“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.“
— Geddy Lee

OH CANADA — It’s fair to say, that not many saw this coming, but… it appears to be happening!

RUSH have just announced several 2026 tour dates in a surprise that is leaving their fan base beyond excited to see the once retired kings of prog rock!

Geddy Lee (vocals & bass), along with Alex Lifeson (guitars) have announced select shows that will see them celebrate 50 years of RUSH on their ‘Fifty Something” 2026 tour.

The trio have also announced new drummer Anika Nilles.

RUSH vocalist and bassist Lee says the following: “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. 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. Yet 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.”

Lifeson chimes in with: “We’re musicians and we’re players. And our music is special. It really is special. And being away from it for a while and revisiting it, I realized how difficult it is to play, but how rich it is in its music and lyrics and everything that it represented.”

“One of the cool things about how this is progressing, all the songs we’re putting together — we have 35 songs or so so far for a set that’s gonna be, I don’t know, around a couple of hours — is the fact that we’re gonna cover a lot of things and change it up night to night, but we’ll always have a part of the show that’s a tribute to Neil and his memory of him and everything that he was to us. And it’s gonna be beautiful to be able to celebrate him every single night.” added the guitarist.

Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter share:

“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.

Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and power that expanded what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched in the depth and imagination he brought to the lyrics that inspired and moved so many, he profoundly shaped how fans connected with him and the band, giving voice and meaning to their own lives.

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.”

RUSH ‘Fifty Something’ Tour dates 2026:

Jun 07 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Jun 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Jun 18 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
Jun 24 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Jun 26 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Jul 16 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Jul 18 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Jul 28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Jul 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Aug 07 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Aug 09 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sep 17 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena

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