Feature Photo: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
After more than a decade away from the road, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and Canadian progressive rock icons Rush have announced their long-awaited return to the concert stage. The “Fifty Something” tour will mark the first time Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have toured together since the band’s monumental R40 40th anniversary tour concluded on August 1, 2015 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The newly revealed 12-date run will begin on June 7, 2026 at that very same venue, bringing Rush’s remarkable story full circle.
The tour will be a deeply personal celebration of Rush’s five-decade legacy and a heartfelt tribute to their late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who passed away in 2020 after a battle with brain cancer. The shows promise an immersive “evening with” experience, featuring two sets each night built around a revolving catalog of thirty-five classics and fan favorites. Lee and Lifeson will be joined by acclaimed German drummer Anika Nilles, known for her technical brilliance, musical precision, and previous work with Jeff Beck.
“It’s been over ten years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” Geddy Lee said in a statement. “After all that has happened since that last show, we’ve done some serious soul searching and come to the decision that we miss it. It’s time for a celebration of fifty-something years of Rush music. So in 2026, my BFF Lerxst [Alex Lifeson] and I are going to hit the road once again to pay tribute to our past and to Neil by performing a vast selection of Rush songs in a handful of cities.”
Lee went on to introduce the band’s new drummer, Anika Nilles, calling her “an incredible musician who is adding another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey.” He added that both he and Lifeson hope to expand their live sound even further, possibly by adding one or two additional musicians to the lineup.
Lifeson echoed the sentiment, reflecting on the emotional and musical challenge of revisiting the band’s catalog. “We’re musicians and players, and our music is special,” Lifeson said. “Being away from it for so long and revisiting it made me realize how difficult it is to play, but also how rich it is in its music and lyrics. Every night we’ll include a section of the show that pays tribute to Neil, his memory, and everything that he was to us. It’s going to be beautiful to celebrate him every single night.”
Neil Peart’s widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and daughter, Olivia Peart, offered their support for the tour in a statement. “We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has inspired fans for generations and honoring Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist. His compositions were intricate and powerful, expanding what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable, but this new chapter will be unforgettable. We are excited to hear this legendary music played live once again.”
The 2026 “Fifty Something” tour will visit major cities across North America, including Los Angeles, Mexico City, Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Cleveland. Each performance will feature a unique setlist, ensuring that no two shows are the same. Fans can expect classics such as “Tom Sawyer,” “The Spirit of Radio,” “Subdivisions,” and “Limelight” among the selections, alongside deeper cuts cherished by longtime followers.
Pre-sale registration for fans is open through October 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET via Live Nation’s official channels. Artist pre-sales begin October 13 at 12 p.m. local time in the United States and Canada, and October 16 at 12 p.m. local time in Mexico. General on-sale begins October 17. Additional presales include exclusive opportunities for Citi cardholders in the U.S., American Express card members in Canada, and Banamex cardholders in Mexico.
The tour coincides with the release of Rush 50, a 50-track anthology chronicling the band’s full career—from their 1973 debut single to the final song performed onstage by Lee, Lifeson, and Peart during the R40 tour. With that monumental release and a new tour on the horizon, Rush’s return stands as one of the most anticipated comebacks in modern rock history.
The band’s 2026 tour will not only honor their late brother-in-arms but will also reignite the spirit of a group that changed the face of rock music forever. As Geddy Lee said, “We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together.”
2026 “Fifty Something” Tour Dates
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 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
August 7 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
August 9 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
September 17 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena
Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush became one of the most influential and technically accomplished rock bands in history. The trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart forged a sound that blended progressive rock’s complexity with the power and precision of hard rock. Across four decades, they released nineteen studio albums, including landmark works such as 2112, Moving Pictures, Permanent Waves, and Signals, each showcasing their unmatched musicianship and thought-provoking lyrics.
The band’s achievements include multiple Juno Awards, seven Grammy nominations, and a devoted global fan base that spans generations. In 2013, Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as one of the most respected and enduring acts in modern music. Beyond their chart success and critical acclaim, Rush redefined what a rock trio could accomplish through innovation, intelligence, and integrity.
Now, with the Fifty Something tour, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson carry forward the legacy of their late bandmate Neil Peart, honoring his artistry while introducing a new chapter in the band’s remarkable journey. As Rush prepares to take the stage once more in 2026, their story of friendship, resilience, and timeless music continues to inspire fans around the world.
