Geddy Lee has spoken out about Rush’s decision to bring Anika Nilles on board as the band’s new drummer, setting the record straight in a recent interview.
Lee addressed a question about Nilles’ impact on female drummers worldwide. He acknowledged the significance of her story while making a firm distinction about the reasoning behind her hiring.
When asked, “Anika must be a real inspiration to female drummers around the world,” Lee responded warmly but with clarity.
“Yeah. I think that’s a great part of her story. I love that part of her story. I’ve gotten mail from young girls, older women saying, ‘Right on, man. Thank you,'” he said.
Lee then moved to address the core of the matter — that merit, not gender, was the driving force behind the decision.
“But let’s be clear: we did not hire Anika Nilles because she’s a woman. We hired her because she’s an incredible drummer, and not just an incredible drummer – an intelligent, hardworking, responsible… I couldn’t even get her drunk last night! [Laughs] I tried,” he continued.
“She’s a unique individual. In many ways, she reminds me of the big goof who sat on the throne before her. She’s a total professional, a work-first person. The fact that she’s female and she’s doing that for women musicians around the world, that’s a bonus. It’s not the reason she’s in that seat,” Lee added.
The comments come as Rush prepares for their much-anticipated return. Nilles steps into the role previously held by the late Neil Peart.
What makes Lee’s confidence in Nilles all the more striking is how deliberate the selection process was. The band did not cast a wide net or audition a long list of candidates. Nilles was the only drummer Rush seriously considered for the reunion.
Her name came to the band through a trusted connection. She was recommended to Rush by a member of Jeff Beck’s touring crew. That detail speaks to the reputation she had already built within elite musical circles long before the reunion was announced.
That reputation was earned on the road. Nilles had previously toured with Jeff Beck, giving her firsthand experience performing at the highest level of rock music. Her track record, combined with her technical ability, had already put her on Lee’s radar as a potential collaborator for a solo project before Rush’s return became a reality.
Nilles is a German-born drummer and composer who first gained widespread recognition through YouTube in the early 2010s. Her background in jazz fusion has been widely noted as a key asset. It gives her the rhythmic depth and versatility needed to handle the complexity of Rush’s catalog.
Stepping into the seat once occupied by Neil Peart — widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock history — is no small task. Nilles has met the moment, earning praise from fans and peers alike as Rush embarks on their “Fifty Something” reunion tour.
