Meet Anika Nilles, The New Drummer Brave Enough to Fill Rush’s “Near-Impossible” Role on the 2026 Reunion Tour
via Landesmusikrat Baden-Württemberg e.V. / YouTube
A New Era for Rush
For the first time in over a decade, Rush is preparing to tour again. The legendary rock band will return in 2026 for the “Fifty Something Tour,” marking their first major outing since 2015. Founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced the news in October 2025, revealing that the shows will celebrate “RUSH’s music, legacy and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.”
The upcoming tour will feature a new face behind the drum kit — Anika Nilles, a German drummer who, while not a household name, has earned deep respect within the drumming community. Lee shared the news on the band’s website, praising her addition to the Rush legacy. “Yet life is full of surprises, and we have been introduced to another remarkable person; an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey,” he said. “Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated RUSH fanbase, whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role.”
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A Bold Leap From Teaching to Touring
Before earning a spot on one of rock’s biggest stages, Nilles took an unusual path. In a 2019 interview with Drum Radar, she recalled leaving her stable job in social education to chase her dream of becoming a professional drummer. To refine her skills, she enrolled at Germany’s Pop Academy, where she learned far more than just music.
“While studying at the Pop Academy, my studies weren’t focused on drums only. A big part of the curriculum was on the music business side of things,” she said. “Things like how to promote yourself, how to handle all the office work, taxes for professional musicians, self-employment stuff, social media work and all that stuff. All of this was really helpful in my career.”
In a 2023 essay for Drumeo, Nilles revealed she had spent five years training as a social worker and worked as a preschool teacher before dedicating her life to music. The decision to switch careers was risky but ultimately rewarding.
Touring the World on Her Own
Nilles began making a name for herself through independent drum tours across Europe and the United States starting in 2015. One of her early events took place at DrumShop in Washington, England, where her performance left a strong impression.
“I think it’s fair to say that Anika Nilles was fantastic!” the shop wrote in a blog post on May 11, 2015. “Thank you to everyone who came and I hope you all had an amazing time and was left feeling inspired like the rest of us here at DrumShop. The clinic was held here at DrumShop and it was great to have Anika in the shop.”
Her reputation grew further with a six-day U.S. tour in 2018, which included stops in Chicago and Salt Lake City, Utah, cementing her place as one of the most promising drummers of her generation.
More Than a Drummer — A Composer Too
Beyond her technical talent, Nilles is also a composer, a skill that sets her apart from many of her peers. Speaking again with Drum Radar, she described her creative process. “More or less when I start composing it’s similar to when a band is composing a song together,” she explained. “I start with an instrument, then I do the next one, I put it down for a few days while listening to it, and then I restart the process. I get new ideas and let the song grow.”
Her self-produced compositions and rhythmic creativity caught the attention of music legends — including Jeff Beck, who invited her to join his 2022 tour.
Earning Geddy Lee’s Admiration
By 2023, Geddy Lee himself had taken notice. In an interview with The Guardian, he praised her among the best drummers working today. When asked about potential successors to Peart, Lee replied, “There are so many. We’re living in a time rich with great drummers. I love [Tool’s drummer] Danny Carey’s playing. I love [Red Hot Chili Peppers’] Chad Smith. Very different to Neil, but the man has so much power. I heard this drummer the other day, I think her name is Anika [Nilles]. She played on the last Jeff Beck tour and I thought she was terrific.”
That admiration has now come full circle with her official role in Rush — a position few could imagine filling.
The Power of YouTube
Nilles also credits much of her rise to YouTube, where she has built an international fanbase. In a 2015 interview with Drum! Magazine, she said, “The biggest goal is to share my music and playing with the people. All of my new songs will continue to be released on my YouTube channel in the future. But there will be different categories coming up on the channel this year, including a Live Drums playlist. Also there will be some special videos coming up.”
Her online presence not only showcased her drumming skills but also connected her to the very fans who will now see her play with one of rock’s most legendary bands.
