Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Mark 50+ Years of RUSH, Honoring Neil Peart’s Legacy

Thursday, 04 December 2025 01:53

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Mark 50+ Years of RUSH, Honoring Neil Peart’s Legacy

Written by SULÉY ERA

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SOURCE: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Photo credit: Richard Sibbald

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® inductees, GRAMMY® Award-nominated icons, and RUSH co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are officially returning to the stage with their special 2026 headline tour, Fifty Something. The trek celebrates RUSH’s enduring music, legacy, and the life of their late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

Marking their first tour together in eleven years—since the finale of the R40 Tour on August 1, 2015 at the The Kia Forum in Los Angeles—the duo will bring their story full circle by launching these new shows at the same venue. Following the initial announcement of seven North American dates, overwhelming demand quickly led to sold-out shows across the U.S. and Canada. In response, Lee and Lifeson have expanded the tour with multiple additional cities, inviting fans to join them once again as they revisit a deep catalog of songs and introduce drummer Anika Nilles.

After unveiling seven initial North American dates, the band expanded the Fifty Something tour in response to overwhelming demand, adding 17 more cities across the U.S. and Canada. New stops include Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Edmonton, Seattle, Vancouver, and others. The rapid sellouts reflect the enthusiasm surrounding their first performances together in more than a decade, as fans prepare for a tour that honors the group’s history while bringing their music back to major arenas throughout 2026.

For Fifty Something, Lee and Lifeson will be accompanied by German drummer, composer, and producer Anika Nilles, who has performed as Jeff Beck’s drummer for over 60 shows and has released four solo albums.

Of the tour, Geddy Lee says:
"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."

The return to the stage carries added meaning, as the tour marks their first live collaboration since the R40 Tour concluded on August 1, 2015 at the Forum in Los Angeles. Fittingly, they will begin this next chapter at the very same venue. The shows pay tribute to RUSH’s legacy and the life and artistry of Neil Peart, while introducing their new drummer, Anika Nilles, to audiences across North America.

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."

In a recent video update, the band expressed genuine gratitude for the response to the announcement, noting how moved they were by the warm reception given to Nilles. They shared their excitement about performing together again and revisiting a broad range of songs for the upcoming shows. Their message emphasized how meaningful it has been to feel such strong fan support as they prepare to return to the stage after more than a decade away.

RUSH will perform multiple shows in cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico, beginning June 7, 2026 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. These special “evening with” shows will find the band playing two sets each night. Each show will feature a distinct selection of songs and RUSH will build each night’s setlist from a catalogue of 35 songs including their greatest hits and fan favorites.

Rush invites fans to get closer than ever with three elevated offerings: an all-new VIP program, the first-ever 2112 Platform Experience, and curated Travel Packages for fans making a trip to see the show.

For VIP: http://wearesuper.co/rushvip

For Travel: http://wearesuper.co/rushtravel

Additionally, RUSH just revealed the 50-track super deluxe anthology, RUSH 50, that Rolling Stone called “an epic saga that functions equally well as an introduction for the uninitiated or a companion piece for the super fan.” RUSH 50 is available in five distinct configurations, including the (1) Super Deluxe Edition, (2) RUSH Store Exclusive Super Deluxe Edition, (3) 7-LP Deluxe Edition, (4) 4-CD Deluxe Edition, and (5) Digital Edition. It represents the breadth of their discography, beginning with the first-ever reissue of their 1973 debut single and concluding with a live recording of the final song Lee, Lifeson, and Peart played together during the R40 Tour closer at The Forum. Purchase HERE.

Get ready to celebrate the music of RUSH with Lee and Lifeson live in 2026!

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Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal, Concerts & Shows, Music News & Issues

Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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SULÉY ERA

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