Geddy Lee (Bass, keyboards, vocals) and Alex Lifeson (Guitar, vocals), the surviving co-founding members of Rush, have announced their return to the stage for a very special 2026 headline tour, Fifty Something, in celebration of the Canadian band’s music, legacy, and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
It notably marks the first time the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® Inductees, GRAMMY® Award-nominated icons, Lee and Lifeson have toured together in eleven years since the finale of Rush’s R40 Tour on 1st August, 2015 at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA, USA; bringing it full circle with a return to the Forum to embark upon these special shows.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil, “ Geddy Lee reflected. “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 fucking miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of Rush music. So, in 2026 my BFF Lerxst (aka Alex Lifeson) and I are going to hit the road once again to pay tribute to our past and to Neil by performing a vast selection of Rush songs in a handful of cities. No small task, because as we all know Neil was irreplaceable.
“Yet 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. Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated Rush fanbase, whom, 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 I, in order to show off some of our new fancy dance steps.
“Lerxst, Anika and myself, along with many of our longstanding crew members have been hard at work rehearsing and designing the kind of Rush show you’ve grown accustomed to expect from us. We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together.”
Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter commented: “We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honour Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist. Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and power that expanded what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched in the depth and imagination he brought to the lyrics that inspired and moved so many, he profoundly shaped how fans connected with him and the band, giving voice and meaning to their own lives. As the band enters this new chapter, it promises to be truly unforgettable. We are excited to see how their new vision unfolds, and to hear this legendary music played live once again.”
Fans got the news via a Rush newsletter from a home video that announced the celebration, that took place at Geddy Lee’s home studio. You can view it yourselves here at RAMzine. It was followed by a private event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland where they also discussed the tour as part of an on-stage interview and Q&A.
Rush will perform multiple shows in seven cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico, beginning on 7th June, 2026at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. These special “evening with” shows will find the band playing two sets each night. Each show will feature a distinct selection of songs and Rush will build each night’s setlist from a catalogue of 35 songs including their greatest hits and fan favourites.
As noted, for Fifty Something, Lee and Lifeson will be accompanied by German drummer, composer, and producer Anika Nilles, who performed as Jeff Beck’s drummer for over 60 shows and has released four solo albums.
