New Rush drummer Anika Nilles, a German drummer who previously played over 60 shows with Jeff Beck, recently addressed how she plans to approach Neil Peart’s legendary drum parts during the band’s upcoming Fifty Something tour. She shared her thoughts in an interview with Slagwerkkrant.
The drummer was asked about her creative freedom when performing songs that Rush fans know intimately from decades of listening. Geddy Lee noted that Nilles already knows about 25 Rush songs. He has been “really fun to watch” as she distinguishes Peart’s essential parts from those she can personalize.
“It’s very important that I approach Rush’s music with the utmost respect, and Neil’s parts are of course very important in that regard,” Nilles said. “His drum parts are actually a composition within the composition that Geddy and Alex wrote.”
She explained her balanced approach to honoring Peart’s legacy while bringing her own interpretation to the performances.
“There will be many songs where I play Neil’s part exactly, but if there is room to improvise a little more, I will do so,” she continued. “I rehearse the songs at home and take those skills with me to rehearsals with the band. I focus mainly on the energy that was so characteristic of Neil’s playing. During those rehearsals, we will see if the choices I have made are the right ones.”
Nilles’ thoughtful approach comes as Rush prepares for their most ambitious tour in years. This marks a significant return to the stage for the legendary Canadian trio.
AOL reported that the tour launches June 7 in Los Angeles. It will feature North American, South American, European, and U.K. dates extending into 2027. The band has also added keyboardist Loren Gold to their lineup for this extensive tour. The tour will feature two sets per show drawn from more than 40 songs in their catalog.
The selection of Nilles represents a careful choice by the remaining Rush members. MusicRadar revealed that Geddy Lee explained that the German drummer was the first person he and Alex Lifeson considered for the role. They had been impressed by her work with Jeff Beck’s group.
The tour holds special significance as it honors Neil Peart’s legacy while allowing Rush to continue performing their music. Prog Report noted that Neil Peart’s widow and daughter have expressed their excitement about supporting the tour. They described it as a way to honor his “singular” and “irreplaceable” legacy.
The Fifty Something tour represents Rush’s return to major touring after years of uncertainty following Peart’s retirement and subsequent death in 2020. Nilles’ comments provide insight into how she plans to handle the challenging task of filling the shoes of one of rock’s most revered drummers while respecting the musical legacy that has defined Rush for decades.
