Rush Returns for a Milestone 2026 Tour
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are back on stage, marking a landmark moment for Rush fans around the world. The band announced a special 2026 headline tour titled “Fifty Something,” a celebration of Rush’s 50-plus years of music, their enduring legacy, and the life of the late Neil Peart. This tour also signals the first time Lee and Lifeson have performed together in eleven years, dating back to the concluding dates of the R40 tour in 2015.
A New Chapter: Anika Nilles Joins the Hall-Of-Fame Trio
A key element of the Fifty Something tour is the introduction of Anika Nilles as the touring drummer. Known for her work with Jeff Beck and a prolific solo career, Nilles brings a powerful, musical sensibility to Rush’s complex catalog. Geddy Lee explained that meeting her and hearing the revived life in Rush’s songs gave him confidence that the band could honor their history while embracing a new musical voice. Lifeson echoed that sentiment, highlighting the depth and richness of Rush’s music and the excitement of performing it with a fresh drummer who still respects the band’s legacy.
Celebrating Neil Peart’s Legacy
The setlists for Fifty Something will honor Neil Peart, whose drumming and lyric writing defined Rush for decades. Both Lee and Lifeson stressed that while Peart’s absence is irreplaceable, the new project aims to celebrate his memory every night. A portion of the shows will remain a tribute to Peart, ensuring the audience experiences the emotional arc of Rush’s most beloved era even as the live act evolves with Anika Nilles on drums.
Two Sets, Diverse Repertoire
Fans can expect two full sets each night, with a rotating selection drawn from a catalog of about 35 songs. The band plans to tailor each show by night while maintaining a core tribute to Peart. The live presentation will feature a broader sonic palette as Lee and Lifeson collaborate more fluidly with Nilles, enabling updated arrangements without losing the band’s iconic sound.
Tour Details and Tickets
The Fifty Something tour runs across seven cities in North America, including a return to Los Angeles at the Kia Forum, followed by dates in Mexico, Texas, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Cleveland. The trip begins June 7, 2026, and spans through September, with venues offering two-show engagements and artist presales opening mid-October before general onsale. Promotional materials note several pre-sale options, including Citi, American Express, and Banamex, with various codes and timelines clearly outlined for eligible fans.
Band and Fan Perspectives
Lee and Lifeson spoke to the joy of reconnecting with Rush’s live audience, acknowledging the challenge of reassembling a tour capable of doing justice to their decades of work. The musicians emphasized that the show will honor their past while exploring a renewed, dynamic live experience. The family of Neil Peart has publicly expressed support for the tour, underscoring the significance of keeping his memory alive through music.
Legacy and Beyond
Rush’s impact on rock and progressive music remains monumental. With more than 45 million albums sold worldwide and a string of nominations and honors, the band’s influence endures across generations. The Fifty Something tour represents not only a celebration of a storied catalog but also an invitation to new listeners to experience Rush live and to longtime fans to revisit the band’s remarkable journey.
What to Expect Next
As the tour unfolds, fans should expect a blend of classic Rush anthems, deep cuts, and fresh arrangements that showcase the chemistry between Lee, Lifeson, and Anika Nilles. The “evening with” format promises an intimate yet expansive listening experience, with the potential for additional musicians to join and further expand the sound.
