Rush Announces 2026 Fifty Something Tour: A Tribute to Neil Peart
Legendary rock band Rush, co-founded by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, has announced their first tour in 11 years. The 2026 Fifty Something Tour will pay tribute to the band's music, legacy, and the late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. The tour will kick off on June 7 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where Peart played his final concert in 2015. German musician Anika Nilles will be taking over drum duties for the tour.
Geddy Lee expressed his excitement for the upcoming tour, stating that after a decade since their last performance with Neil, he and Alex Lifeson felt the need to celebrate their music. The decision to embark on the tour was fueled by their love for the songs they had created together over the years. The tour will feature a selection of Rush's iconic songs as a tribute to Neil, who they believe is irreplaceable.
The 2026 tour has received the full support of Neil Peart's family, including his widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia Peart. They are thrilled to be part of the Fifty Something Tour, honoring Neil's extraordinary legacy as a drummer and lyricist. The tour will include stops in Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Cleveland, with a single concert on September 17 to conclude the tour.
In addition to the tour, Rush has announced Rush 50, a 50-track anthology available in various editions. The anthology includes a reissue of their 1973 debut single and a live recording of the final song performed by Lee, Lifeson, and Peart during the 2015 R40 Tour. Rush's music, known for hits like "Tom Sawyer," "The Spirit of Radio," and "Limelight," has solidified their place in classic rock history. The band's popularity peaked in the 1980s with six consecutive top 10 albums on the Billboard 200.
Rush's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 highlights their influence on the music industry. The band's contribution to Canadian music was recognized early on when they were named Ambassadors of Music for Canada in 1979. The upcoming tour and anthology release are a testament to Rush's enduring legacy and impact on rock music fans worldwide.