Rush Announces Anika Nilles as New Drummer for Rush Fifty Something Tour
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson made a triumphant return to the stage as Rush at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in Manchester in 2022, with three renowned drummers stepping in for the late Neil Peart. Speculation has been swirling about who could potentially replace Peart if Rush were to embark on a tour again. Among the names mentioned are Dave Grohl, Chad Smith, Danny Carey, Mike Portnoy, Gavin Harrison, Sully Erna, Mike Mangini, and Marco Minnemann. However, the band has now announced that German drummer Anika Nilles will be joining them for their upcoming Rush Fifty Something tour, starting in Los Angeles next June.
Anika Nilles, known for her work with Jeff Beck, Tom Liwa, and Panzerballett, caught Geddy Lee's attention two years ago. Lee praised her drumming skills in an interview, highlighting her performance on the Jeff Beck tour. Nilles' selection as Rush's new drummer was influenced by Lee's bass tech, who had worked with her on tour and spoke highly of her talent. After watching her performances on YouTube and discussing the possibility of playing together again, the band decided to bring Nilles to Canada for a trial run. Despite the challenges of interpreting Rush's music and capturing Neil Peart's essence, Nilles impressed the band during their sessions, leading to her inclusion in the upcoming tour.
The Rush Fifty Something tour will kick off in Los Angeles in June, followed by shows in Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Cleveland. Anika Nilles' addition to the lineup brings a fresh perspective and energy to the band, as she approaches Rush's iconic songs with her unique style and dedication. Fans can expect an exciting and dynamic performance as Rush takes the stage with Nilles behind the kit, honoring their legendary legacy while embracing new possibilities.