Rush Announce First Tour Since Neil Peart’s Death
Rush, photo by Richard Sibbald
It’s been five years since the world lost Neil Peart, the legendary drummer and primary lyricist for Rush. The musical polymath and hard rock icon’s 2020 passing after a battle with brain cancer was a devastating blow for the band and their legions of fans, representing not only the loss of a beloved, peerless talent, but also the certain end of all possibility for a reunion. Today, Peart’s bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have defied those expectations by announcing their first tour in 11 years.
Rush’s Fifty Something Tour will honor Peart’s legacy and the immortal music that the trio created together with 11 performances at seven massive venues across North America. From June 7 to Sept. 17 of 2026, the band will take the stage in Los Angeles, Mexico City, Fort Worth, Texas, Chicago, New York, their native Toronto and finally Cleveland. Lee and Lifeson will revive their classic power trio format, with German drummer Anika Nilles filling Peart’s seat. While the progressive rock titans’ founding duo have reunited for a few scattered performances in the last decade, including the South Park 20th Anniversary Concert in 2022, next year’s outing will be their first tour together since their R40 Tour concluded in 2015.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” Lee expressed in a statement. “A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage. And so, after all that has gone down since that last show, Alex and I have done some serious soul searching and come to the decision 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 road once again to pay tribute to our past and to Neil by performing a vast selection of RUSH songs in a handful of cities. No small task, because as we all know Neil was irreplaceable.
“Yet life is full of surprises, and we have been introduced to another remarkable person; an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey,” Lee continued. “Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated RUSH fanbase, whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role. Before we hit the stage, we also hope to add another musician or two to expand our sound a wee bit and free up Alex and I, in order to show off some of our new fancy dance steps.
“Lerxst, Anika and myself, along with many of our longstanding crew members have been hard at work rehearsing and designing the kind of RUSH show you’ve grown accustomed to expect from us. We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together.”
Beyond the frontman’s respects, Rush’s statement included a word of support from Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Peart’s widow and daughter: “We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honor Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist.
“Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and power that expanded what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched in the depth and imagination he brought to the lyrics that inspired and moved so many, he profoundly shaped how fans connected with him and the band, giving voice and meaning to their own lives.
“As the band enters this new chapter, it promises to be truly unforgettable. We are excited to see how their new vision unfolds, and to hear this legendary music played live once again.”
Tickets for Rush’s Fifty Something Tour will become available through an artist presale on Oct. 13 at 12 p.m. local time; registration his open now. Other presales will continue until the General onsale, occurring next Friday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. local time. Learn more at rush.com.
