https://rollingstone.com.br/musica/rush-outra-mudanca-formacao-volta-2026/

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson shocked the world last Monday, the 6th, by announcing the return of Rush. The group’s name was revived for live shows next year.

The band had not performed since August 2015. It was already officially retired when the drummer Neil Peart passed away in January 2020.

To return to the stage in 2026, Lee and Lifeson called on the German drummer Anika Nilles. She takes over from Neil Peart with the approval of the late musician’s family. However, this should not be the only news.

According to Geddy Lee during a press conference, the Rush intends to add more members to help the trio during shows (via Ultimate Classic Rock).

In a good-humored tone, he joked, but seriously:

“We might add one or two more musicians to expand our sound a bit and free up Alex (Lifeson) and I to show off some of our new dance moves.”

This possibility had already been mentioned in the official statement. He stated that backing musicians would be included to “expand the sound a bit” and probably leave him more in charge of just vocals and bass, without the keyboards he normally also plays.

Tribute to Taylor Hawkins was decisive in decision

Back to the press conference: according to the vocalist, bassist and keyboardist, a specific experience he had on stage during tribute shows to Taylor Hawkins (ex-Foo Fighters), who died in 2022, left him free to just sing and take care of the bass. He explains and says he is relieved:

“When we did those Taylor (Hawkins) tribute shows, Greg Kurstin he played the keyboard, and, my God, it was so good for me not to be stuck in that place. We’re still working out those details, but that’s where we’re headed.”

In other words, it is likely that Rush will return to the stage in 2026 with a hired keyboardist, expanding their lineup to a quartet — or even more.

The Rush reunion

The tour announced by Rush will be called “Fifty Something” and will initially cover seven cities in North America over 12 dates. See the list of shows:

June 7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
June 9 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
June 18 – Mexico City, MX @ Palacio de los Deportes
June 24 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
June 26 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
July 16 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
July 18 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
July 28 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
July 30th – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
August 7th – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
August 9 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
September 17 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Arena

• “Neil Peart”

• alex lifeson

• Geddy Lee

• rush