Rush reunites for R50 tour and celebrates a lifelong bromance

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson say their six-decade friendship led them to reform Rush for an R50 global tour, and they have chosen German drummer Anika Nilles to take on the late Neil Peart’s role.

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson say their long friendship brought them back together to reform Rush for an R50 reunion tour. The two have known each other since junior high and describe a warm, decades-long bond. Following drummer Neil Peart’s death in January 2020, the pair had thought Rush was finished, but private jamming and shared memories led them to reconsider. They have added European and South American dates to an already announced North American arena schedule. Key details: - Lee and Lifeson credit their personal friendship and the experience of jamming together for the decision to revive Rush as a performing unit. - The band expanded its R50 itinerary by adding 24 European and South American shows to the previously announced 58 North American arena dates; UK dates are scheduled for March 2027. - Neil Peart, who died in January 2020, was Rush’s drummer and lyricist and is widely regarded as central to the band’s sound and identity. - Rush selected 42-year-old German drummer Anika Nilles after a week of auditions in Canada; the pair say she met the technical and musical expectations and adapted to the band’s arrangements. - Lee and Lifeson emphasise that preserving the arrangements fans expect is a priority, while allowing the new drummer room to bring her own musical spirit once she is comfortable. Summary: Lee and Lifeson describe the reunion as driven by friendship rather than a return to the past alone, and they have prepared a global R50 tour with dates in North America, Europe and South America, including UK shows in March 2027. The band has chosen Anika Nilles to perform the drum parts associated with Neil Peart while aiming to honour the original arrangements. Undetermined at this time.