Rush Comeback Via Concert Tour In 2026, Anika Nilles Becomes Neil Petart's Substitute

Band Rush (Instagram @rush)

JAKARTA - The legendary Canadian rock band Rush surprisingly announced plans for a comeback for a tour in the summer of 2026. This decision comes after a long hiatus and death of the drummer, Neil Petart, in January 2020 due to glioblastoma's brain cancer.

This announcement, which was originally considered impossible by many, was delivered casually by Geddy Lee (vocals, bass, synthesizer) and Alex Lifeson (guitar) at a secret event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, USA recently.

This reunion tour titled 'Fifty Something' is scheduled to take place in seven cities in North America, starting with two nights in Kia Forum, Los Angeles on June 7 and 9, 2026.

The choice of the starting location of the tour is very meaningful, considering that Kia Forum is where Rush held their last concert in 2015.

After Los Angeles, the tour will visit Mexico City for one show, followed by two nights in Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, and Toronto, before its peak in Cleveland on September 17.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Rush tour in North America is described as a musical celebration, legacy, and life celebration of the late Neil Petart. The comeback decision also received full support from the late's wife, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and her daughter Olivia.

In a joint press statement, they expressed enthusiasm to support the 'Fifty Something' tour, while respecting Neil Petart's extraordinary legacy.

"We are very happy to see this new chapter come to light, and hear this legendary music played live once again," Carrie said, quoted by Variety, Tuesday, October 7.

Lee and Lifeson revealed that the initiative to play together emerged after they started jamming Rush songs privately and aimlessly.

"We laughed openly, and really enjoyed it. Playing the songs seemed to get rid of the dark clouds," said Lee.

A big question about who will fill the position left by Petart, nicknamed The Professor, has also been answered. Rush chose Anika Nilles, composer and producer from Germany who previously toured with Jeff Beck and has released four solo albums.

Niles is on Lee and Lifeson's radar through John "Scully" McIntosh's recommendation, bass technician Lee, who toured with Jeff Beck. They then secretly invited Niles to Canada, not for auditions, but as an experiment that led to the meeting of the right chemistry.

However, Lee added that whoever the elected drummer is will find it difficult to adapt to Rush's unique nuances of music. "There will be some kind of 'translation' that is complicated," he concluded.