Rush Announces 2026 Fifty Something Tour: A Return to Stage with a Nod to Neil Peart
In a surprise return that electrified fans, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson confirmed that Rush will reunite for a 2026 headline tour. Dubbed Fifty Something, the outing will honor the band’s enduring music, celebrate the life and legacy of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, and introduce a fresh voice behind the kit: Anika Nilles, a German drummer and composer who has collaborated with Jeff Beck and released several solo records.
The plan, described by the duo as a celebration rather than a revival, signals a thoughtful approach to merging Rush’s classic sound with new energy. The tour is set to span seven North American cities, opening with two consecutive shows at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on June 7 and June 9. The first two nights in Los Angeles carry a poignant symmetry: Rush’s final concert in 2015 also took place on a stage in the same venue, a circle closed and a new one opened.
A New Era for Rush: Ready to Revisit the Classics
While the passing of Neil Peart in January 2020 left an irrepressible void, Lee and Lifeson have expressed that the decision to tour wasn’t taken lightly. Lee reflected on the difficulty of replacing Peart and acknowledged the emotional weight of returning to the road without him. Yet, he and Lifeson found renewed purpose in reengaging with Rush’s catalog, noting that casual private jamming sessions helped them rediscover joy and camaraderie. The band intends to deliver a show that honors Peart while showcasing the enduring strength of Rush’s music.
A Noteworthy Addition: Anika Nilles Takes the Kit
Drumming duties will be handled by Anika Nilles, whose virtuosic percussion has earned awards and acclaim on the international stage. Nilles has previously toured with Jeff Beck and released four solo albums, bringing a contemporary voice to Rush’s intricate rhythms. The lineup marks a strategic blend of Rush’s famed technicality with a fresh, dynamic groove that can translate across generations of fans. Lee and Lifeson have described the addition as a natural fit, signaling a thoughtful evolution rather than a simple mimicry of the band’s classic live identity.
Tour Details: Cities, Dates, and the Setlist Vision
The Fifty Something tour is scheduled to visit seven cities. After Los Angeles, the band heads to Mexico City for a one-off show, followed by multiple dates in Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, and Toronto. The tour will culminate with a single show in Cleveland on September 17. An informed fan experience is planned, with a broad setlist that could include around 35 to 36 songs to allow nightly rotation while maintaining the breadth of Rush’s career. In keeping with the band’s thoughtful approach, Lee hinted that the show could feature a keyboard player to expand the sonic palette and give Lifeson more room to stretch in his guitar work and even show off some new “dance steps.”
Ticket information has begun circulating, with artist presales available to fans who sign up ahead of the specified deadline. The Cleveland date will be part of a larger marketing push that includes SeatGeek and Ticketmaster access, reflecting the contemporary reality of major arena tours balanced with fan-first opportunities.
Neil Peart’s Legacy: Honoring the Drummer and Lyricist Night After Night
Lee and Lifeson have made it clear that Peart’s memory will be honored throughout the tour, with tributes woven into the performances “at least a couple of times during the show in our own way every night.” The Fifty Something moniker nods to Rush’s long career and the lasting impact of Peart, whose storytelling, precision, and lyrical depth defined a generation of rock listeners. Peart’s family—his widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia—expressed their support for the tour as a celebration of the music and its enduring influence, underscoring the shared sense of history and community among Rush’s inner circle and fans alike.
Past Meets Present: What Fans Can Expect
Audiences should anticipate a live experience that respects Rush’s intricate musicianship while embracing a new dimension with Anika Nilles at the drum kit and a potential additional keyboardist. Lee’s public commitment to delivering a robust two-hour-plus show suggests a comprehensive exploration of Rush’s catalog, from early multi-part suites to later anthems, all delivered with the discipline fans have come to expect. The Fifty Something tour is not about recreating the past verbatim but about reinterpreting it for a modern audience, with a sense of celebration and a continued reverence for Neil Peart’s artistry.
Ticketing and Onsale: How to Secure Your Seat
Presales are available to fans who register in advance, with artist presales on Ticketmaster accessible without a code, linked to fan accounts. Cleveland’s SeatGeek presale may require a code. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for official tour links and venue information, as schedules and on-sale times can shift as the event approaches.
Rush’s Fifty Something tour marks a major moment in rock history: a well-considered re-entry into live performance that honors the band’s legacy while inviting a new generation to experience Rush in a live setting. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Lee’s bass lines, Lifeson’s guitar textures, and Peart’s irreplaceable impact—reimagined for a contemporary era while staying true to the music that made Rush a cornerstone of the rock landscape.
