On August 1, 2015, Rush concluded its final tour with a poignant performance at the Forum in Los Angeles, showcasing a short video called “Exit Stage Left” as they bid farewell to fans. However, the iconic band, which has been dormant for nearly a decade, has made a surprising return, announcing their North American Fifty Something Tour set to kick off on June 7 at the same venue where they last performed.
This unexpected revival has taken many, including those close to the band, by surprise. Joining vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson will be talented German drummer Anika Nilles, along with a potential keyboardist. Lee shared that the decision to reunite came after years of discussions that often led to hesitation, primarily driven by Lifeson’s reluctance.
In the time since their last farewell, Lifeson and Lee have maintained their musical connection, recently performing alongside guest drummers, including rock legend Dave Grohl, at a tribute concert for the late Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. Although the two friends had been jamming together in Toronto, a full reunion seemed unlikely until a breakthrough occurred.
Both 72, Lee and Lifeson have kept busy with their individual projects. Lee released his memoir “My Effin’ Life” in 2023, and followed it with a baseball book, “72 Stories.” Meanwhile, Lifeson has been active with his band, Envy of None, releasing two albums and an EP over the past four years. Their joint performance at a tribute concert for Gordon Lightfoot showcased their continued musical chemistry, but the reunion announcement came as a delightful surprise.
In the months leading up to this announcement, Lifeson had quietly contributed to the forthcoming Rheostatics album, “The Great Lakes Suite,” all while maintaining the mystery surrounding any possibility of a Rush reunion. Longtime friend and collaborator Dave Bidini expressed his astonishment at the unexpected news, indicating their tendency to keep their plans tightly under wraps.
The reunion was unveiled at an exclusive event at Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where media historian and Rush advocate Donna Halper introduced the duo without prior knowledge of the reunion. While Lifeson faced health challenges, including surgery for digestive issues in 2023, he returned revitalized and ready to embrace the idea of touring again.
As excitement builds around the Fifty Something Tour, early ticket sales have exceeded expectations, prompting the decision to add further dates in cities such as Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Tour management will be handled by Q Prime, a well-known firm with a track record in the music industry, and Live Nation will promote the shows.
The band faces a pivotal change with the passing of their legendary drummer Neil Peart in 2020, but Nilles has stepped into the role with confidence after rehearsing extensively with Lifeson and Lee. Together, they have been preparing a repertoire of 35 songs, signaling a promising new chapter for the beloved band.
As plans for the tour unfold, Lee expressed hope for extending it internationally, with potential dates in Europe, South America, and Asia through 2027 on the horizon. With the reunion, Rush is not only reigniting its legacy but also revealing that their impact on music continues to resonate, inspiring both longtime fans and new audiences alike.