Rush have simply introduced a particular 2026 headline tour – their first in 11 years.
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will return to the stage for the Fifty One thing run subsequent summer season, joined by Anika Nilles on the drums (who Geddy calls a “exceptional particular person” and an “unbelievable drummer”). They’ll carry out two units per night time at choose venues in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with the promise that every present they’ll construct the setlist ‘from a list of 35 songs together with their best hits and fan favourites’.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I’ve carried out the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and good friend Neil,” says Geddy. “A lifetime’s value of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and enjoying collectively onstage. And so, in any case that has gone down since that final present, Alex and I’ve executed some severe soul looking and are available to the choice 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 highway as soon as once more to pay tribute to our previous and to Neil by performing an enormous number of Rush songs in a handful of cities. No small process, as a result of as everyone knows Neil was irreplaceable.
“But life is filled with surprises, and we now have been launched to a different exceptional particular person; an unbelievable drummer and musician who’s including one other chapter to our story whereas persevering with her personal fascinating musical journey. Her identify is Anika Nilles, and we couldn’t be extra excited to introduce her to our loyal and devoted Rush fanbase, whom, we all know, will give her each probability to dwell as much as that close to unimaginable function. Earlier than we hit the stage, we additionally hope so as to add one other musician or two to develop our sound a wee bit and unencumber Alex and I, with a purpose to exhibit a few of our new fancy dance steps.
“Lerxst, Anika and myself, together with lots of our longstanding crew members have been exhausting at work rehearsing and designing the form of Rush present you’ve grown accustomed to count on from us. We dearly hope you’ll come alongside and assist us have fun our historical past collectively.”
In the meantime, Neil Peart’s widow and daughter, Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, add in a collective assertion: “We’re thrilled to help the Fifty One thing tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and impressed followers for generations, and to honour Neil’s extraordinary legacy as each a drummer and lyricist. Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and energy that expanded what rhythm itself might specific. As each drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched within the depth and creativeness he delivered to the lyrics that impressed and moved so many, he profoundly formed how followers related with him and the band, giving voice and which means to their very own lives. Because the band enters this new chapter, it guarantees to be actually unforgettable. We’re excited to see how their new imaginative and prescient unfolds, and to listen to this legendary music performed dwell as soon as once more.”
Watch the announcement video under: