Gig News: Rush Fifty Something Tour

6 October 2025 rocknews

Rush ‘Fifty Something’ Tour: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Announce 2026 Celebration of a Legendary Legacy

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® legends Rush are set to take the stage once more. Co-founders Geddy Lee (bass, keys, vocals) and Alex Lifeson (guitar, vocals) have officially announced the ‘Fifty Something’ Tour for 2026, marking a powerful return to live performance and a celebration of the band’s half-century-plus musical journey. This is more than a reunion; it’s a heartfelt tribute to their monumental body of work and a poignant honouring of their late bandmate, the irreplaceable drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

The Celebration: Rush Fifty Something Tour Details and a New Chapter

The Rush Fifty Something Tour is a landmark event, not only signifying the first time Lee and Lifeson have toured together since the finale of the R40 Tour in 2015, but also introducing a new face to carry the torch of Peart’s complex rhythms.

In a candid statement, Geddy Lee expressed the raw emotion behind the decision: “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 fucking miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of Rush music.” The journey begins on June 7, 2026, at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the very site of their last show over a decade ago, bringing the R40 closure full circle.

The tour will span multiple shows across seven cities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. These special “evening with” performances will feature two sets each night, with the band building each setlist from an extensive catalogue of 35 songs, including fan favorites and greatest hits.

Rush Fifty Something Tour Welcomes Anika Nilles

Stepping into the enormous, hallowed space behind the drum kit will be the highly acclaimed German drummer, composer, and producer Anika Nilles. Nilles is known for her virtuosity and has previously toured with Jeff Beck. Lee enthusiastically introduced her, noting, “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.” Lee also hinted at adding “another musician or two to expand our sound a wee bit and free up Alex and I” for an even more dynamic live show.

Neil Peart’s widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and daughter, Olivia Peart, fully support the tour, sharing that they 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.”

A Legacy Etched in Rock History

Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush—officially solidifying their iconic lineup of Lee, Lifeson, and Peart in 1974—transcended the boundaries of hard rock, progressive rock, and heavy metal to become one of the most respected and successful bands in music history. Their discography is a progressive rock masterclass, featuring albums like 2112, Moving Pictures, and Permanent Waves, each showcasing their instrumental prowess, conceptual lyrical depth, and fearless sonic evolution.

The band’s commitment to pushing technical and lyrical boundaries earned them multiple gold and platinum albums, nominations for the GRAMMY® Awards, and a long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® in 2013. Their influence can be heard across generations of musicians in genres from progressive metal to alternative rock.

The announcement of the Rush Fifty Something Tour also coincides with the release of the massive 50-track super deluxe anthology, RUSH 50, which Rolling Stone called “an epic saga.” This retrospective spans their career, beginning with their 1973 debut single and concluding with the live recording of the final song the trio ever played together on the R40 Tour.

Tickets and Tour Dates

Rock fans can secure their chance to witness this historic event by signing up for the RUSH Artist Presale now.

Tour Dates

Sun Jun 07: Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Tue Jun 09: Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Thu Jun 18: Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
Wed Jun 24: Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Fri Jun 26: Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Thu Jul 16: Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Jul 18: Chicago, IL – United Center
Tue Jul 28: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Thu Jul 30: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Aug 07: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sun Aug 09: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Thu Sep 17: Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena

The Artist Presale begins Monday, October 13, at 12 PM local time in the US and Canada (and Thursday, October 16, in Mexico). General onsale begins Friday, October 17th, at 12 PM local time for the US & Canada, and 11 AM local time for Mexico.

Fans looking for an enhanced experience can also explore the all-new VIP program, the first-ever 2112 Platform Experience, and curated Travel Packages.

The Spirit of Rush Lives On

The Rush Fifty Something Tour is the ultimate testament to the enduring power of Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson’s musical bond and the timeless brilliance of Rush’s catalogue. It is a chance for fans to connect with the music that has defined generations, all while raising a glass to the genius of The Professor, Neil Peart.

Are you planning to get tickets for the Rush Fifty Something Tour? Which two songs are you most hoping to hear Lee, Lifeson, and Anika Nilles perform live? Let us know in the comments!