The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins recently shared his enthusiastic reaction to Rush’s first live performance with new drummer Anika Nilles at the Juno Awards. He praised the band’s energy and the drummer’s skills in a video posted on Justin Hawkins Rides Again.
Hawkins expressed his excitement about the performance. He particularly highlighted the tight musicianship and infectious energy of the legendary Canadian rock trio with their new lineup.
“I mean the excitement of seeing these guys doing that is really really infectious. The groove is awesome. Super tight on the hats. I think Nilles is doing a lovely job there,” Hawkins said. “All of it’s just perfect. Nothing wrong with it. This is ace. And just to see them just to see them energized and excited about playing this stuff, it’s really exhilarating.”
The musician also addressed concerns about aging rock performers and their ability to maintain their vocal prowess over the decades.
“A lot of the time when you sort of heritage singers or people have been doing it for decades and there’s this question as to whether they can still pull it off. And sometimes when you hear like rougher, you know, more mature vocalists not, you know, struggling to hit those notes there. A lot of the time that’s anatomy and it’s just the realities of becoming older,” he continued. “But sometimes it’s just in your head and it takes something like a personnel change or some other shot in the arm to bring out the best in a vocalist and that’s what’s happening. So f*cking cool. Even if you’re not that into Rush, I just think that’s a great thing to watch. I thought it was great.”
Hawkins’ comments come amid some online criticism of Geddy Lee’s vocal performance. The Darkness frontman clearly disagreed with such assessments.
The performance marks a significant milestone for Rush as they explore their musical future with Nilles. She brings a fresh perspective to the band’s legendary catalog. The addition of the German drummer represents a new chapter for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson as they consider returning to touring after the loss of their longtime drummer Neil Peart.
Guitar Player reported that Nilles has been working closely with the remaining Rush members as they pursue a return to touring. The collaboration has not been without its challenges. The drummer admits she had a “Yikes” moment when approaching certain classic Rush songs that were forever tied to Peart’s legendary performances.
Fathom Journal noted that Anika Nilles stands out as one of the most compelling figures in modern drumming. The German drummer, composer, and educator built a following through her innovative approach to rhythm. She has established herself as a respected voice in the drumming community before joining Rush.
The transition represents more than just a personnel change for Rush. It symbolizes the band’s commitment to honoring their musical legacy while embracing new possibilities. Nilles’ technical prowess and fresh energy appear to have reinvigorated Lee and Lifeson, as evidenced by Hawkins’ enthusiastic reaction to their Juno Awards performance.
The positive reception from fellow musicians like Hawkins suggests that Rush’s decision to continue with Nilles may resonate well with both longtime fans and new audiences. As the band navigates this new era, their ability to maintain the essence of their sound while incorporating Nilles’ unique style will likely determine their future success on the touring circuit.
