Rush drummer **Anika Nilles** has shared a heartfelt message of gratitude following the whirlwind response to her joining the legendary band for their highly anticipated **“Fifty Something Tour”** in 2026.
The German drummer, known worldwide for her precision, groove, and musicality, will step into one of the most revered roles in rock history — sitting behind the drum kit once occupied by the late, great **Neil Peart**. On Monday, **Geddy Lee** and **Alex Lifeson** officially announced Rush’s return to the stage, sparking a wave of excitement that saw the North American tour quickly expand from 12 to 23 dates due to overwhelming demand.
In a new Instagram post shared Thursday, Anika opened up about the emotional impact of the past few days:
> “Hey there, the past few days have been quite overwhelming. I’m sure many of you feel the same. I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Geddy and Alex for their trust and for welcoming me on this incredible new journey with Rush. I also don’t want to miss the chance to warmly welcome all the new faces here and to thank you for your kind and open-minded words — they truly mean a lot.”
She continued,
> “At the same time, I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has followed and supported my journey over the years. We’re all in this together now, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.”
Fans have praised Anika for her humility, talent, and respect for Neil Peart’s legacy. While no one can replace the iconic drummer, her joining symbolizes a new chapter for Rush — one built on love for the music and the enduring spirit of the band.
Rush’s **2026 reunion tour** promises to be one of the most talked-about events in rock history.
