Rush Announces 2026 Tour Fifty Something: A Celebratory Return
Rock pioneers Rush has revealed a highly anticipated 2026 headline tour titled “Fifty Something,” marking a celebratory return to the live stage for co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. The announcement also introduces Anika Nilles, a renowned international drummer, who will join the duo for a new chapter in Rush’s storied live performances. The tour will pay tribute to late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, and it promises to bring the band’s classic catalog to life for both longtime fans and new generations.
A Return to the Forum and the Spirit of Rush
The shows begin June 7, 2026, at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, with additional dates across seven cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After more than a decade since the R40 tour closed in 2015 at the Forum in Los Angeles, Rush is returning to the same venue for a fresh celebration of half a century of music. Lee and Lifeson have described the trek as a chance to honor their musical journey, their late bandmate, and their enduring fanbase.
Two Sets, A Vast Song Catalog
Fans can expect two distinct sets each night, with Rush building a unique setlist from a catalog of about 35 songs. An evening with Rush has always been about contrast—muscle and melody, precision and passion—and the Fifty Something tour aims to preserve that balance. The show will not merely revisit hits but explore fan favorites and deeper cuts, creating an expansive live tapestry that reflects the band’s evolution over decades.
Anika Nilles: A New Chapter
One of the most notable aspects of the announcement is the inclusion of Anika Nilles, a drummer and composer known for her work with Jeff Beck and her own prolific solo career. Nilles will sit behind the kit as Lee and Lifeson explore their expansive catalog, offering a fresh rhythmic voice that respects the original arrangements while allowing room for new musical dialogue. Geddy Lee described how hearing about Nilles catalyzed excitement in the duo, saying, “We could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal fanbase.”
Honoring Neil Peart
The tour foregrounds a tribute to Neil Peart, whose intricate drum parts and lyricism defined Rush for generations. Lifeson noted that the performances will contain a dedicated segment acknowledging Peart’s profound impact, ensuring that the memory of their late bandmate remains a central thread through each night’s program. The band’s leadership and long-standing crew have spent countless hours rehearsing to deliver a show that satisfies both nostalgia and musical ambition.
<h2 What This Means for Rush’s Legacy
Rush’s influence on rock music remains vast, with more than 45 million albums sold worldwide and a reputation for technical prowess, ambitious compositions, and enduring storytelling. The Fifty Something tour underscores the band’s resilience and relevance, inviting a new generation to experience the live power of Rush while offering longtime fans a celebratory homecoming. The project also signals a potential expansion of the live sound, with additional musicians possibly joining the stage to enhance the performance and allow Lee and Lifeson more space for musical exploration and playful stagecraft.
<h2 Tour Details and Availability
The itinerary includes performances in Los Angeles, Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Cleveland, among others. Tickets go on sale in mid-October, with a variety of presale opportunities and exclusive VIP options for fans eager to experience the “Fifty Something” magic firsthand. The tour will feature the band’s signature blend of technical mastery and melodic accessibility, inviting fans to relive a pivotal era of rock history while witnessing a transformative moment in Rush’s ongoing story.
Beyond the Tour: Rush’s Expanded Catalog
As part of their ongoing celebration, Rush recently released the 50-track anthology “Rush 50,” a comprehensive collection that spans the band’s discography from the 1970s to live performances, including the final moments of the R40 era. This release provides a broader context for the Fifty Something tour and invites listeners to rediscover the band’s rich musical journey as they prepare to hear these songs performed live with a modern sensibility.
Conclusion: A Night of Celebration, Reflection, and Renewal
With Anika Nilles joining Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Rush’s Fifty Something tour promises to be more than a nostalgic revival. It is a celebration, a tribute, and a forward-looking reinvention that honors Neil Peart’s legacy while inviting fans to participate in a new chapter. As Rush steps back onto the stage, they offer a reminder that great music transcends time, continuing to unite listeners across generations.
