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Posted on 06/17/2026 11:54:46 AM PDT by Drew68
There can only be one rock band that is unquestionably and certifiably the cool kids’ choice in 2026, and whatever indie cred the rest of you kids may carry, this town ain’t big enough for both you and Rush.
The reconstituted version of the recently dormant group just wrapped up a sold-out, tour-opening four-night stand at the Kia Forum that was a triumphantly climactic week in Rush’s unexpected reentry as a cultural and musical force in the 2020s. Two heroes walked into the Forum — Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson — and three walked out, as new drummer Anika Nilles may now be able to claim the title of the woman who’s most popular among American men at this particular moment. (And, sure, that newfound veneration extends to some women, too; Rush’s popularity is not as completely lopsided on the gender front as has been joked about for decades.)
But what was most clear going down to Inglewood tour was just what a wide swath Rush fandom cuts in 2026. Some fans may claim that is as it’s always been, but it seems fair to say a tide has shifted. As a snobby 1970s kid, I would have considered myself not dweeb enough for Rush; going to the Forum fiftysomething years later, it was more about doubting I was hip enough.
Fortunately, it’s a fandom that accepts all comers. And after only admiring from a safe distance for quite a long time, I qualify an actual convert, now, after Saturday night’s staggering performace, one of the most invigorating displays of visceral prowess I can recall from across untold decades of concertgoing. Being happily beaten into submission through an almost unflaggingly thrilling three-hour show, I found myself silently repeating the obvious question:
Where have I been all Rush’s life?
(Excerpt) Read more at variety.com ...
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I was madly, platonically in love with Anika Nilles — who may immediately go down as the most rapturously accepted fill-in for a legendary, departed musician in rock ‘n’ roll’s history of high-risk substitutions.
We're all platonically in love with Anika. She is freakin' phenomenal!
I'll be seeing them a little later this year, taking my teen boys. Didn't want to miss out.
Cool.
Love them.
Does Geddy Lee still have the voice to sing those lyrics?
I’m happy to know he and the other original band member have not gone deaf from exposure to amped up music over the last few decades.
Both Pete Townsend and Roger Daltry (WHO) are now partially deaf from performing in their concerts.
No.
How much life is really left in any of these legacy bands? Lifeson has material health issues. Enjoy the victory lap while it lasts.
Watch some of the videos. "Anika Cams" (where the camera is focused only on her playing) are all over social media. The crowd loves her and she's nailing every one of Peart's fills.
Geddy got some voice coaching and sounds twenty years younger, well enough to hit the high notes in "Freewill." The addition of keyboardist and backing vocalist Loren Gold (hiding out quietly in the background as the world stands in awe of Anika Nilles) has freed up Geddy to move around the stage a little more and focus on his singing and bass playing (and the occasional keyboard work).
The band, touring for the first time as a quartet, sounds incredible.
Check out this video of Tom Saywer and the audience's reaction to Nilles nailing the parts. (FFW to 3:17)
Rush – Tom Sawyer (Live Los Angeles 2026) | Anika Nilles kills it! | Fifty Something Tour (YouTube)
That's why I pulled the trigger on not missing this show. Living in San Diego, sadly I missed out on the L.A. shows. They sold out too fast but I found some tix for the Glendale, AZ show in December. Only a five hour drive!
As a Gen-X'er who grew up going to rock concerts, there just aren't many bands left doing these types of tours anymore. See these legacy bands now while you still can, I say, because there's nobody coming up to fill their shoes.
As long as they can fill stadiums, might as well. It’s not Rush, but it is the best Rush cover band in the world.
Three things
Touring now
Cute girl drummer
Xers ascending
"there just aren't many bands left doing these types of tours anymore"
The music establishment HATES Rock music. I feel likes it’s starting to come back despite their best efforts, but there is a 25 year gap.
She shows “Grace Under Pressure”
Sure, but as a reminder, Neil Peart was not their original drummer while Alex and Geddy have been friends since grade school.
The reason they're back on the road is because these two lifelong friends still jam together and, simply put, they missed playing their songs.
Geddy Lee's bass tech, Skully, was Jeff Beck's guitar tech and mentioned, "Jeff's drummer was awesome! You should hear her play!"
Nilles showed up to a few rehearsals just for the fun of it and sounded so great that the other two guys felt they needed to go back on the road. And there they are.
Rush 2.0
I know I’m in the minority, but the very best album from Rush is and will always be the first one.
I can’t think of a Rock band today with members in their 20s that plays really large scale venues.
Geddy Lee is as talented as 7 or 8 genius musicians so it stands to reason.
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