Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced in a social media post on Monday that they have been rehearsing about 35 songs to take on tour next year as Rush.
Tour dates announced so far run from June through September 2026 in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with two shows scheduled in August in Toronto.
Rush played its last concert in Los Angeles in 2015. Any hint of a reunion ended when powerhouse drummer Neil Peart died at 67 on Jan. 7, 2020, three years after being diagnosed with the aggressive brain cancer gliablastoma.
Joining the band as drummer will be Anika Nilles, a German whose previous credits include her own albums as well as being in the touring band of the late guitar legend Jeff Beck.
Lee acknowledged the challenge of “replacing the irreplaceable” Peart, but said that in rehearsals, the chemistry with Nilles was undeniable.
“You and I playing with her started to put a charge in us, when we heard our songs coming back to life,” he said as the pair announced the tour in a social media post.
Rush lead singer Geddy Lee answers eight rapid-fire questions from The National’s Ian Hanomansing about his musical inspirations and memories.
Lifeson said that while each show will have its own unique aspects, “we’ll always have a part of the show that’s a tribute to Neil.”
“It’s going to be beautiful to celebrate him every single night,” he said.
Lee and Lifeson have occasionally joined forces onstage since Peart’s death, most notably for tribute shows for Gordon Lightfoot and Tayor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters.
