And their new drummer is one Anika Nilles, whom I’d never previously heard of, but this link says she’s played with Jeff Beck, among other.
You read that right. SHE. A woman. Cool!
I had long heard chatter that they were going to use Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy, but if they feel she’d fit in better, go for it!
I love Rush. Great news. Excited for some female representation in a band notorious for its predominantly male following. I haven’t seen them in concert, but I’m thinking about it.
I saw them 4 times over the years, each time in a different state (long story about that) and there were always a lot of other women there.
Doesn’t hurt to have one onstage with them, however! That video also mentioned, in passing, a separate keyboardist, but it looks like they haven’t finalized that decision yet.
My only concert was the “Signals” tour in 1982 and back then I believed Neal Peart really had a PhD in something (percussion?)
Yet just like Carl Palmer, every bit of his kit was used during the show. Best drummer I’ve seen so good luck with Anika. If they play the UK outside of London, I’ll check it out.
ETA: I flew out of YYZ (Toronto) 10 years ago and still have the luggage tag. If she can play that, she’s hired.
Neil Peart never had a Ph.D. I don’t think he even graduated from high school; he was self-educated.
Bill Bruford does have a Ph.D. He has, over the years, played in, among other bands, Yes and King Crimson.
Neal was called “The Professor” and wrote most of their lyrics, so it sounded plausible to a high school student.
Had to look up Bruford’s phD. From wiki: In 2016, Bruford received a PhD in Music from the University of Surrey.
Seems a bit honorary to me, yet Bruford is a damn fine drummer. Don’t recall him being circled with a intricate drum kit.
Should have hired a singer instead.
Hah! Take off! (to the Great White North)
Geddy is a worthy bass player and plays keyboards. I know what you mean though.
Meanwhile, just pulled up a random YYZ and Neal is beating the shit out of his kit and flipping the sticks in the air too. If I’d seen Bonham live, I’d say, yeah, GTFO the stage to Plant and Page and let Bonzo absolutely crush it with Moby Dick.
I saw them in 2000. Once is enough for me, I think.
One of those bands I respect rather more than I like. Tremendous chops, the occasional hooky song and I sorta enjoyed the documentary on their previous “final” tour. But not enough to want to sit through an entire concert. Good for their fans, though.
Here are the tour dates in 2026:
June 7 — Los Angeles, Kia Forum
June 9 — Los Angeles, Kia Forum
June 18 — Mexico City, Palacio de los Deportes
June 24 — Fort Worth, Texas, Dickies Arena
June 26 — Fort Worth, Texas, Dickies Arena
July 16 — Chicago, United Center
July 18 — Chicago, United Center
July 28 — New York, Madison Square Garden
July 30 — New York, Madison Square Garden
Aug. 7 — Toronto, Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 9 — Toronto, Scotiabank Arena
Sept. 17 — Cleveland, Rocket Arena
I saw them a while ago when they came thru my area, I forget which album they were supporting. Very good! But, Los Angeles is the closest they will be, and I won’t be making a trip there just for this. Just FYI, Geddy and Alex are both 72.
That’s great to hear!
here’s the soon 2b well-known Anika Nilles, with Jeff Beck on his Freeway Jam …check out last 2rocking minutes below. Alex & Geddy have scored again w/their percussionist, these will be interesting live shows no matter what 
Ever seen Dr. Bruford interviewed? The man is beyond brilliant himself.
Wow. Just slightly more places than NY-Chi-LA. Everybody in flyover country, and western Canada, so sorry.
(FTR, I saw Blue Oyster Cult, in Milwaukee. They were pushing 80. The reaper is getting closer…)
And, these shows will be the first time a woman is seen at a Rush concert.
(Stolen from many places online)
Neil Peart is dead so no, Rush is not reuniting. Maybe a really good Rush cover band.
Yeah, I’m sure when you’re writing those lyrics at 29 it feels a little different than at nearly 80.
I hope I die before I get old.
I guess it depends on how you define “old”.
Didn’t believe this at first, because I’ve seen so many “Rush is touring again!” posts that turned out to be fake.
But it is true this time, and I’m excited. I wasn’t sure what to think at first, but when I found out Neil’s widow and daughter are in favor of it, and that the band will be having a tribute to Neil at each show, I’m looking forward to it! I’m a huge Rush fan (seen them at least once on every tour since Presto in 1989) so I’ve already signed up for the presale. I fully expect I’ll have to pay a lot for this, but… yeah. It’s worth it to see them again after 11 years.
I hadn’t heard of Anika Nilles before yesterday, but the general consensus says she’s an amazing drummer and well up to the task. I do hope this encourages more girls to take up drumming, too!