New Rush Drummer Anika Nilles Says It’s “Truly an Honour” to Join Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson on Their Monumental 2026 Reunion Tour — “I Know I Have Big Shoes to Fill”
It’s official — Rush are coming back. After more than a decade away from the stage, surviving members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have announced a full-scale 2026 North American reunion tour, marking the legendary Canadian band’s first major live run since their R40 Live Tour in 2015. The momentous comeback comes with another major revelation: acclaimed German drummer Anika Nilles has been officially announced as the band’s new drummer, stepping into the position once held by the late and incomparable Neil Peart.
In a heartfelt statement shared with fans, Nilles expressed both humility and excitement about joining one of rock’s most revered acts. “It’s truly an honour to be part of Rush’s next chapter,” she said. “Neil Peart is one of the greatest drummers to ever live, and I know I have big shoes to fill. But this is about celebrating the music, the legacy, and the fans who’ve kept the spirit of Rush alive. I can’t wait to get behind the kit and honour Neil’s incredible work while also bringing my own energy to the stage.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through the rock community, reigniting emotions that have simmered since Rush’s retirement following Peart’s death in 2020. For many fans, the idea of seeing Lee and Lifeson together again — performing the timeless catalog that defined progressive rock — felt like an impossible dream. Yet now, with rehearsals reportedly underway and a tour itinerary expected to drop in the coming weeks, Rush’s resurrection feels very real.
Geddy Lee, speaking in a joint statement with Lifeson, reflected on the emotional weight of the decision. “It took time. We both needed to heal, to process everything that happened after losing Neil,” Lee shared. “But over the last few years, we started playing together again, quietly at first. There was this spark — the old chemistry was still there. And when we met Anika, it just felt right. She’s an extraordinary musician, and her approach to rhythm and dynamics is something Neil would have appreciated.”
Lifeson added: “We’re not trying to replace Neil — no one can. What we’re doing is paying tribute to him by continuing what he loved most: making music. Anika brings her own artistry, precision, and joy to the songs. It’s invigorating, and it reminds us why we started this journey in the first place.”
For those familiar with Nilles’ work, the choice makes perfect sense. Known for her jaw-dropping technical prowess and deep groove, the 41-year-old drummer has carved out a respected career as one of Europe’s leading rhythmic innovators. Her YouTube performances and solo albums have earned her a dedicated global following, blending jazz-fusion complexity with rock power — qualities that align perfectly with Rush’s intricate musical DNA.
Industry insiders report that the tour — tentatively titled “Rush: Forward 2026” — will feature a mix of classic hits, deep cuts, and a few surprises. There’s speculation that Lee and Lifeson have written new material with Nilles, though neither has confirmed that publicly. What is certain is that the shows will pay homage to Peart’s legacy, both musically and visually, with immersive stage designs and archival footage celebrating his artistry and life.
Fans have flooded social media with emotional reactions, ranging from disbelief to tears of joy. One longtime Rush devotee wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I never thought I’d see this day. Rush meant everything to me growing up. Geddy and Alex playing again, with someone as talented as Anika — this is the best kind of miracle.”
Another fan posted, “Neil would’ve wanted the music to live on. What better way than through musicians who respect and love what he created? This isn’t a replacement — it’s a continuation.”
Music critics have also weighed in positively. Rolling Stone called Nilles “a fitting choice — a drummer of immense skill, intelligence, and respect for the craft.” Prog Magazine described the reunion as “the most emotionally charged return in modern rock history,” adding that “if anyone can carry Rush’s rhythmic legacy forward, it’s Anika Nilles.”
Behind the scenes, Lee and Lifeson are said to be approaching the project with both reverence and renewed passion. Friends close to the pair say that reconnecting musically has been “healing” and “transformative,” helping them rediscover their shared creative spark. Lee’s 2023 solo tour and memoir also played a role in rekindling interest in Rush’s return, as fans clamored for the bassist and vocalist to reunite with his longtime guitarist.
Tour preparations are reportedly in full swing, with rehearsals taking place in Toronto and Los Angeles. Sources indicate the tour will kick off in June 2026, covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, and Vancouver before potentially expanding to Europe later that year. Stage production is said to include cutting-edge lighting and sound design inspired by Rush’s visually iconic past tours.
As for Nilles, she remains grounded amid the whirlwind of attention. “I grew up listening to Rush,” she said. “Neil’s drumming shaped how I understood music. I don’t want to imitate him; I want to channel that same spirit of creativity and exploration. Rush’s music has always been about pushing boundaries, and that’s exactly what I plan to do with Geddy and Alex.”
In the end, Rush’s return is more than a reunion — it’s a revival of legacy, friendship, and timeless artistry. It’s a celebration of three musicians bound not just by notes and rhythms, but by an unbreakable commitment to the craft of making music that transcends generations.
As Geddy Lee poignantly summed it up: “We’re doing this with love — for Neil, for each other, and for the fans who never stopped believing.”
Rush: Forward 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most emotional and anticipated tours in modern rock history — a testament to a band that refuses to let time or loss silence its voice.
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