Rush drummer Anika Nilles has bond with Johnny Depp
New touring Rush drummer Anika Nilles was part of Jeff Beck’s live band with Johnny Depp in 2022 prior to Beck’s death, and later reunited with Depp in 2023 to honor Beck, showing her affinity and support for Depp with behind the scenes photos.
Nilles’ work with Beck and Depp gained her credibility in the rock world, likely helping her get the gig with Rush. Beck is one of rock’s greatest guitarists of all time, and while he is an actor, Depp is an acclaimed guitarist with Joe Perry in Hollywood Vampires.
The rock community has fully supported Rush’s decision to Nilles, showing her stellar reputation in the rock and drumming communities.
Rush reuniting with new drummer
Bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson have officially announced that Rush is returning for their first tour since 2015. This will also be their first official tour since drummer Neil Peart passed away in 2020.
Following discussions and speculations among fans and the press, the legendary progressive rock trio will be joined by drummer Anika Nilles, who will take Peart’s place.
Rush issues statement
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil,” Geddy said in a statement shared through the band’s official website.
“A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage. And so, after all that has gone down since that last show, Alex and I have done some serious soul searching and come to the decision that we fucking miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of Rush music.”
Revealing that the tour will take place in 2026, Geddy added that he and Lifeson will use the opportunity “to pay tribute to our past and to Neil by performing a vast selection of Rush songs in a handful of cities.” Expectedly, it’s “no small task” as the bassist explained, ” because, as we all know, Neil was irreplaceable.”
Lee opened up on the new drummer and stated:
“Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated Rush fanbase, whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role.”
There’ll also be “another musician or two to expand our sound a wee bit and free up Alex and I, in order to show off some of our new fancy dance steps.”
Concluding the statement, the Rush bassist and vocalist also said that the new lineup and the crew have been preparing for a bit now. “We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together,” he offered in the end.
As per the website, the tour is dubbed Rush Fifty Something Tour and it also has a blessing from Neil Peart’s family members. Adding to the news were also a few words from Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Peart’s widow and daughter. They offered:
“We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honor Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist.”
“Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and power that expanded what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched in the depth and imagination he brought to the lyrics that inspired and moved so many, he profoundly shaped how fans connected with him and the band, giving voice and meaning to their own lives.”
“As the band enters this new chapter, it promises to be truly unforgettable. We are excited to see how their new vision unfolds, and to hear this legendary music played live once again.”
So far, the announced tour dates are:
- Sun Jun 07 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
- Tue Jun 09 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
- Thu Jun 18 Mexico City, MX. Palacio de los Deportes
- Wed Jun 24 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
- Fri Jun 26 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
- Thu Jul 16 Chicago, IL United Center
- Sat Jul 18 Chicago, IL United Center
- Tue Jul 28 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
- Thu Jul 30 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
- Fri Aug 07 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
- Sun Aug 09 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
- Thu Sep 17 Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena
