Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, a well-known Rush and Neil Peart fan, shared a glowing review of Rush’s first reunion shows featuring new drummer Anika Nilles. He posted his statement on Instagram.
Portnoy, who many fans had expected to land the drummer role for the comeback tour, offered his detailed thoughts on the opening night. He praised both the performance and the production.
“So many feelings and emotions today…I wasn’t there in person last night, but like so many of us around the world, I was glued to YouTube all night long…I watched the RushCon live stream in real time for the entire show as it was happening (as well as getting play by play texts from my buddy Chris Jericho who was there in attendance last night),” Portnoy said.
He then turned his attention to the performance itself, leaving no doubt about where he stood on the choice of Anika Nilles as the band’s new drummer.
“What can I say that hasn’t been written already by everybody online today…? It was magical! The setlist was absolutely PERFECT!! (and to think they still have around 3 other variations up their sleeves to come…) Anika absolutely KILLED IT in the best way imaginable. I was so happy for her…nailing all of the big Neil moments with a giant smile on her face the whole time! She really is the perfect choice for this!” he continued.
Portnoy also reflected on the emotional tributes paid to the late Neil Peart during the show. He expressed his joy for founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.
“The tributes to Neil throughout the show were so tasteful and emotional. (Yes I’ll admit I cried at a few points). The production was absolutely INSANE (Major props to Howard Ungerleider). And most importantly of all, I am so happy for Geddy and Alex to be able to do this again! Seeing this tour come to life, it is very obvious this needed to happen. As not only a proper tribute to Neil, but most importantly to honor the legacy of this band. Geddy and Alex deserve it. And the fans deserve it as well…” he said.
Portnoy closed by hinting at his plans to attend an upcoming show in person. “I’m still trying to figure out which show I will be able to attend (likely NYC or Philly), but I will be counting the days until I can witness this in person and soak up every single moment…Welcome back Rush!” he added.
Portnoy’s enthusiastic response carries particular weight given his deep personal connection to Rush and the enormous expectations surrounding the reunion. His endorsement of Nilles effectively puts to rest the widespread speculation that had swirled around the drummer selection process for months.
Portnoy has long been regarded as one of the most vocal Rush disciples in the rock world. His drumming style was heavily shaped by Neil Peart, and he has cited Rush as one of his primary influences throughout his career. When the reunion was first announced, a large segment of the fanbase immediately pointed to Portnoy as the natural candidate to fill the drum seat. His technical ability, his public devotion to Peart’s legacy, and his high profile within the progressive rock community all fueled that expectation.
Anika Nilles brought her own formidable credentials to the role. The German drummer built a global following through her solo work and online presence. She earned a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and musically expressive drummers of her generation. Her ability to blend precision with feel made her a compelling choice for a band whose drumming legacy is defined by exactly those qualities.
Neil Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, after a private battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. His death effectively ended Rush as a functioning band. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson both stated in the years that followed that they could not envision continuing without him. The reunion tour represents the first time Lee and Lifeson have performed together as Rush since Peart’s passing. It marks a deeply emotional milestone for the band and its fanbase alike.
Lee and Lifeson have spoken about the importance of honoring Peart’s legacy through music rather than silence. The reunion tour is the culmination of that thinking. With Nilles now receiving praise from one of rock’s most respected drummers, the reunion has cleared one of its most significant early hurdles.
