dpA legendary rock band paid tribute to a late member at its first official concert in 11 years.
Rush performed the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Sunday night, kicking off their “Fifty Something” reunion tour. Singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist-vocalist Alex Lifeson, joined by new drummer Anika Nilles, played hits like “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight” and “The Spirit of Radio” over two sets.
Ultimate Classic Rock reports Lee also took time to honor drummer Neil Peart, who died in January 2020 of a rare form of brain cancer. Peart was Rush’s primary lyricist and is widely considered to be one of the one greatest rock drummers of all time.
“We’re here for so many reasons,” Lee said. “We’re here to celebrate over 50 years of music that Alex, myself and the great Neil Peart made together. We’re here to pay tribute to Neil.”
According to UCR, the concert — at the same venue where Peart last performed with Rush — also featured a video montage of Peart with his own voice narrating.
“Drumming became an instrument of self-esteem for me,” Peart could be heard saying. “I consider my whole career to be a reflection of me at 16 and what my values were. And what I thought the idea of artistic integrity was and what it should be devoted to.”
Rush first announced in October that Nilles, a German musician, producer and composer, would be joining the band’s first tour in a decade. Nilles, 42, made her live debut with Rush at Canada’s Juno Awards in March, performing “Finding My Way” with (from Rush’s 1974 debut album) with Lee, Lifeson and keyboardist Loren Gold.
Peart’s widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and his daughter, Olivia, also gave their blessing to Rush’s reunion 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,” Peart’s family said in a statement. “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.”
Rush is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Lee and Lifeson, both 72, also performed several times since Peart’s death, including at a 2022 tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and with Primus at a 25th anniversary concert for “South Park.”
Rush 2026 reunion tour dates
June 7, 9, 11, 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum (TICKETS)
June 18 – Mexico City, MX @ Palacio de los Deportes (TICKETS)
June 24, 26, 28, 30 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena (TICKETS)
July 16, 18, 20, 22 – Chicago, IL @ United Center (TICKETS)
July 28, 30 & Aug. 1, 3 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden (TICKETS)
August 7, 9, 11, 13 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena (TICKETS)
Aug. 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena (TICKETS)
Aug. 26 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena (TICKETS)
Sept. 2 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre (TICKETS)
Sept. 12 – Boston, MA – TD Garden (TICKETS)
September 17, 19 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Arena (TICKETS)
Sept. 23 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center (TICKETS)
Oct. 5 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (TICKETS)
Oct. 10 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena (TICKETS)
Oct. 15 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center (TICKETS)
Oct. 25 – Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena (TICKETS)
Oct. 30 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena (TICKETS)
Nov. 5 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live (TICKETS)
Nov. 9 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena (Tickets)
Nov. 20 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center (TICKETS)
Nov. 25 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena (TICKETS)
Dec. 1 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena (TICKETS)
Dec. 10 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place (TICKETS)
Dec. 15 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena (TICKETS)
