The iconic sounds of Canadian rock band RUSH filled the air once again as members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson took the stage for their first public performance in over a decade. The surprise event occurred at the Juno Awards ceremony in Hamilton, Ontario, on Sunday, March 29, marking the debut of their new touring drummer, Anika Nilles. The trio, rounded out by touring keyboardist Loren Gold, opened the show with a powerful rendition of “Finding My Way” from their 1974 self-titled debut album.
The Song Choice and a Touch of Humor
When asked about selecting their opening number, Geddy Lee revealed the process was far from simple. “You really can’t ask us what song to play. If we have to choose one song, it’s almost impossible. We have so many,” Lee explained to reporters. “So we just asked management, and they said first song, first album.” Lifeson lightened the moment with his trademark wit, quipping, “Also, it’s the only song we know how to play.”
Announcing the Massive “Fifty Something” World Tour
This Juno performance served as a thrilling preview for the band’s upcoming “Fifty Something” tour, their first official shows under the RUSH banner in 11 years. The tour will launch in June at Los Angeles’s Kia Forum, the very venue that hosted the final show of their “R40” anniversary run.
Initial demand was unprecedented. The first 22 announced dates for the 2026 leg across Canada, the USA, and Mexico sold out instantly, prompting a rapid expansion. The North American run now comprises 58 shows in 24 cities, with over half a million tickets sold.
Due to overwhelming global demand, RUSH announced in February that the tour will extend into early 2027 with legs in South America and Europe. This will be their first European tour since 2013 and their first visit to South America in 17 years. The European itinerary includes 24 “evening with” performances across 13 countries, featuring two unique sets each night drawn from a deep catalog of over 40 songs.
The Journey Back to the Stage
In an interview, Geddy Lee detailed the organic process that led to this decision. He described jamming with Lifeson, which eventually led to playing RUSH songs. “We got to the point with that where it was either we’re going to follow through on this or we’re never gonna talk about it again,” Lee stated. His conclusion was decisive: “We’re not getting any younger. If we’re gonna do it, let’s do it now.”
Finding the Right Drummer: The Anika Nilles Story
The search for a drummer to follow the late Neil Peart was a monumental task. Lee shared the story of how Anika Nilles was discovered through his bass tech, John “Skully” McIntosh, who had toured with Jeff Beck. McIntosh highly recommended Nilles, praising her immense talent and character. After both Lee and Lifeson independently researched her work, they arranged a quiet, five-day jam session in Canada. Her performance and fit with the band were so exceptional that by the end, they “sort of had a drummer.”
Rigorous Rehearsals and High Expectations
Alex Lifeson emphasized the band’s intense commitment to preparation, noting that their current rehearsal schedule is more extensive than ever. “We just really wanna be at our absolute peak by the time we start the tour in earnest,” he said.
Lee was effusive in his praise for Nilles, acknowledging the immense challenge she faces. “She’s starting from scratch trying to fill the shoes of a guy whose shoes are impossible to fill,” he admitted. “But she’s incredibly, deeply talented… She’s ready to take on the inevitable scrutiny of RUSH fans.” He also expressed gratitude for the warm and welcoming response she has received from the fanbase.
A Response That Surpassed All Expectations
The band was genuinely astonished by the explosive reaction to the tour announcement. Their original plan was for a small series of residencies in six or seven cities. “When we announced it, people went crazy, and we were taken aback,” Lee confessed. The rapid sell-outs forced them to think bigger, leading to the expansive global tour now planned. “It’s a lot to take on,” Geddy admitted. “We haven’t done a tour that big in many years, so we’re just gonna make sure that it is effing note perfect.”
The return of RUSH honors the legacy of their legendary drummer, Neil Peart, who passed away in January 2020 after a private battle with brain cancer. His passing sent shockwaves through the music world, and this new chapter represents a profound and celebratory continuation of the band’s incredible journey.
