Watch: Anika Nilles Rush’s New Drummer Opens Her First-Ever Australian Tour with a Powerful Show in Melbourne

First Australian Show

Award-winning fusion drummer Anika Nilles opened her first Australian tour on November 30 at Max Watts in Melbourne, performing with her six-piece band NEVELL. Fan-filmed video from the show is now online. The concert marked a major moment in her career, happening while she prepares to play with RUSH next year on their surprise reunion run, titled “Fifty Something.” The tour connects with her fourth album “False Truth,” released on September 12.

Germany’s Nilles started her professional music path at age 26 and built her name through online videos, tours, and awards. She gained more than 20 million views for performances that blended musical and rhythmic ideas. She has toured with Jeff Beck, played headline shows, and built a strong fan base.

Style and Musical Approach

Nilles plays drums with a focus on melody, building ideas that often sit in other parts of the band. She moves around the kit with confidence, showing timing and control. Her sound mixes jazz, funk, rock, pop, and other styles. Live, her approach is built on “percussive instrumentation on a whole new level.” Her personality on stage shows through her expression as she performs with energy and focus.

In a recent interview with CBC News, Geddy Lee talked about the return of RUSH. He confirmed that the tour will be the first official set of shows under the RUSH name in 11 years. It begins at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Nilles will join Lee and Alex Lifeson on stage. Lee said about touring again: “Well, I’m a bit overwhelmed right now, to be honest… but very exciting — very exciting.”

Learning the RUSH Catalog

Lee explained why Nilles was selected after the passing of Neil Peart in 2020. He said: “How do we replace the irreplaceable, so to speak?” He credited his bass tech Skully for introducing her name. After a week of playing in Canada, Lee and Lifeson felt confident: “Yeah, she’s just a tremendous player.”

Lee shared that adapting to the RUSH catalog takes work: “So at times she was a bit overwhelmed, but she’s an incredibly hard worker. She’s got great technical facility and she’s just got a really positive attitude.”

What Comes Next

Lee said the tour will feature two sets each night: “I don’t think we can do a three-hour show… but we’re certainly gonna play over two hours.” Nilles’ role will celebrate the band’s history: “pay homage to our lost brother and represent the songs and celebrate the songs.” Lee added that Peart’s family supports the tour.