Rush (YES THAT RUSH) Just Announced Their First Tour in Over a Decade
File this under “holy shit, this wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card”, but Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, GRAMMY Award nominees, Canada’s greatest export, and the most influential prog rock band of all time is making a comeback next year. Yes, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee are getting back together and revitalizing the almighty Rush for a special 12-date run of shows next summer.
In a move that I don’t really think anyone saw coming before this morning, Lifeson and Lee announced that they’ll be heading back out on the road for the first time in 11 years for the ‘Fifty Something’ headlining tour. Described as a “celebration of Rush’s music, legacy, and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart,” this is bound to be something that life-long fans will not want to miss.
Bassist and founding member Geddy Lee said he was excited to return to stage after more than a decade away.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. 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.”
As it stands, the tour will take place in seven cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, kicking off on June 7, 2026 in Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and coming to a close on September 17, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio’s Rocket Arena. These special “evening with Rush” shows will see the band playing two sets of 25 songs per night, with each show featuring a special selection of songs from the band’s discography.
Knowing that replacing the late Peart, who passed away in 2020 after a battle with brain cancer, would be an insanely tall order, the Rush camp didn’t necessarily seek out the easy answer. There are scores of prog rock and metal drummers that would probably kill their own mothers to take Peart’s spot in Rush. Rather than recruiting your Portnoys or your Careys, Lee said they opted for Jeff Beck’s drummer, Anika Nilles.
“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.”
Naturally, Lifeson and Lee had to get approval from Peart’s surviving next of kin to move forward. Thankfully, Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter, gave them the go-ahead.
“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.
“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.”
Tickets won’t go on sale to the general public until Friday, October 17 at 12 p.m. local time in the U.S. and Canada and at 11 a.m. local for Mexico. There are various artist, credit card, and other pre-sales. Be sure to keep an eye out for those when you can.
As for now, you can see the full list of tour dates below and get stoked for live Rush in 2026…
RUSH TOUR DATES
Sun Jun 07 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Tue Jun 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Thu Jun 18 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
Wed Jun 24 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Fri Jun 26 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Thu Jul 16 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Jul 18 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Tue Jul 28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Thu Jul 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Aug 07 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sun Aug 09 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Thu Sep 17 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena