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“After everything that has happened since the last show,” said Geddy Lee, “Alex and I seriously listened to us and decided that we miss it damn again.”
Rush co-founder Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will return as a rush on tour next year-for a 50-year anniversary tour, which is dedicated to their late bandmate Neil Peart. They announced that on Monday. The German drum virtuoso Anika Nilles, who had previously accompanied Jeff Beck, will support her at the 12 shows, which extends seven-day “Fifty Something” tour which starts on June 7th in the Kia Forum in Los Angeles – the same place where Rush played their last concert with Peart in 2015.
“After everything that has happened since this last show, Alex and I seriously listened to us and decided that we miss it damn,” said Lee in a press release. “And that it is time to celebrate rush music for 50.”
Return after years of doubt
Lee and Lifeson, best friends since the high school, have had a public debate in recent years whether they should tour without a Pear – their drummer and copywriter. Peart died in 2020 after a quiet fight against a brain tumor. Lee told Rolling Stone that he tried to convince Lifeson of the idea – even Paul McCartney encouraged the two to go on tour again. In May, Lifeson had publicly explained: “There is no chance that we get a drummer and go on tour as a rebirth of Rush or something.”
The choice of Nilles, a widely celebrated 41-year-old drummer, who is known for her game in odd tact types-Rush’s specialty-could have been the decisive factor.
“Neil was irreplaceable”
“As we all know, Neil was irreplaceable,” said Lee. “But life is full of surprises, and we have got to know a remarkable new person-an incredible drummer and musician who adds another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey. Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be happier to present them to our loyal and committed rush fans, which we know that they will almost to do justice to the impossible role. “
Pearts widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia fully support the tour. “We are pleased to support the ‘Fifty Something’ tour that a band celebrates whose music has inspired generations and who honors exceptional legacy as a drummer and copywriter,” they said in a joint statement. “Neil’s musicality was unique and he was irreplaceable as a drummer as well as a copywriter.”
New musicians, new energy
Rush plan to add more musicians for the tour to “expand the sound a little”, as Lee said. So far he has taken over the singing as well as bass and keyboards live. He told the Rolling Stone, he was looking forward to the new approach because she promises “more fun and less work” – and added: “We are a bit older now.”
Each concert will consist of two sets, which are put together from a pool of 35 songs-from the biggest hits to fan favorites. At the same time as the announcement, “Rush 50”, a 50-track anthology, also appears that covers her entire career.
Advance sales: Artist Presales begin on October 13th, the regular sale on October 17th.
Rush “Fifty Something” tour data
- June 07th – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
- June 9th – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
- June 18-Mexico City, MX @ Palacio de los Deportes
- June 24th – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
- June 26 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
- July 16 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
- July 18 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
- July 28 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
- July 30th – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
- 07. Aug. – Toronto, On @ Scotiabank Arena
- 09. Aug. – Toronto, On @ Scotiabank Arena
- 17th Sept. – Cleveland, Oh @ Rocket Arena