(Special Report)

Written by: Cody Denning   

Big news in the classic scene, legendary Canadian trio Rush has officially reformed for the stage, sadly with out the great Neil Peart.. Stepping in will be the 42-year-old German drumming phenom Anika Nilles as the band's new powerhouse behind the kit. The announcement was made on October 6 through a heartfelt video from frontman Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson, marks the group's first live outing since their emotional 2015 farewell tour and the heartbreaking 2020 passing of iconic drummer and lyricist Neil Peart from brain cancer. What was once unthinkable – filling the void left by "The Professor" – now feels like a defiant celebration of legacy, with Nilles stepping in to honor Peart's unparalleled contributions while injecting fresh fire into Rush's labyrinthine sound.

Born and raised in the bustling industrial heartland of Ludwigshafen, Germany, Nilles comes from a musical family, her family tree is packed with drummers, bringing her into the world of music and giving her the abilities with the drums that would propel her from local gigs to a opportunity like performing with Rush. A classically trained percussionist with a degree in popular music from the University of Popular Music and Music Business in Mannheim, Nilles first came onto the scene in the early 2010s on YouTube, where her blistering technique and innovative grooves racked up millions of views. Instructional videos dissecting fusion rhythms and odd-time signatures turned her into a go-to educator for aspiring artist, landing her faculty spots at prestigious institutions like Nexus ICA, Drumeo, and since 2021, heading the drums department at Popakademie Baden-Württemberg.

However, Nilles isn't just a teacher, she's a composer and bandleader whose solo catalog pulses with progressive flair. Her discography boasts four full-length albums “Pikalar” released in 2017, “For a Colorful Soul” released in 2020, “Opuntia” in 2022 and “False Truth” in 2025. These albums cover a vast land from jazz to a prog-leaning cocktail of melody and muscle. Nilles shredded European stages with guitar god Jeff Beck in 2022, earning raves for her "terrific" command from none other than Geddy Lee himself in a 2023 “Guardian” interview. Add globetrotting drum clinics, festival slots like the 2024 UK Drum Show, and collaborations that span jazz to metal, and you've got a resume screaming "ready for Rush's rhythmic riddles."

The path to the Rush gig reads like rock 'n' roll serendipity. Lee credits his bass tech, John "Skully" McIntosh, who had just came off Beck's tour for the the tip off, saying "He kept telling me about this incredible drummer named Anika Nilles – not just her playing, but her presence and energy." Secret jams ensued, where Nilles navigated Rush's signature odd meters and polyrhythms with a blend of reverence and reinvention, earning the duo's trust without aping Peart's style. "We could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated Rush fan base," Lee said in the reveal video, acknowledging the "near-impossible role" while teasing liberation: more stage banter, bass wanderings, and maybe even a keyboardist to flesh out the sound. Lifeson echoed the vibe, calling rehearsals a "re-energizing" plunge back into their 35-song war chest of hits, deep cuts, and rarities.

The "Fifty Something" tour, a nod to the band's 50+ years of incredible music and history. The celebration kicks off June 7 with dual nights at LA's Kia Forum, hitting 12 dates across seven cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Stops include Mexico City (June 18), double-headers in Fort Worth (June 24-26), Chicago (July 16-18), New York (July 28-30), Toronto (August 7-9), and a poignant Cleveland finale on September 17 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Expect two-set marathons drawing from all 19 studio albums, with Peart's widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia issuing a glowing endorsement: "We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour... to honor Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist." Tickets rolled outOctober 17 at rush.com, with sales already on fire.

Looking ahead, this is a rock resurrection. Lee and Lifeson, both 72 and battle-tested, have hinted at "another musician or two" joining the group potentially evolving Rush into a fuller ensemble unbound by trio constraints. Nilles, in her first statement post-announcement, radiated gratitude: "I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Geddy and Alex for their trust... I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has followed and supported my journey over the years. We’re all in this together now, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead." Fans are stoked to honor the band and celebrate 50+, drummers around the world praising the "insane chops," while there are some people that don’t want to see the show with out Neil, however this is only a testament to the band's enduring grip on drum culture.

As Rush dusts off the time machine for this victory lap, one thing's clear: Peart's ghost will at large, Nilles' thunder will put on one incredible show and the will turn one more page in the history books. This will be a true celebration of the legendary music of Rush. That brings us to the end of this report, we will continue to keep you informed on rock music, support us in the Soundwave Shop, thank you for reading!

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