The legendary rock band Rush is reuniting for a tour next year that will kick off with two shows at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, organizers said Monday.
The tour, titled "Fifty Something," will launch with concerts June 7 and June 9 at the Kia Forum, and will go on to play in seven cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
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The Inglewood dates will find the band playing two sets each night.
The Canadian trio, who formed in 1968, called it quits in 2015 after a final concert at the Forum, and five years later drummer and songwriter Neil Peart died from brain cancer in Santa Monica. Peart was considered by many the greatest drummer in rock history, and surviving members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson indicated afterward that his death would put any notions of a comeback to rest.
For the new shows, he'll be replaced by German drummer, composer and producer Anika Nilles. She has performed as guitarist Jeff Beck's drummer for more than 60 shows and has released four solo albums.
"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 in a statement Monday. " ... 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 ... 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 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."
Neil's widow and daughter issued a statement in support of 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.
A power trio, Rush was at the forefront of the 1970s "prog rock" movement that saw many rock bands expand on the basic format of the music with more ambitious themes and studio techniques.
The trio's best known songs include "Tom Sawyer," "Limelight" "The Spirit of Radio" and "Fly By Night." They became on the most popular touring acts of their time, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
Some presale ticket sales will begin Thursday night at livemu.sc/rus. Full ticket information is available at rush.com/.
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