RUSH Explain What Inspired Their 2025 Return to Touring

Canadian rock legends Rush have announced their first tour in over a decade, marking a poignant yet triumphant return. The limited run of dates, dubbed the Fifty Something tour, will kick off on June 7, 2026, in Los Angeles, reuniting founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson alongside new drummer Anika Nilles.

Reflecting on the Past: Moving Forward Without Neil Peart

On October 5, the eve of the official announcement, Lee and Lifeson sat down for an intimate conversation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Speaking with The Washington Post’s Geoff Edgers before an audience that included longtime collaborators, media, and devoted fans, the duo candidly discussed the complexities of reuniting after the loss of their longtime bandmate, Neil Peart.

Peart, who passed away in January 2020 following a private battle with brain cancer, was not only the band’s drummer but also its primary lyricist and an irreplaceable creative force.

Lifeson reflected on the period after their 2015 R40 tour:

“It was tough for Neil, and he had enough. By then, Geddy and I still had energy and wanted to keep going, but it was what it was. The more time passed, the more I thought, ‘We had 40 years. I’m tired of hotels and being away from family.’ That was how I felt for most of the last decade. We had a great legacy, and that was enough.”

Yet when Lee brought fresh enthusiasm to the idea of playing together again, Lifeson found himself rekindling his passion for the band’s challenging music:

“We started playing some Rush songs again, and I realized how much I loved it. After doing it for 40 years, you don’t think about how complex and nuanced the music is. Being away made me appreciate that challenge all over again. The more we rehearsed, the more I fell in love with the idea of playing together again.”

The Weight of Loss and the Joy of Rediscovery

Lee described the emotional and practical hurdles involved in deciding to tour again.

“It was a very hard choice for many reasons—both because of the work involved and what had happened. Losing Neil was devastating, and it took time before we even thought about playing live again. For a long time, it was out of the question.”

He recalled how informal jam sessions between him and Lifeson gradually reignited their love for their music:

“We would joke around, have coffee, and play for fun. One day, we started playing Rush songs and laughed so much. It was like those songs lifted the weight off our shoulders. That began in 2022 during the Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts, when we first played on stage with another drummer. It reminded us these songs are part of us forever.”

Lifeson’s health also played a role in delaying the reunion.

“Al had been dealing with health problems for years, but now he’s pretty healthy. His excitement about playing again was contagious. We started talking seriously, checking in with our manager and others about what touring these days would be like. It was a tough call, but now it feels right, and we’re ready.”

Honoring Neil Peart and Welcoming Anika Nilles

The band has tapped drummer Anika Nilles, known for her work with Jeff Beck, to fill the immense void left by Peart. Lee expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from Peart’s family, which has helped make the reunion possible.

“Carrie Nuttall and Olivia Peart have been incredibly supportive, and we’re grateful for that. It means a lot.”

The band’s first performance will take place at the Kia Forum, the very same venue where Rush played their final concert with Neil Peart in 2015, making the occasion especially meaningful. Lee emphasized that throughout the tour, they plan to honor their late bandmate in heartfelt ways:

“After Neil’s passing and the onset of the pandemic, we never really had the chance to hold a proper tribute. This tour is our way of paying homage—not only to Neil’s groundbreaking drumming and profound lyrics but also to the legacy he helped build with us. It’s about celebrating the music that has connected us all over the years and acknowledging the fans who have stood by us through thick and thin. We’re committed to giving our absolute best on stage, delivering a performance that will resonate deeply with audiences and honor the spirit of Rush.”

Tickets for the Fifty Something tour are available for registration until October 9, with the artist presale set to begin on October 13. The general public can purchase tickets starting October 17. Fans are encouraged to visit Rush’s official website for all the latest details and updates.