Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee surprised fans by announcing that Rush is back on the road and have already revealed their first 2026 tour dates. In a long video, the childhood friends and bandmates for more than 50 years said that, over the past few years, when they participated in tribute shows playing songs from the band, they felt the power of the tracks they had recorded during their career and how great it was to perform them and see the fans’ reactions. That experience is what ultimately made them decide to play live again.
They also addressed the question everyone has been asking: who will play drums? Lee wondered how they could possibly replace the irreplaceable late drummer Neil Peart. The answer is Anika Nilles, a 42-year-old German drummer who first gained fame with her YouTube channel. She has released multiple solo albums and has won several awards from specialized drumming magazines over the years. The return has the blessing from Neil Peart’s daughter and widow.
Rush 2026 tour dates
June
- 7 – Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
- 9 – Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
- 18 – Mexico City, MX. Palacio de los Deportes
- 24 – Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
- 26 – Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
July
- 16 – Chicago, IL United Center
- 18 – Chicago, IL United Center
- 28 – New York, NY Madison Square Garden
- 30 – New York, NY Madison Square Garden
August
- 7 – Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
- 9 – Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
- 17 – Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena
What Geddy Lee said about Rush’s comeback
“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,” Geddy Lee said.