New Rush drummer Anika Nilles recently opened up about the challenges of stepping into Neil Peart’s role. She shared insights from her first rehearsal sessions with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson in an interview with Louder Sound.
Nilles discussed how her approach focuses on capturing the emotional essence of Rush’s music rather than simply replicating technical elements. She emphasized the importance of understanding Peart’s musical philosophy and connecting with the band’s legacy.
“I had a few songs prepared before I flew over, and we played those. But during the session, we also talked a lot about Neil – about his view on music and drumming,” Nilles said. “We spoke a great deal about the feel of the songs. The most important point is simply to capture the feeling – that it feels right for the two of them to play their music again.”
She explained that the initial sessions were as much about building relationships as they were about music.
“And ultimately, it will feel right for the fans as well. We talked about that a lot,” she continued. “The first session was really about getting to know each other and seeing how we function together.”
Nilles stressed that technical accuracy takes a backseat to emotional authenticity in her approach to Rush’s catalog.
“In these songs, it’s less about what I play, whether it’s true to the original or whether there’s room for improvisation. That comes second,” she said. “First and foremost, it’s about capturing the right feel. That also means immersing myself to some extent in Neil’s way of thinking and his playing feel, which is a huge part of this music.”
The drummer concluded by acknowledging the weight of Peart’s legacy and the respect required when approaching his work.
“Neil is simply part of this music, and you can’t ignore that or bring your own ego into it,” she said. “You have to approach it with respect and a lot of sensitivity.”
Nilles’ collaboration with Rush represents a significant step forward for the band as they explore returning to live performance after years of uncertainty following Peart’s death in 2020.
The German fusion drummer brings a unique background to the legendary progressive rock trio. Guitar Player reported that Nilles is known for her work outside progressive rock, offering a fresh perspective that Lee and Lifeson value as they pursue a return to touring. Her diverse musical experience allows her to approach Rush’s complex catalog with both technical skill and creative sensitivity.
Despite her confidence and preparation, Nilles admits that certain Rush classics still intimidate her. Guitar Player noted that even on a song like “Tom Sawyer,” Nilles had a moment of hesitation before diving in, demonstrating the profound respect she holds for Peart’s iconic performances.
The collaboration has already moved beyond rehearsal rooms into live performance. Sonic Perspectives revealed that Rush has made a live comeback with Nilles, performing at an event tied to their Juno Awards history. This marks a significant milestone for the band, which has a long history with the Junos. The band won Group of the Year back-to-back in 1978 and 1979 and has taken home 10 awards in total.
The successful integration of Nilles into Rush’s dynamic suggests that the band may be ready to return to regular touring. This would bring their legendary catalog back to stages worldwide with a drummer who understands both the technical demands and emotional weight of following in Neil Peart’s footsteps.
