RUSH members left to right: Geddy Lee (bass, keys, vocals) and Alex Lifeson (guitar, vocals).
Richard Sibbald
The progressive rock titans are coming out of retirement to celebrate 50 plus years of music and to honor their late bandmate, Neil Peart. RUSH posted a lengthy video on social media, in which members Geddy Lee and guitarists Alex Lifeson go into detail about their decision to tour again. RUSH’s last show took place 11 years ago in August of 2015 at the Forum in Los Angles, California. Since then, the band’s revered drummer Neil Peart battled with brain cancer which ultimately took his life in 2020.
RUSH Announce They’re Coming Out Of Retirement
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” RUSH’s Geddy Lee states in a press release. “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.”
Many were certain that RUSH would never tour again following the death of drummer Neil Peart. The degree to which Peart is still revered amongst the rock and drumming community has cemented him amongst the genre’s greatest musicians. In addition to his mesmerizing talents on the kit, Peart was also one of the primary lyricists for RUSH, so to say that Neil Peart was an integral piece to the band would be a significant understatement.
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have stated that drummer Anika Nilles will be behind the kit for the band’s upcoming tour. Nilles is an outstanding drummer and looks to be a great fit for the band given her experience with rock icons such as the late Jeff Beck.
Neil Peart’s Family Comments On RUSH’s Reunion
Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil Peart’s widow and daughter have commented on the band’s upcoming reunion tour. The following statement was shared by RUSH in a press release:
“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’s 2026 North American Tour Dates and Ticket Info
RUSH’s 2026 tour will kick-off in June with two back to back dates and the Los Angeles Forum, which is where the band performed their final show with Neil Peart in 2015. RUSH has an artists presale fans can sign-up for by Thursday, October 9th. The presale will begin on Monday, October 13th at 12pm local time, whereas the general sale will begin on Friday, October 17th at 12pm local time and 11am local time for Mexico. Below are the dates for RUSH’s 2026 North American Tour:
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