Get ready, rock fans! The legendary Canadian progressive rock band Rush is making a monumental return to the stage. After years of speculation following the passing of iconic drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in 2020, surviving members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have officially announced the “Fifty Something” tour for summer 2026. This highly anticipated Rush reunion tour 2026 promises to be a heartfelt celebration of their enduring music, cherished legacy, and, most importantly, a tribute to their irreplaceable bandmate. Joining them on this significant journey will be the acclaimed German drummer Anika Nilles, ushering in an exciting new chapter for one of music’s most influential groups.
The Unexpected Return of a Progressive Rock Giant
For years, the prospect of Rush performing live again seemed almost impossible. Following their final concert in 2015 and the devastating loss of Neil Peart to glioblastoma in January 2020, fans believed the curtain had fallen permanently on Rush’s touring career. The release of “Rush 50,” a career-spanning greatest hits collection concluding with their last live songs, only reinforced this sentiment. However, much like a surprising musical flourish from one of their complex compositions, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have delivered an emotional curveball, revealing their decision to return to the stage. This announcement, made during a private event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, caught many by surprise, sparking immediate excitement and anticipation worldwide.
Navigating Grief: Lee and Lifeson’s Difficult Decision
The path to this Rush reunion tour 2026 was paved with profound emotional introspection. Geddy Lee openly described the decision to tour again as “very difficult,” acknowledging the immense work involved and the “devastating” impact of Peart’s absence. For a long period, the idea of live shows without Neil was “out of the question.” The challenge of how to “replace someone who is irreplaceable” weighed heavily on both musicians.
A crucial turning point emerged when Lee and Lifeson began to casually jam on Rush songs together, initially without any specific goal. These private sessions, filled with laughter and camaraderie, proved to be cathartic. Lee fondly recalled, “We were laughing so hard, and we were enjoying it so much, and it was almost like playing those songs dispelled the dark clouds.” Guitarist Alex Lifeson, who had previously faced health issues making touring seem unlikely, found himself re-energized. He expressed renewed enthusiasm for reacquainting himself with Rush’s intricate material, finding it “really, really exciting.” Lifeson also reassured fans of his improved health, declaring himself “pretty effing healthy right now.” Their participation in the 2022 Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts further solidified their desire to perform their music, realizing the deep, inherent connection to their songs.
Anika Nilles: A New Chapter in Rush’s Rhythmic Legacy
The monumental task of finding a drummer capable of handling Rush’s complex repertoire led Lee and Lifeson to Anika Nilles. An award-winning German composer and producer, Nilles’s impressive resume includes touring with Jeff Beck and releasing four critically acclaimed solo albums. She came to the band’s attention via Lee’s bass technician, John “Skully” McIntosh, who had toured with Beck and highly praised her skills.
Intrigued, Lee and Lifeson invited Nilles to Canada for an “experiment” rather than a formal audition. Their musical chemistry was immediate and undeniable. Lee noted the inherent difficulty in this process, stating, “No matter who the drummer is, they all have their own perception of what it’s like to play a Rush song… So whoever we were going to choose was going to be difficult.” Nilles demonstrated not only the technical mastery but also the unique feel and communication required to interpret Rush’s distinctive musical nuances. Lee expressed immense excitement about introducing this “incredible drummer and musician” to the dedicated Rush fanbase, acknowledging the “near impossible role” she steps into.
Honoring the Professor: Neil Peart’s Enduring Spirit
At the heart of the “Fifty Something” tour is a profound commitment to honor Neil Peart. The tour is explicitly described as a “celebration of Rush’s music, legacy, and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.” This sentiment is powerfully reinforced by the full blessing and support from Peart’s family, including his widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and daughter, Olivia. In a joint statement, they expressed their thrill for the tour, recognizing its role in celebrating a band whose music has inspired generations and honoring Neil’s extraordinary contributions as both a drummer and lyricist.
Geddy Lee emphasized that the tour’s intention is “not to try to be Rush 2.0.” Instead, the focus is on paying “homage to our music, pay homage to our lost brother, represent the songs — and celebrate the songs.” Fans can expect a poignant tribute to Peart “at least a couple of times during the show in our own way” every night. This approach underscores the band’s respect for their past while bravely stepping into a new future, ensuring Peart’s spirit remains an integral part of the live experience.
The “Fifty Something” Tour: Dates and Venues
The Rush reunion tour 2026, dubbed “Fifty Something,” is scheduled to hit seven major cities across North America. The tour kicks off with two highly significant nights at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the very venue where Rush played their final show in 2015, adding a powerful layer of historical resonance.
