Rush announce reunion tour five years after the death of drummer Neil Peart
NEW YORK (AP) — Five years after their influential drummer and lyricist Neil Peart died of glioblastoma, the Canadian band Rush has announced a reunion tour.
On Monday, Rush co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson revealed a 12-date, seven-city tour scheduled for summer 2026. The tour will kick off in June at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles — the same venue where the band played their final show in 2015 — and conclude in Cleveland in September 2026.
The tour will also include stops in Mexico City, Fort Worth (Texas), Chicago, New York, and Toronto.
Taking Neil Peart’s place behind the drums is celebrated German composer and producer Anika Nilles, who has previously toured with Jeff Beck.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage,” Lee wrote in a statement.
He added that he and Lifeson “could not be more excited” to introduce Nilles to their fanbase, “whom we know will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role.” The band is also hoping to add additional musicians to the performances.
Earlier this year, Rush released a greatest hits collection titled Rush 50. Fittingly, it ended with the last songs the band played at their final concert a decade ago. Their 2026 tour is titled Fifty Something.
“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,” Peart’s widow and daughter, Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, shared in a joint statement.
“Neil’s musicianship was singular. 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.”
You may also like
Leave a Reply