by Alex Lifeson recently opened up about his and Geddy Lee’s decision to reunite Rush with a new drummer. He addressed the difficult choice in an interview featured on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The guitarist spoke candidly about the emotional journey following the loss of Neil Peart. He explained what ultimately led to the band’s decision to continue.
“First of all, because [of] what it entails in terms of work, but also what had transpired, you know, losing a member like Neil is devastating,” Lifeson said. “It was a very sad time, and it took time for us to even contemplate. This is a relatively recent decision, and I would say it was kind of out of the question for the longest time because of those circumstances – and how do you replace someone who’s irreplaceable?”
Lifeson also reflected on how he and Lee gradually found their way back to playing Rush’s music together.
“He would come over, drink my coffee, hang around, jam, and we would laugh,” he continued. “And then one day, I don’t know why, we started playing some Rush songs for fun. God, we were laughing so hard, and we were enjoying it so much, and it was almost like playing those songs dispelled the dark clouds.”
This emotional revelation comes as the band prepares for a significant return to the stage. The announcement marks a new chapter in Rush’s storied history.
Los Angeles Times reported that Rush has announced a reunion tour starting in June 2026. The tour will celebrate over 50 years of Rush music and honor the legacy of Neil Peart, who passed away in 2020. The “Fifty Something Tour” will begin on June 7, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the same venue where the band performed their final show with Peart in 2015.
The band will be joined by Anika Nilles, a highly acclaimed German female drummer. She will take on the challenging role behind the kit. Loudwire noted that Geddy Lee emphasized this decision is not about replacing Neil but celebrating their decades of music and legacy with a remarkable new addition to the band. Peart’s wife and daughter have publicly given their blessing for this tour. They provided emotional support for the band’s decision to continue.
This reunion represents a significant shift in the band’s stance. ABC News confirmed that Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee had previously ruled out touring with anyone replacing Peart. After much reflection and the organic process of rediscovering joy in playing their music together, they decided to celebrate Rush’s long history in this way.
The tour will feature career-spanning sets across multiple dates in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Metal Injection revealed that additional dates have already been added due to strong demand from fans eager to see the legendary duo return to the stage. The announcement has generated significant excitement in the rock community. Fans are preparing to witness Rush’s music performed live once again in honor of their remarkable legacy.
