respect for their late drummer’s contribution.
What the tour is about
The Fifty Something tour is described by the band as a “celebration of Rush’s music, legacy, and the life of Neil Peart.” It’s not billed as Rush 2.0; rather, it’s an homage that honors the past while inviting new interpretations of beloved tracks. Lee has spoken about the emotional complexity of returning to Rush’s material, noting that the project began as a series of private rehearsals that rekindled their love for the music and helped calm the shadows left by Peart’s absence.
Tour logistics and the setlist
Rush’s 2026 schedule spans seven North American cities, beginning with two consecutive Los Angeles shows at the Kia Forum on June 7 and 9. The run then visits Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and concludes in Cleveland on September 17. The setlist is expected to feature roughly 35–36 songs, with the possibility of rotating selections to keep performances fresh from city to city. While marathon-length shows aren’t anticipated, Lee has confirmed that the band will play well over two hours each night, with tributes to Peart woven throughout the performances.
Tributes to Neil Peart
Neil Peart’s widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and his daughter, Olivia Peart, issued a joint blessing for Fifty Something. Their support underscores the tour’s intent: to celebrate Peart’s extraordinary contribution as a drummer and lyricist while allowing Rush’s surviving members to honor his memory with the songs they all created together.
Health, collaboration, and onstage dynamics
In Cleveland, Lifeson disclosed that health concerns had once raised doubts about a reunion, but expressed renewed enthusiasm upon re-engaging with Rush’s material. Lee and Lifeson have publicly acknowledged that reuniting is a serious decision, given the weight of carrying Peart’s legacy. The two admitted they have enjoyed “reacquainting” themselves with Rush material and finding the process both challenging and exhilarating. Co-starring are also plans for a supplemental keyboard player to enrich the live sound, and an expanded crew to support the evolving production.
Ticketing and how to access presales
Rush fans can take part in artist presales by signing up for updates before the specified deadline. General presale details include separate access rules for Ticketmaster and SeatGeek; fans should check official Rush channels for the exact codes and instructions tied to their accounts. Availability is limited, and tickets are expected to move quickly for a tour that promises to reintroduce Rush to a new generation while delighting longtime devotees.
A celebration of a band’s enduring legacy
Lee’s statement captures the spirit of Fifty Something: a heartfelt tribute to a unique band and a chance to celebrate a catalog that has shaped rock for generations. The reunion is not merely nostalgia; it’s a living, evolving performance that honors the past and invites audiences to experience Rush anew—with a modern twist that respects their history while embracing fresh artistry.
Full list of dates and venues
June 7 & 9 — Los Angeles, CA (Kia Forum) • June 18 — Mexico City, MX (Palacio de los Deportes) • June 24 & 26 — Fort Worth, TX (Dickies Arena) • July 16 & 18 — Chicago, IL (United Center) • July 28 & 30 — New York, NY (Madison Square Garden) • August 7 & 9 — Toronto, ON (Scotiabank Arena) • September 17 — Cleveland, OH (Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse). Exact times and on-sale information are subject to change; fans are advised to follow official Rush announcements for last-minute updates.
With a new drummer in the fold, a fresh stage dynamic, and a setlist that honors Rush’s storied past while pushing the envelope, Fifty Something is poised to reintroduce one of progressive rock’s most enduring acts to audiences around the world.
