Rush Tour Drummer Anika Nilles Joins Legendary Band for Historic 2026 Reunion — A Bold New Era Begins

Rush Announces “Fifty Something” Tour Dates

The upcoming Rush tour—aptly named “Fifty Something”—will begin on June 7, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles and will feature 12 concerts across seven major cities in North America. The band will perform in:

The shows are expected to feature two full sets each night, blending fan-favorite classics with deep cuts from across Rush’s catalog. Founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have promised audiences a “powerful celebration of music, memory, and friendship.”

Who Is Anika Nilles, the New Rush Tour Drummer?

The appointment of Anika Nilles has sparked enormous excitement and curiosity among fans. Known for her intricate timing and creative flair, Nilles has carved a reputation as one of the most technically gifted drummers of her generation.

Born in Aschaffenburg, Germany, in 1983, Nilles grew up in a family of musicians. Before joining the professional scene, she studied social work and later earned a degree in popular music. Over the past decade, she has become a respected artist through her solo projects, live performances, and collaborations with legends such as Jeff Beck.

Her discography includes several standout albums such as:

• Pikalar (2017)

• For a Colorful Soul (2020)

• Opuntia (2022)

• False Truth (2025)

Nilles has also served as an educator with Drumeo and Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, inspiring a new generation of drummers worldwide.

How Anika Nilles Was Chosen to Join Rush

Choosing a new drummer for Rush was no small task. The shadow of the late Neil Peart, one of rock’s most innovative drummers, still looms large. Peart’s death in 2020 from brain cancer left fans and bandmates grieving deeply. For years, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson avoided discussions of touring again — until now.

According to several interviews, Lee first discovered Nilles in 2023 after seeing her live performance videos online. He later described her as “a musician who plays with precision, grace, and an understanding of emotion beyond technique.” Lifeson echoed this, calling her addition “a natural evolution, not a replacement.”

The band auditioned several drummers before agreeing that Anika Nilles was the perfect fit to carry Peart’s legacy forward — not by copying his style, but by bringing her own creative pulse to Rush’s sound.

Fans’ Expectations for the 2026 Rush Tour

With Rush returning to the road for the first time since 2015, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the band will sound with Anika Nilles on drums. Early reports suggest the performances will honor the band’s past while exploring new musical directions.

Highlights expected from the setlist include:

• “Tom Sawyer”

• “YYZ”

• “The Spirit of Radio”

• “Limelight”

• “Subdivisions”

• “2112 (Overture)”

There are also hints of unreleased material and reworked arrangements, giving longtime followers something fresh to anticipate.

A Fresh Chapter in Rush’s Legacy

The Rush tour drummer Anika Nilles announcement has ignited both nostalgia and anticipation. While the decision carries emotional weight for those who revere Neil Peart’s memory, many fans see this as a respectful continuation rather than a replacement.

Rush’s willingness to evolve while honoring their roots shows a band that still has something to say — and play. With Anika Nilles bringing her innovative rhythms and contemporary touch, the 2026 reunion could redefine how legendary acts approach the idea of rebirth.

The stage is set for a milestone moment in rock history — one that blends the heart of Rush’s past with the promise of its future.