Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Reunite for RUSH Tour, After Saying the Band Was Done

Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, drummer Neil Peart and singer/bassist Geddy Lee perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena during a stop of the band's Time Machine Tour August 14, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson just confirmed they’ll be touring with their beloved classic rock band RUSH in 2026 — which shocked some fans, as Lifeson declared in 2021 during a Sirius XM interview, following the death of original drummer Neil Peart, that “There’s no way Rush will ever exist again, because Neil’s not here to be a part of it.”

Drummer Anika Nilles will take Pearts place in the first concert tour in over a decade, called “Fifty Something.” The tour will kick off next June in Los Angeles before ending in September in Ohio, making stops around North America.

Despite earlier comments about not touring after Peart’s death, the band received a blessing from Peart’s family which confirmed their decision to move forward.

The statement read from Peart’s family read, “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.”

UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 01: Photo of Neil PEART and RUSH and Alex LIFESON and Geddy LEE; L-R: Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart, Geddy Lee - posed, studio, group shot,

Fin Costello/Redferns

Additionally, Lee shared a statement that read, “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 f******* 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’ve 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.”

RUSH 2026 Tour Dates:

06/07 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
06/09 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
06/18 – Mexico City, MX @ Palacio de los Deportes
06/24 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
06/26 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
07/16 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
07/18 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
07/28 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
07/30 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
08/07 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
08/09 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
09/17 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Arena

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