Paul McCartney Reportedly Encouraged Rush to Reunite for New Tour

Rush fans have long wondered if bassist-vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson would ever perform again under the iconic band’s name following the death of legendary drummer Neil Peart in 2020. Now, it seems a conversation with another music icon—Paul McCartney—may have helped turn that possibility into reality.

In a 2023 interview with The Washington Post, Lee revealed that a 2022 encounter with McCartney at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert played a pivotal role in reshaping how he and Lifeson viewed the future of Rush.

After performing at the Hawkins tribute shows—where a rotating cast of drummers filled in behind the kit—Lee and Lifeson received an outpouring of love from both fans and fellow musicians. One of those musicians was McCartney, who approached them at the afterparty and offered some unexpected advice.

“He came over to us and congratulated us,” Lee recalled. “It had been a taboo subject, and playing those songs again with a third person was the elephant in the room, and that kind of disappeared. It was nice to know that if we decide to go out, Alex and I—whether we went out as part of a new thing, or whether we just wanted to go out and play Rush as Rush—we could do that now.”

From Hesitation to Confirmation

For years, the idea of performing as Rush without Neil Peart had felt off-limits. The drummer wasn’t just a bandmate—he was an essential piece of the trio’s musical and philosophical identity. But something shifted for Lee and Lifeson during the Hawkins tribute events, where they played Rush classics with guest drummers and saw just how meaningful those songs still were to fans.

“After the shows, Alex was really excited as offers started coming in,” Lee said. “But at the time, he was dealing with some health issues after stomach surgery, so we had to hold off. He needs to feel good and feel healthy and strong. And then maybe we have a discussion.”

That discussion clearly happened. Rush has officially announced their return to touring—with German drummer Anika Nilles joining them onstage.

Rush in 2026: A New Chapter Begins

The reformed lineup will hit the road in 2026 for a full-scale tour, starting June 7 in Los Angeles and wrapping up September 17 in Cleveland. With Nilles behind the kit, the band is poised to reinterpret Rush’s music for a new era—while still honoring the legacy of their fallen friend and drummer.

While some fans may hesitate at the idea of Rush without Peart, Lee and Lifeson are not attempting to replace him—they’re paying tribute by keeping the music alive.

The upcoming tour marks not just a return, but a renewal. Rush is stepping back onto the stage, not to rewrite history, but to celebrate it—with the encouragement of one Beatle, the blessing of fans, and the spirit of Neil Peart never far behind.

For full tour dates and ticket information, fans can visit Rush’s official website.

RUSH: Fifty Something 2026 Tour Dates
June 07 — Los Angeles, Calif. @ Kia Forum
June 09 — Los Angeles, Calif. @ Kia Forum
June 18 — Mexico City, Mexico @ Palacio de los Deportes
June 24 — Forth Worth, Texas @ Dickies Arena
June 26 — Forth Worth, Texas @ Dickies Arena
July 16 — Chicago, Ill. @ United Center
July 18 — Chicago, Ill. @ United Center
July 28 — New York, N.Y. @ Madison Square Garden
July 30 — New York, N.Y. @ Madison Square Garden
Aug. 07 — Toronto, Ontario @ Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 09 — Toronto, Ontario @ Scotiabank Arena
Sept. 17 — Cleveland, Ohio @ Rocket Arena