After an 11-year hiatus, the surviving members of Rush have announced they will return with a select number of tour stops. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band has not toured since the death of Rush drummer Neil Peart in 2020.
Co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have announced their return to the stage with the Fifty Something tour, which will kick off with two shows at the Kia Forum in Inglewood on June 7 and 9, followed by tour stops in seven cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” Lee said in a press statement. “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 miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of Rush music.”
Fans can sign up for the presale at Ticketmaster.com by Thursday, Oct. 9, at 8:59 p.m. PT. No code is required to access the presale, but a Ticketmaster account is recommended for a seamless experience. General admission tickets go on sale at noon on Friday, Oct. 17.
Each show will feature a performance with the band playing two sets each night, which will include a distinct selection of Rush songs built from a catalogue of 35 songs, including their greatest hits and fan favorites. The tour marks the first time that Lee and Lifeson have toured together since the finale of Rush’s R40 Tour on Aug. 1, 2015, at the Kia Forum. 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.
“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,” Lee said. “Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated Rush fanbase, who, 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 me, in order to show off some of our new fancy dance steps.”
In March, Rush released “RUSH 50,” a 50-track super deluxe anthology, which includes rarities such as the first-ever reissue of their 1973 debut single and a live recording of the final song Lee, Lifeson, and Peart played together during the R40 Tour closer at The Forum.