Rush Officially Announce 2026 Reunion Tour With New Drummer Anika Nilles, Celebrating Fifty Years of Music and Legacy
Rock legends Rush have officially announced their long-awaited 2026 reunion tour, marking their first live performances in over a decade. The tour, titled “The Fifty Something Tour,” will see founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson return to the stage alongside acclaimed German drummer Anika Nilles, ushering in a powerful new chapter for the iconic Canadian band.
The emotional announcement comes more than ten years after Rush’s final show on their R40 Live Tour, and four years after the heartbreaking loss of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Now, Lee and Lifeson are reuniting to celebrate the band’s extraordinary fifty-year legacy — and to honor Peart’s memory with a tour that embraces both reflection and renewal.
In an official statement, Geddy Lee shared, “It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. After some serious soul searching, we realized we truly miss it. This tour is our way of celebrating fifty-something years of Rush music, our friendship, and the fans who’ve stood by us.”
Lee also introduced Anika Nilles as the band’s new drummer, praising her talent and spirit: “Life is full of surprises, and we’ve been introduced to an incredible musician who’s adding a new chapter to our story. Her name is Anika Nilles, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the stage with her.”
The upcoming tour will feature an expansive setlist spanning Rush’s vast catalog — from early prog-rock classics to arena anthems like Tom Sawyer, Limelight, and The Spirit of Radio. Fans can expect the signature musicianship, intricate visuals, and storytelling that have made Rush one of the most respected and influential rock bands in history.
With production already in motion, Lee, Lifeson, and Nilles are working closely with longtime Rush crew members to design a show that lives up to the band’s legendary reputation. The Fifty Something Tour will kick off in North America in summer 2026, with select dates and cities to be revealed soon.
