New Rush drummer Anika Nilles has picked out a song she would like to see added to the band’s setlist, and she also discussed the group’s upcoming residency at Sphere. She shared these comments in an interview with USA Today.
Nilles was asked about what song she would choose if she could add one to Rush’s setlist. She has also been talking about the band’s plans at Sphere, the Las Vegas venue that has hosted other major acts.
“I told Geddy, if I can ever have a wish list song, can we do that one (‘Kid Gloves’)?” Nilles said. “And he was like, ‘Oh, that’s interesting.’ I play it a little bit in the dressing room just for fun. I love the grooves, the buildup and everything. I love the harmonies and the vibe.”
Nilles also reflected on what Sphere means for the band. “Everything is new for me there. I saw video of No Doubt and Metallica and U2 and that was great. When I first heard of Sphere, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, what a shame that Rush is no longer touring, because this venue sounds tailor made for the kind of visual attitude with which we have always designed our shows.'”
She added that the venue has given the band a chance to realize a vision they had long held. “Normally we spend months designing the visual effects for our shows and this scenario seemed like the cherry on top of the ice cream for our design team. But life is nothing if not surprising and now, here we are, living and touring in the present tense and we are able to make that particular dream come true.”
Nilles made these remarks ahead of Rush’s upcoming residency at Sphere. The comments show how the drummer views both the classic Rush catalog and the band’s new chapter.
Nilles joined Rush as its touring drummer after the band announced their first tour in 11 years and their first live dates without longtime drummer Neil Peart, who died in 2020. Nilles was announced for the role in October 2025 and made her debut with the band on June 7, 2026 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. She is joined on tour by keyboardist Loren Gold, who was announced on February 23, 2026, marking the first time Rush has toured with four main musicians.
The Sphere residency will take place in May 2027, with five shows beginning on May 21st and continuing on the 23rd, 26th, 28th and 30th. Band co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced the dates, which will be called the Elevate From the Norm residency. The setlists will feature Rush hits and fan favorites, as well as full performances of the albums 2112 and Moving Pictures.
The Sphere venue features an LED display that wraps around the audience and uses Sphere Immersive Sound, a specialized audio system designed for the space. This technology will provide a unique experience for fans attending the residency. The shows mark a significant step forward for a band that has had to adapt to major changes in its lineup while continuing to connect with its fanbase.
