Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and Grammy-nominated icons RUSH are officially returning to the stage. Co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have announced a 2026 headline tour titled “Fifty Something”, marking their first tour together in over a decade.
The upcoming run celebrates more than 50 years of RUSH’s music and honors the life and legacy of their late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, whose influence remains deeply embedded in rock history.
RUSH Returns After 11 Years
The “Fifty Something” tour will be the first time Lee and Lifeson perform together since the band’s 2015 R40 Live farewell tour. That tour ended on August 1, 2015, at The Forum in Los Angeles — the same venue where they will launch their 2026 tour, symbolically bringing their journey full circle.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” Geddy Lee said. “A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage. And so, 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 f-cking miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of RUSH music.”
Lee went on to explain that the new tour will not attempt to replace Neil Peart, but rather honor him through collaboration and musical celebration.
A Tribute to Neil Peart
“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,” Lee continued. “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.”
Nilles, a German drummer and composer known for her dynamic precision and groove, has performed more than 60 shows as Jeff Beck’s drummer and released four solo albums. Her addition to the tour brings a fresh, powerful energy to the RUSH legacy.
Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart Endorse the Tour
In an emotional statement, Carrie Nuttall-Peart (Neil’s widow) and Olivia Peart (Neil’s daughter) voiced their full support for the “Fifty Something” 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.
Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and power that expanded what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched in the depth and imagination he brought to the lyrics that inspired and moved so many, he profoundly shaped how fans connected with him and the band, giving voice and meaning to their own lives.”
They concluded by expressing excitement for the band’s next chapter:
“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.”
Inside the “Fifty Something” Tour
The tour will feature multiple shows in seven cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, beginning June 7, 2026, at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Each night will include two sets, with distinct setlists built from a catalog of 35 songs. Fans can expect a mix of greatest hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites spanning the band’s five-decade career — from early epics like 2112 and Xanadu to later masterpieces such as The Spirit of Radio, Tom Sawyer, and Time Stand Still.
“Lerxst, Anika and myself, along with many of our longstanding crew members have been hard at work rehearsing and designing the kind of RUSH show you’ve grown accustomed to expect from us,” Lee said. “We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together.”
The announcement was first shared through a RUSH newsletter, which included a home video message from Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, filmed at Lee’s home studio. Later that evening, the band hosted a private celebration at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, featuring an intimate Q&A session and a look back at their monumental career.
Presale and Ticket Information
Fans can sign up for the RUSH artist presale at livemu.sc/rush by Thursday, October 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Artist presales are available through multiple ticketing platforms:
- Ticketmaster: No code required; access is linked to your account.
- SeatGeek (Cleveland): Presale will require a code.
The artist presale begins:
- Monday, October 13 at 12 p.m. (local time) in the U.S. and Canada
- Thursday, October 16 at 12 p.m. (local time) in Mexico
General onsale starts Friday, October 17 at:
- 12 p.m. local time (U.S. & Canada)
- 11 a.m. local time (Mexico)
A Return Worth Waiting For
The announcement has ignited immense excitement across the RUSH community. Fans around the world have long hoped to see Lee and Lifeson reunite following Neil Peart’s passing in 2020.
The “Fifty Something” tour isn’t just a reunion — it’s a heartfelt tribute to five decades of artistry, brotherhood, and musical innovation.
RUSH continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans, and their 2026 return promises to be one of the most emotional tours in modern rock history.
