Rush Announces 2026 Reunion Tour, Five Years After Neil Peart’s Death
New York — After years of silence and the devastating loss of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, legendary Canadian rock band Rush is returning to the stage.
In a statement released Monday, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson confirmed the band’s first tour in over a decade — a 12-date, seven-city reunion trek set for summer 2026. Titled “Fifty Something,” the tour will mark a milestone not only for the band’s 50+ year legacy but also their first performances without Peart, who passed away from glioblastoma in 2020.
The tour kicks off June 2026 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where Rush played their last show in 2015, and will conclude in Cleveland in September, with stops in Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, and Toronto along the way.
A New Chapter Begins
Replacing Neil Peart behind the drum kit is Anika Nilles, an acclaimed German composer and drummer known for her intricate polyrhythms and previous collaborations with Jeff Beck.
In a heartfelt statement, Lee reflected on the emotional significance of returning to the stage.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” Lee wrote. “A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage.”
Acknowledging the challenge of stepping into Peart’s role, Lee expressed full confidence in Nilles:
“We could not be more excited to introduce Anika to our fanbase — whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role.”
Lifeson added that the band is also considering incorporating additional musicians into the performances, hinting at a richer, more layered live experience.
Honoring a Legacy
The decision to reunite, while emotional, was met with overwhelming support from Peart’s family. His widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and daughter Olivia Peart, issued a joint statement praising the tour as a respectful continuation of Neil’s musical legacy.
“Neil’s musicianship was singular,” they wrote. “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.”
From “Rush 50” to “Fifty Something”
Earlier this year, Rush released a commemorative greatest hits collection, “Rush 50,” which traced the band’s decades-long evolution. Appropriately, the final tracks on the album were the same songs performed during their farewell concert in 2015 — now revealed to be less of a goodbye and more of a pause.
With the “Fifty Something” tour, the band aims to celebrate not just longevity, but the ever-growing resonance of their music.
“This tour isn’t about replacing Neil,” a spokesperson close to the band said. “It’s about honoring what Rush has always stood for — pushing boundaries, honoring the past, and moving forward with integrity.”
What Fans Can Expect
While the exact setlist has yet to be revealed, fans can anticipate a retrospective journey through Rush’s extensive discography — from early prog-rock epics like 2112 and Xanadu to radio staples like Tom Sawyer and The Spirit of Radio. The presence of Nilles, known for her technical brilliance and expressive drumming style, is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the band’s sound.
Tickets for the “Fifty Something” tour are expected to go on sale in early 2026, with fan club presales and VIP packages rumored to be announced ahead of the general public launch.
Rush 2026 Tour Dates (So Far)
- June 2026 – Los Angeles, CA (Kia Forum)
- TBA – Mexico City, MX
- TBA – Fort Worth, TX
- TBA – Chicago, IL
- TBA – New York, NY
- TBA – Toronto, ON
- September 2026 – Cleveland, OH
