Rush’s Return: North American Tour After 5 Years Since Neil Peart’s Passing

Rush Announces Reunion Tour for 2026

Rush, the iconic Canadian rock band, has announced a highly anticipated reunion tour for 2026. The North American tour, titled “The Fifty Something Tour,” will feature founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson performing together on stage for the first time in over a decade. This marks a significant moment for the band, as it is also the first time they will perform since the passing of their longtime drummer, Neil Peart, in 2020.

A New Chapter for Rush

The tour will take place across seven cities in North America, starting in June 2026 and concluding in September. It represents a major step for Lee and Lifeson, who have been reflecting on the legacy of Rush and their late bandmate during this period of preparation. The band’s announcement came on October 6, and it was shared with Muara Digital Team through a press release.

Geddy Lee, 72, and Alex Lifeson, also 72, revealed that the decision to reunite was not an easy one. However, after years of grief and reflection, they felt it was time to bring Rush’s music back to the stage. During a conversation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Lee expressed how playing music with Lifeson helped lift some of the emotional weight they had carried since Peart’s death.

Healing Through Music

Lee explained that the process of reuniting began with small, informal jam sessions. He described how he and Lifeson would meet up, drink coffee, and play music together. At first, it was just for fun, but eventually, they started playing Rush songs again. This act of revisiting their old music brought them joy and helped dispel the “dark clouds” that had surrounded them.

“It was not an easy decision to come to, and this is really the first time we’re talking about it out loud,” Lee said. “But it feels right and we’re going to do it.”

Introducing Anika Nilles

In the absence of Neil Peart, the band has enlisted German drummer Anika Nilles to join them for the tour. Nilles, 42, is a versatile musician known for her work with Jeff Beck and other notable artists. She brings a fresh perspective to the band while honoring the legacy of Peart.

Lee expressed his excitement about introducing Nilles to Rush fans, stating that she is an incredible drummer and musician. He also emphasized that the role of replacing Peart is no small task, but he is hopeful that fans will give Nilles a chance to shine.

Tour Dates and Fan Participation

The Fifty Something Tour will kick off on June 7 and June 9 with two shows at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. The tour will then travel through several cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico before wrapping up on September 17 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Fans can sign up for an artist presale by October 9, and general onsale begins on October 17 for the U.S. and Canada, and October 17 for Mexico. Here are the confirmed dates: