Rush Thank Fans for Support and Praise Anika Nilles After 2025 Tour Kickoff

In a heartfelt video posted to social media, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush thanked fans for their overwhelming support and for warmly embracing drummer Anika Nilles, who will join the band for their highly anticipated 2026 reunion tour.

“The way you guys have welcomed Anika Nilles into the Rush family has been very heartwarming,” Lee said. “I know that she’s very appreciative of that, and we’re even more excited to get back on stage, play with her, and work through the plethora of songs we’re planning.”

Nilles steps into the role of the late Neil Peart—Rush’s legendary drummer and lyricist—marking a bold and emotional new chapter for the iconic Canadian band.

Tour Demand Prompts Expansion

Rush’s Fifty Something tour has generated a staggering response. The first round of shows sold out within hours last week, prompting the band to add 17 more dates. The expanded tour will now cover 40 shows across additional cities.

Tickets for the newly announced dates go on sale Friday, October 31, with an artist presale beginning Monday, October 27. Details on how to access the presale are available on the official Rush website.

Despite more than five decades of experience, Lee and Lifeson admitted they were stunned by the reaction. “We are blown away by the response to the announcement we made a few weeks ago that we’re going back on tour,” said Lee. “And I cannot tell you how surprised and overwhelmed we are.” Lifeson echoed the sentiment, adding:

“We’re totally blown away by the response.”

Anika Nilles Reflects on Joining Rush

Anika Nilles, who will take the drum throne for the upcoming tour, shared her own reflections in a social media post on October 9. Understandably emotional, she expressed gratitude to both the band and the fans.

“The past few days have been quite overwhelming. I’m sure many of you feel the same,” she wrote. “I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Geddy and Alex for their trust and for welcoming me on this incredible new journey with Rush.”

She also acknowledged the outpouring of support from the Rush community and her longtime followers:

“I don’t want to miss the chance to warmly welcome all the new faces here and to thank you for your kind and open-minded words—they truly mean a lot. At the same time, I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has followed and supported my journey over the years. We’re all in this together now, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.”

As Rush prepares to return to the stage, the momentum behind their comeback—fueled by long-time fans and new listeners alike—signals a powerful new era for the band, with Anika Nilles poised to help carry their legacy forward.