New Rush drummer Anika Nilles recently revealed her limited familiarity with the band’s music before joining their upcoming tour. She shared this information in an interview on Slagwerkkrant.
Nilles was asked about her knowledge of Neil Peart’s drumming and Rush’s extensive catalog before being selected to replace the legendary drummer for the band’s tour.
“Of course I knew Neil as a drummer, especially because of the song Tom Sawyer, which is a real classic in the drumming world,” Nilles said. “But I’ll be honest, I never really listened to Rush’s music.”
The drummer explained her musical background and approach to preparing for the role.
“I grew up with rock music and progressive symphonic music, but I hadn’t really delved into Rush’s repertoire,” she continued. “When I was asked, I first focused on the songs they wanted to try. Then I dove into their catalog, but right now it’s all about the set lists for the concerts we’re going to do.”
Nilles’ admission highlights the challenge of stepping into the role previously held by Neil Peart, widely regarded as one of rock’s greatest drummers.
Despite her initial unfamiliarity with Rush’s catalog, Nilles has proven herself capable of mastering the band’s complex material. The 42-year-old German virtuoso has quickly absorbed the demanding repertoire. She has demonstrated her technical prowess and adaptability.
Sunny 107.9 reported that Nilles now knows approximately 25 Rush songs and has impressed the band members with her rapid learning curve. Geddy Lee noted it’s been “really fun to watch” her learn the material and determine which parts must remain true to Peart’s legacy and which she can make her own.
The selection of Nilles also reflects Rush’s deliberate choice to bring in an outsider to the rock scene. MusicRadar revealed that Lee explained he and Alex Lifeson “loved the fact she was not part of the scene of people that we knew.” They believed this approach would be healthy for both the band and fans, avoiding constant comparisons with other drummers.
Nilles brings impressive credentials to the role, having previously toured with Jeff Beck’s live band in 2022. Loudwire noted that she studied at the University of Popular Music and Music Business in Mannheim, Germany. She earned a degree in popular music before establishing herself as a respected drummer and educator.
Her capabilities were quickly recognized during initial rehearsals with Rush. By the fifth day of working together, Lee and Lifeson were convinced she could handle the demanding Rush catalog. This marked a successful transition for the band’s highly anticipated return to touring.
