Rush’s new drummer Anika Nilles shared her first message following the band’s reunion tour opener, as reported on her Instagram. Nilles stepped into the drummer role previously held by the late Neil Peart and performed with Rush at their first comeback show at The Forum in Inglewood, CA.
Following the historic performance, Nilles took to social media to express her reaction to the momentous night.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around what happened last night!” Nilles said.
The post marks her first public statement since taking the stage with Rush on the reunion tour. The night carried significant weight — not just as a comeback, but as a milestone for a band returning to one of the most iconic stages in rock history.
Metal Injection reported that the show was part of Rush’s “Fifty Something” tour, which opened on June 7 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The venue held special significance — it was the same location where the band played its final show 11 years earlier.
Guitar Player noted that Nilles is a German drummer, composer, solo musician, and music educator. She brings a technically accomplished and multifaceted background to one of rock’s most demanding drum chairs.
That legacy is deeply tied to Neil Peart, whose drumming defined Rush’s sound and live performances for decades. As Louder Sound highlighted, Nilles herself reflected on the weight of stepping into that role. She recalled that during her first rehearsal with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, her initial reaction was: “In the past, I actually had a big… I don’t know if I want to play this.”
Peart’s absence remains central to the story of this reunion. His influence on the band — and on drummers worldwide — continues to loom large, making Nilles’ willingness to take on the role all the more significant. Further updates from the band and Nilles are expected as the tour continues.
