The wait is finally over — and it was worth every single second. Prog rock legends Rush delivered a thunderous, emotional, and unforgettable comeback on June 7, 2026, performing their first full concert in 11 years at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
This marked the explosive opening night of their highly anticipated “Fifty Something Tour” — a four-night residency that has fans around the world buzzing with excitement. The venue carried extra weight: it was the same stage where the late, legendary drummer Neil Peart played his final show with the band back in August 2015.
The sold-out crowd of 18,000 was treated to an epic night filled with nostalgia, high drama, and pure musical brilliance. Multiple heartfelt video tributes to Neil Peart lit up the arena, especially during a deeply moving performance of ‘Bravado’.
Making her full concert debut with the band, German powerhouse drummer Anika Nilles absolutely crushed it. Her performance earned massive cheers from the audience, particularly during her razor-sharp drum solo in ‘Tom Sawyer’. One fan captured the moment perfectly:
“That cheer from the crowd showing their appreciation after Anika nailed the solo is everything good in this world right now! Bottle that up for me please, I want more!!!! Bravo Anika! RUSH fans are the best.”
Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Anika Nilles, and touring keyboardist Loren Gold opened the show in spectacular fashion with a swagger-filled ‘Xanadu’ — the first time the band has ever started a concert with this A Farewell to Kings epic.
Full Setlist – Kia Forum, Los Angeles – June 7, 2026:
Set 1:
- (Tape) Where’s Rush?
- Xanadu (first time as show opener)
- Limelight (first time since 2013)
- Far Cry (with touring band introductions)
- Subdivisions
- Freewill (first time since 2011)
- (Tape) Neil Peart Tribute Collage 1
- Bravado (first time since 2013, dedicated to Neil Peart)
- Caravan (first time since 2013)
- La Villa Strangiato (first time since 2011)
- Vital Signs (first time since 2011)
- The Spirit Of Radio
Set 2:
- (Tape) Countdown
- 2112 Part I: Overture
- 2112 Part II: The Temples Of Syrinx
- 2112 Part VII: Grand Finale
- Distant Early Warning
- Red Barchetta
- Dreamline (first time since 2013)
- (Tape) Bird-dy Lee Sketch
- Natural Science
- (Tape) Neil Peart Tribute Collage 2
- Time Stand Still (with Aimee Mann) (first time since 2011)
- Red Sector A (first time since 2013)
- YYZ
- The Garden (first time since 2013)
- (Tape) “South Park” Intro
- Tom Sawyer
Encore:
- By-Tor & The Snow Dog (first time since 2004)
- Working Man
This wasn’t just a concert — it was a full-circle moment for Rush and their devoted fans. After more than a decade away, Geddy and Alex proved the spirit of Rush is alive and stronger than ever, while beautifully honoring Neil’s legacy. Anika Nilles stepping into those massive shoes and delivering like a veteran is the kind of story that gives metal and prog fans hope. If the first night is any indication, the rest of this tour (and the promised setlist changes each night) is going to be legendary.
Rush return to the Kia Forum for night two on June 9, 2026, with more surprises expected.
https://youtu.be/ZKtcLynN3zk
