In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the rock world, Rush—the iconic Canadian prog rock trio—has officially broken their touring silence after more than a decade. Co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, joined by powerhouse drummer Anika Nilles, will hit the road in 2026 for the “Rush: Fifty Something Tour,” a celebratory jaunt honoring 50-plus years of the band’s groundbreaking music, their enduring legacy, and late drummer Neil Peart, who passed away in 2020.
It’s been exactly 11 years since Rush wrapped their triumphant R40 Live Tour in 2015, marking what was then billed as a fitting farewell to the stage. Peart’s death from brain cancer at age 67 left fans mourning, and Lee and Lifeson stepped back from the spotlight to grieve and reflect. But whispers of a reunion have swirled ever since, fueled by the duo’s collaborative projects like the 2023 graphic novel The Show That Never Ends and their joint appearance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony earlier this year. Now, those rumors are reality: Rush is back, not as a full resurrection, but as a heartfelt tribute that promises to blend timeless anthems with fresh energy.
“This tour is our way of celebrating the music that’s defined our lives and connecting with the fans who’ve kept the flame alive,” Lee said in a statement released via the band’s official site. Lifeson echoed the sentiment, adding, “We’re doing this for Neil, for the band, and for everyone who’s ever screamed along to ‘Tom Sawyer’ in a packed arena.” The setlist remains under wraps, but expect deep cuts from classics like 2112, Moving Pictures, and Signals, alongside rarities to mark the milestone.
At the heart of this revival is Anika Nilles, the German drumming sensation whose technical wizardry and innovative style have earned her acclaim in jazz and fusion circles. Nilles steps in as a respectful nod to Peart’s unparalleled legacy—known for his marathon solos and poetic lyrics—without attempting to replace him. “Anika brings her own fire,” Lifeson told Rolling Stone. “It’s going to be emotional, but it’s going to rock.”
The tour kicks off with back-to-back nights at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on June 7 and 9, 2026, before crisscrossing North America with stops in Mexico, Texas, Illinois, New York, Ontario, and Ohio. Billed as an intimate-yet-epic run across seven cities, the 12-date outing wraps on September 17 in Cleveland—fittingly, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s hometown. Tickets go on sale October 18 via Ticketmaster, with presales starting for fan club members this week.
Here’s the full slate of confirmed dates:
| Date | City, Country/State | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jun 7 | Los Angeles, CA | Kia Forum |
| Tue, Jun 9 | 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 7 | Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena |
| Sun, Aug 9 | Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena |
| Thu, Sep 17 | Cleveland, OH | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse |
As Lee put it during a recent Rock Hall chat, “We’ve got stories to tell and riffs to unleash.” Mark your calendars, Rush faithful: the wait is almost over. For tickets and updates, head to rush.com.
Mick Lite is a versatile entrepreneur, photographer, and blogger with a huge passion for Music, Sports, Movies, Food, and Gaming. He has worked as an official scorer, social media manager, and photographer for various college, semi pro, and pro sports teams, including the River City Rascals, St. Louis Attack, Missouri Monsters, St. Charles Chill, SLU Billikens, Gateway Steam, St. Louis Riversharks, and Gateway Grizzlies. Served 12 years in the USN/USAF/USN.
