Geddy Lee recently talked about one of the most sensitive conversations surrounding Rush’s reunion. The Rush frontman addressed whether the late drummer Neil Peart’s family approved of the band moving forward with a new drummer, Anika Nilles, for a reunion tour.
During an interview with Louder Sound, he was asked directly about how Peart’s family reacted to the idea of Rush returning to the stage with someone else behind the drumkit. Lee did not shy away from the difficulty of the situation.
He said, “It was uncomfortable. They had to get their heads around us moving forwards, which they did, and they eventually gave us their blessing.”
Lee acknowledged that the news came as a shock to those closest to Peart.
He continued, “But yes, of course it was surprising for them.”
The weight of that conversation becomes clearer when considering how central Peart was to everything Rush stood for. He was not only a musician — he was the creative mind behind the band’s words and sound.
Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, after a private battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 67 years old. The illness had been kept largely out of the public eye. His passing came as a shock to fans and the wider music world.
Peart had served as Rush’s primary lyricist throughout the band’s career. His words shaped the philosophical and literary identity of the group. For many, Rush without Peart was not simply a band missing a member — it was a band missing its voice.
The German drummer Anika Nilles, who was selected for reunion tour, is widely respected in modern drumming circles for her technical precision and expressive playing style. Her solo work and reputation as a standout live performer made her a credible choice for one of rock’s most demanding drumming legacies.
