Legendary Canadian Rock Band Returns
The Canadian rock icons from Rush are gearing up for a triumphant return to the stage. Founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have announced a reunion tour for 2026 — their first full run since 2015. According to multiple sources, the tour is dubbed the “Fifty Something Tour” and will span several cities in North America. Loudwire reports the announcement was made in early October 2025.
Why Now?
Lee explained in a statement that after a decade away from performing the band’s music together, he and Lifeson realised they simply missed it. “It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” he said, referencing the late drummer Neil Peart. MusicRadar quotes Lee as emphasising the emotional nature of the decision.
Welcoming a New Drummer
One of the most significant and talked-about aspects of this comeback is the addition of German drummer Anika Nilles, who has been named to join Rush on the road for the tour. Peart’s passing left an undeniable void, and the choice of Nilles signals both respect for his legacy and a bold step into the future. She has built a strong reputation as a composer and educator in the drumming world, and was announced alongside the tour details in October 2025. Reddit discussions and the blog “Rush Is A Band” both highlight fan reactions to the announcement.
Balancing Legacy and Evolution
The band is clear that this is not about replacing Neil Peart — they refer to him as “irreplaceable” — but rather about honouring what he built while forging ahead. The tour will serve as a celebration of over fifty years of music. It will also give fans a chance to experience beloved songs live again, with the same core duo of Lee and Lifeson. The new lineup, while different, carries that same spirit of musicianship and ambition.
Tour Details and What to Expect
The “Fifty Something Tour” is set to kick off on June 7, 2026 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles — the very same venue where Rush last performed in 2015. The dates include key stops such as Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York and Toronto. Loudwire lists a 12-date run across seven cities in the initial announcement, though expansion is possible. According to the Wikipedia page for the tour, there are indications of more dates and possibly a longer run. Wikipedia
From fans who have seen early set-lists and comments from Lee and Lifeson, the expectation is for rich, career-spanning shows featuring two sets each night, and a track list reflecting the full breadth of the band’s catalogue. The announcement emphasises that this is both a tribute and a celebration.
What It All Means
For longtime fans, this tour is a remarkable moment. After the end of the previous era in 2015 and the tragic loss of Neil Peart in 2020, the band had long seemed closed for business. This new chapter offers an opportunity to reconnect with the live magic of Rush, with the flair and technical prowess they are known for — while acknowledging the past and looking at the future.