Here’s the anticipated tour schedule:
Sun Jun 7: Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Tue Jun 9: Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Thu Jun 18: Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
Wed Jun 24: Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Fri Jun 26: Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Thu Jul 16: Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Jul 18: Chicago, IL – United Center
Tue Jul 28: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Thu Jul 30: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Aug 7: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sun Aug 9: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Thu Sep 17: Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (originally Rocket Arena)
Crafting the Ultimate Live Experience
Fans attending the “Fifty Something” tour can expect an immersive and extensive musical journey. Lee confirmed that while marathon three-hour sets might not be on the cards, Rush is “certainly going to play over two hours” each night. To keep the experience fresh, they plan to work up “35, 36 songs,” allowing them to switch up the setlist from night to night, ensuring a dynamic mix of greatest hits and fan favorites.
The band also intends to hire an additional keyboard player to augment their sound and provide more space onstage for both Lee and Lifeson. Lee humorously quipped that this would free up Alex, “because Alex loves to dance,” showcasing the enduring camaraderie and lighthearted spirit within the band. Extensive rehearsals with Anika Nilles and many long-standing crew members are already underway, meticulously designing the kind of Rush show fans have come to expect.
Securing Your Spot: Essential Ticket Information
Don’t miss your chance to witness this historic Rush reunion tour 2026! Here’s how to get your tickets:
Artist Presale:
Sign-up: Register here before Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Access: For Ticketmaster presales, access is tied to user accounts (no code needed). SeatGeek for Cleveland dates will require a code.
Begins: October 13, 2025, at noon local time (U.S. and Canada); October 16, 2025, at noon local time (Mexico).
General Onsale:
Begins: October 17, 2025, at noon local time (U.S. and Canada); 11 a.m. local time (Mexico).
Additional Presales:
Citi (U.S. Shows): Cardholders gain access beginning Friday, October 10, 2025, at noon local time through Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. local time. Visit www.citientertainment.com for details.
American Express (Canada): Cardholders can purchase Toronto tickets beginning Friday, October 10, 2025, at noon local time through Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. local time.
Banamex (Mexico City): Presale access varies by card type:
Beyond Banamex: October 13, 2025, 9 a.m. local to 11:59 p.m. local
Elite Banamex: October 14, 2025, 9 a.m. local to 11:59 p.m. local
All Banamex Cards: October 15, 2025, 11 a.m. local to 11:59 p.m. local
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Rush “Fifty Something” tour?
The “Fifty Something” tour for 2026 serves as a profound celebration of Rush’s extraordinary music, their enduring legacy, and the life of their late drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have emphasized that the tour is not an attempt to be “Rush 2.0” but rather a heartfelt homage to their past, their songs, and their “lost brother.” Neil Peart’s family has given their full blessing, recognizing it as an important way to honor his memory and contributions.
How can fans purchase tickets for the upcoming Rush reunion tour?
Fans can purchase tickets for the Rush “Fifty Something” tour through several phases. An artist presale is available by signing up on the official link before Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. This presale begins on October 13 (U.S./Canada) and October 16 (Mexico). General onsale ticketing will then commence on October 17, 2025. Additionally, credit card-specific presales are available for Citi cardholders (U.S. shows), American Express (Toronto), and Banamex (Mexico City) from October 10-15, 2025, depending on the card type and location.
Who is the new drummer for Rush’s 2026 reunion tour, and what is her background?
The new drummer for Rush’s “Fifty Something” tour is Anika Nilles, an acclaimed German composer, producer, and drummer. Nilles is highly regarded for her technical proficiency and expressive style. She previously toured with Jeff Beck and has released four successful solo albums. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson discovered her through Lee’s bass technician and, after a successful “experiment” in Canada, confirmed her exceptional ability to handle Rush’s intricate musical demands, describing her as an “incredible drummer and musician.”
A New Legacy Begins
The announcement of the Rush reunion tour 2026 is more than just news of concerts; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music, friendship, and remembrance. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, alongside the remarkable Anika Nilles, are embarking on a journey to revisit decades of groundbreaking music and share it with a new generation of fans, all while profoundly honoring the indelible legacy of Neil Peart. This “Fifty Something” tour promises to be an emotional, powerful, and unforgettable experience, celebrating the past while bravely embracing a new chapter for one of rock’s most beloved and influential bands. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic musical event.
