Rush announces 2026 reunion tour with new drummer Anika Nilles

Rush to reunite in 2026 for the “Fifty Something” tour, their first since Neil Peart’s death, with Anika Nilles

Legendary rock band Rush is officially reuniting for a 2026 world tour, marking their first live performances since the death of iconic drummer Neil Peart in 2020.

The tour, titled “Fifty Something,” will celebrate the band’s 50-year legacy while honoring Peart’s memory.

Frontman Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson confirmed the news during a private fan event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, revealing that the tour will feature acclaimed German drummer Anika Nilles, known for her work with Jeff Beck. The duo described the decision as “difficult but healing,” saying that playing Rush songs again “dispelled the dark clouds.”

The “Fifty Something” tour begins June 7, 2026, with two nights at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, followed by stops in Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and a final show in Cleveland on September 17. Each city will feature multiple performances, offering fans an immersive celebration of Rush’s music and legacy.

Lee and Lifeson emphasized that the new tour is not “Rush 2.0” but a tribute to their past and to Peart, with plans to include live tributes to the late drummer throughout the show. They also hinted at adding a keyboardist to enhance the live sound and “free up space” for both musicians onstage.

Tickets for the tour go on presale October 13, with general sales beginning October 17 through Ticketmaster and regional partners. Fans can expect over two hours of music, deep cuts, and a heartfelt tribute to one of rock’s most influential drummers.

The return of Rush promises to be both a celebration and a farewell, honoring the band’s enduring impact on rock history.