“Alex and I have done some serious soul searching”: The wait is over – Rush are heading on tour in 2026
In recent years it’s been heavily suggested that Rush was done and dusted, and that surviving members Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee would never head back out on the road.
Earlier this year, Lifeson said he wasn’t keen on tarnishing Rush’s legacy by reforming, saying: “I’d rather be remembered for that legacy than return as the top Rush tribute band”. “Some days I wake up wanting to go out and tour again and some days I don’t,” he added.
But now, in an announcement set to send Rush fans into overdrive, Lifeson and Lee have announced they are heading out on tour in 2026 – yes, as Rush – with 12 dates in seven cities across the US, Canada and Mexico.
READ MORE: “I like grabbing something that I don’t think is the ‘right’ thing and seeing how that works”: Why Alex Lifeson still reaches for the $57 Japanese guitar his parents got him
The tour – dubbed Fifty Something – is described as a celebration of 50-plus years of Rush music, and of the legacy of late drummer Neil Peart. It also marks the first time Lee and Lifeson will tour together since the finale of Rush’s R40 tour in 2015 at the Forum in LA. In something of a full circle moment, the Fifty Something tour will kick off at the Forum.
Cities Rush will hit on the tour are: Los Angeles, Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto and Cleveland.
Filling in on drums will be Anika Nilles, a German drummer, composer and producer who has previously played 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,” says Geddy Lee. “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.”
Of touring drummer Anika Nilles, Geddy Lee goes on: “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.
“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.”
Speaking on the reunion tour, Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter, add: “We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honour 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 a drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable…”
They conclude: “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.”
View a full list of dates on the Fifty Something tour below:
Sun Jun 07 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
Tue Jun 09 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
Thu Jun 18 Mexico City, MX Palacio de los Deportes
Wed Jun 24 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
Fri Jun 26 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
Thu Jul 16 Chicago, IL United Center
Sat Jul 18 Chicago, IL United Center
Tue Jul 28 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Thu Jul 30 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Fri Aug 07 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
Sun Aug 09 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
Thu Sep 17 Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena
Learn more at Rush’s official website.
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