Photo credit: Richard Sibbald
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have announced their return to the stage, marking the first time the Rush co-founders will tour together in over a decade. The Fifty Something Tour will celebrate more than 50 years of Rush’s music and honor the legacy of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
The announcement comes 11 years after Rush’s final performance on the R40 Tour, which concluded on August 1, 2015, at the Forum in Los Angeles. The 2026 tour will begin at the same iconic venue on June 7, bringing the band’s journey full circle.
“We Fucking Miss It”
In a candid statement, Geddy Lee reflected on the decision to return to touring. “It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” Lee said. “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.”
Lee acknowledged the challenge of moving forward without Peart, who passed away on January 7, 2020, following a battle with brain cancer. “No small task, because as we all know Neil was irreplaceable,” he noted.
Introducing Anika Nilles
The tour will feature German drummer, composer, and producer Anika Nilles, who has performed as Jeff Beck’s drummer for over 60 shows and released four solo albums. Lee expressed excitement about introducing Nilles to Rush’s devoted fanbase, describing her as “an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story.”
The band also plans to add additional musicians to expand their sound, allowing Lee and Lifeson to “show off some of our new fancy dance steps,” Lee joked.
Family Blessing
Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter, expressed their support for the tour. “We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honor Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist,” they said in a joint statement.
They praised Neil’s singular musicianship and the profound impact of his lyrics, adding, “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.”
Tour Details
Rush will perform multiple shows across seven cities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The “evening with” format will feature two sets each night, with distinct selections drawn from a catalogue of 35 songs including greatest hits and fan favorites.
Confirmed Tour Dates:
June 7 & 9: Los Angeles, CA (Kia Forum)
June 18: Mexico City, MX (Palacio de los Deportes)
June 24 & 26: Fort Worth, TX (Dickies Arena)
July 16 & 18: Chicago, IL (United Center)
July 28 & 30: New York, NY (Madison Square Garden)
August 7 & 9: Toronto, ON (Scotiabank Arena)
September 17: Cleveland, OH (Rocket Arena)
Artist presale begins October 13 at 12 PM local time in the US and Canada, with general on-sale starting October 17. Various credit card presales will be available starting October 10.
Rush 50 Anthology
Coinciding with the tour announcement, Rush has released Rush 50, a 50-track super deluxe anthology spanning their entire discography. The collection begins with the first-ever reissue of their 1973 debut single and concludes with a live recording of the final song the trio played together at the R40 Tour finale.
With over 45 million albums sold worldwide, seven Grammy nominations, and induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Rush’s influence on rock music remains unmatched. The 2026 tour offers both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to experience the band’s legendary catalogue live once more.
For tickets and VIP packages, visit the official Rush website.
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