Anika Nilles has admitted that since being named Rush’s new drummer, her life has taken an intense turn — one she describes as “quite overwhelming.” On October 6, 2025, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced that Rush would reunite for their Fifty Something Tour in 2026, and that Anika would be filling Neil Peart’s legendary role.
In her message to fans, Nilles thanked Lee and Lifeson for trusting her and voiced her excitement for what’s coming. She also expressed gratitude toward longtime followers who supported her work over the years, and acknowledged the new faces and encouragement from fans discovering her for the first time.
Rush have said that choosing Nilles was not about replacing Peart note-for-note, but about someone who could honor his legacy and tap into the feel and nuance Peart brought — the subtleties, the emotions, the heartbeat of those songs. Geddy Lee noted that though Anika is younger, she came in with no baggage of expectations. That freedom helped her approach Peart’s music with respect rather than mimicry.
Nilles is concurrently touring with her band Nevell in Europe and preparing for Rush’s big stage return, which kicks off June 7, 2026 in Los Angeles.
Fans have reacted mostly positively — many expressing hope and excitement. Some are awed by her technique, others by her humility. All seem to agree on one thing: her appointment feels like more than just filling a spot; it’s a new chapter for Rush.
