Rush kicked off its Fifty Something Tour on June 7. The first show unfolded at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, the same venue where the band wrapped its 2015 tour. With the late Neil Peart gone since January 2020, the remaining members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson faced a rare moment: touring without the iconic drummer for the first time in more than five decades.
First Night Sets the Tone
The evening started at 7:35 p.m. with a six‑minute video that whisked a trio of young explorers through a gothic castle, crossing paths with familiar Rush icons—a sausage‑maker from the 2010 Time Machine Tour, the owl from the Fly By Night cover, and cameo appearances by Jason Segel and Paul Rudd reprising their characters from the 2009 comedy I Love You, Man. The visual tribute set a nostalgic mood before the band launched into a 22‑song setlist that spanned their half‑century of music.
“Alex and I have done some serious soul searching and come to the decision that we f‑king miss it … So we’re 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.” — Geddy Lee, Singer/Bassist
Lee’s words underscored the night’s purpose: a celebration of Peart’s legacy and the band’s enduring catalog. Fans cheered as classic tracks rang out, each song a reminder of the trio’s chemistry that first launched from Toronto in the mid‑70s.
Anika Nilles Steps Into the Spotlight
German drummer and composer Anika Nilles made her tour debut, having first appeared with Rush at the 2026 Juno Awards in March. Taking over a sprawling kit, Nilles tackled Peart’s signature cascade with “tremendous strength and stamina,” especially on percussion‑heavy numbers like “2112: Overture / The Temples of Syrinx / Grand Finale” and the instrumental “YYZ.” The audience responded with huge cheers, and Lee highlighted her talent when introducing her to the crowd. Her performance proved that the demanding role could be filled without compromising the band’s energy. Nilles’ confident strokes and seamless integration into the setlist demonstrated that the tour can honor the past while moving forward, offering fans a fresh yet familiar live experience.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Rush Fifty Something Tour begin? The tour kicked off on June 7, 2026, with a show at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. Which venue hosted the opening night of the Rush Fifty Something Tour? The first concert was held at the historic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the same arena where Rush ended its 2015 tour. Who is the new drummer performing with Rush on the Fifty Something Tour? German drummer and composer Anika Nilles joined Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, debuting on the tour after appearing at the 2026 Juno Awards. How many songs did Rush play at the opening show of the Fifty Something Tour? The band delivered a 22‑song setlist, spanning their half‑century catalog and featuring classics like “2112” and “YYZ.”
