Rush Reveal Major 2026 Expansion, Ushering In a Bold New Era

Published Oct 7, 2025 By Dowell

via Rush / youtube

Rush is officially reuniting for a tour in 2026—but the band isn’t stopping there. Alongside the announced Fifty Something tour, the iconic prog rock group has hinted at further plans to evolve their live setup.

The upcoming tour will feature founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, joined by drummer Anika Nilles. Nilles, known for her work with the late Jeff Beck, steps in following the passing of Rush’s original drummer, Neil Peart, in January 2020.

In a recent press release, Lee revealed that the band is considering adding more musicians to the live lineup. “We’d like to bring in another musician or two to broaden the sound a little,” he said. “It would also give Alex and me a bit more freedom on stage—to show off some of our fancy new dance steps,” he joked.

Lee expanded on the idea during a private event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on Sunday. Reflecting on their performances at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts, he said:

“When we did those gigs, Greg Kurstin played keyboards, and God, that was just so nice for me—not being stuck in one spot. We’re still finalizing the details, but that’s the direction we’re heading.”

Support From Peart’s Family

Nilles’s role in the tour has received a heartfelt endorsement from Neil Peart’s family. In a statement, Peart’s widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia praised his artistic legacy while expressing support for the band’s new chapter.

“Neil’s musicianship was one of a kind,” they wrote. “His compositions were powerful and complex, expanding the expressive potential of rhythm itself. As both a drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. He profoundly shaped how fans connected to the band, giving voice and meaning to their lives through his words. As Rush enters this new era, we’re excited to see how their vision takes shape—and to hear this legendary music brought to life on stage once again.”