by Donna Halper, the historian and radio consultant credited with discovering Rush, recently shared her perspective on the band’s decision to reunite with new drummer Anika Nilles. Her comments were featured on Rushfans.
Halper addressed the focus on Anika Nilles being a female drummer. She emphasized that the band’s choice was based purely on merit and musical capability rather than gender. Following Neil Peart’s passing, the band received an overwhelming number of submissions from drummers worldwide. They chose to take their time before making a decision.
“If I get one more person saying, ‘Oh, they hired a female drummer.’ No. They hired a drummer and a very well-respected drummer. Was Neil a male drummer? You know, I mean, come on. They could have had any drummer they wanted,” Halper said. “When Neil passed, I mean, Getty said when Neil passed, every drummer in the history of humanity was sending them tapes. And Getty was like, ‘Go away.’ You know, like, ‘Neil isn’t even cold in the ground and you’re sending me tapes. No.’”
Halper further emphasized Nilles’ qualifications and standing in the music industry. She described her as one of Europe’s most respected drummers with extensive credentials and experience.
“This is one of the most respected drummers in Europe and you can look that up. I mean she is dynamic. She’s well-respected. She’s got advanced degrees. She teaches at a university. She’s been out with some of the best bands. So, she’s a musician,” Halper stated. “And when they brought her in, as I said, she already came very highly recommended. And I think it’s a brilliant choice. They didn’t know it was going to work out any more than they knew that, oh, let’s bring the guy in from Dream Theater or let’s bring the guy in from Pick a Band, okay? It’s never a sure thing with any musician, okay? You got to have that chemistry. And they said it was almost immediate. It was like they knew and when you know you know.”
Halper’s endorsement reflects the careful consideration that went into selecting Nilles for this historic role. The decision comes as Rush prepares for a significant comeback following years of uncertainty after Neil Peart’s death in 2020.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Anika Nilles has built an impressive career marked by her viral breakthrough in 2013. A YouTube video for her track “Wild Boy” established her as a prominent figure in the international drumming community. Her rise continued with the release of her debut solo album “Pikalar” in 2017. Subsequent releases further solidified her reputation as a dynamic and technically skilled musician.
Nilles’ path to Rush came through her work with legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. She impressed both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson during rehearsals. Loudwire noted that the chemistry was immediate, leading to her selection for the band’s upcoming reunion tour. This discovery process underscores Halper’s point that the band’s choice was driven by musical compatibility rather than any other consideration.
The 2025 reunion tour marks a pivotal moment for Rush. It represents the band’s return to the stage after their 2020 hiatus. Economic Times revealed that Nilles was specifically chosen by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson for this role. Their confidence in her abilities reflects their commitment to honor Neil Peart’s legacy while bringing her own artistry to the band’s sound.
Nilles’ selection also represents a broader shift in the music industry. Talent and musicianship are increasingly recognized regardless of gender. Her advanced degrees, university teaching position, and extensive touring experience with top-tier bands demonstrate that she brings not only technical proficiency but also intellectual depth to her craft. As Halper emphasized, Nilles is a complete musician. Her credentials and experience speak for themselves in the context of Rush’s demanding musical standards.
Anika NillesNeil PeartRush
