Rush Extend Reunion Tour to 2027; Watch Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Appear Together With Anika Nilles
via Rush / YouTube
A Return to the Stage
This summer marks the start of one of the year’s most talked-about tours. Rush will launch the Fifty Something tour, bringing bassist and singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson back to the stage. They will be joined by drummer Anika Nilles.
The concerts will honor the band’s long history and pay tribute to late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who died in 2020. A short video interview featuring Lee, Lifeson, and Nilles has been released, giving fans a look at rehearsals and their thoughts before the shows begin.
Growing Demand and New Dates
The first round of dates quickly sold out, including multiple nights in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Toronto. Because of what promoters called “incredible demand,” more stops were added across North America. The schedule now stretches through late 2026, with many arenas filled to capacity.
The band has also confirmed performances in South America, the United Kingdom, and Europe in 2027. It will be their first time playing several of those regions in years. Keyboardist Loren Gold, known for his work with The Who and Chicago, will join the touring lineup. Lee told Planet Rock, “We also have hired a keyboard player who’s going to be coming on the road with us. He’s played with the Who for the last 12 years or more and also Chicago, and he’s a real veteran. So we’re excited to bring him on board and our first rehearsal with him starts very soon.”
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Why They Came Back
Lee spoke openly about what led to the reunion.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage. And so, after all that has gone down since that last show, Alex and I have done some serious soul searching and come to the decision that we fucking miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of RUSH music. So in 2026 my BFF Lerxst (aka Alex Lifeson) and I are going to hit the road once again to pay tribute to our past and to Neil by performing a vast selection of RUSH songs in a handful of cities. No small task, because as we all know Neil was irreplaceable.
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. 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. Before we hit the stage, we also hope to add another musician or two to expand our sound a wee bit and free up Alex and I, in order to show off some of our new fancy dance steps.
Lerxst, Anika and myself, along with many of our longstanding crew members have been hard at work rehearsing and designing the kind of RUSH show you’ve grown accustomed to expect from us. We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together.”
Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart added:
“We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honor Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist.
Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and power that expanded what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched in the depth and imagination he brought to the lyrics that inspired and moved so many, he profoundly shaped how fans connected with him and the band, giving voice and meaning to their own lives.
As the band enters this new chapter, it promises to be truly unforgettable. We are excited to see how their new vision unfolds, and to hear this legendary music played live once again.”
