Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson recently shared details about the band’s decision to work with new drummer Anika Nilles. He revealed how close they came to ending their collaboration after just four days. The update was posted on Alex Lifeson’s official website.
Lifeson explained how the band discovered Nilles. He described their initial uncertainty about the musical chemistry during their trial period.
“Ged’s tech, Skully, had recently returned from Jeff Beck’s final tour after the shocking death of Jeff. He suggested to Geddy that if we ever considered a drummer for any project, Anika Nilles would be an excellent choice. She’d played several tours with Jeff, had her own band and quite a devoted following,” Lifeson said.
“We reached out to her and invited her to spend five days with us to see if we could gel. Despite being a bit nervous and jet lagged, she was great but after four days, we weren’t sure. Technically, she had no problem but it was Neil’s feel that wasn’t quite understood. We talked at length about it and she began to understand and on the fifth day, she nailed it. She is an amazing drummer and a lovely person. We still have a ton of work ahead of us but it’s shaping up nicely and our personal connection is strengthening. And she loves to laugh.”
Lifeson also mentioned the addition of keyboardist Loren Gold to their lineup.
“When The Who played Toronto last fall, we met with Loren Gold, their keyboard/pianist of a dozen years. Geddy actually played with him at a charity event The Who sponsored some years ago. He, too, is awesome and we enlisted him to free Geddy and me from keyboard and bass pedal duties so we can concentrate on our Beyonce-esque dance routines. I’m not sure how comfortable I’ll be dancing in my underwear but I guess if she can do it, so can we,” he continued.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Rush. This represents their first major project since retiring from touring in 2015 following their R40 tour.
Louder Sound reported that Nilles was recommended by Lee’s tech John ‘Skully’ McIntosh. She was reportedly the only person they considered for the drumming position. The German-born drummer brings a unique background to the legendary Canadian trio. She has established herself as a formidable force in the progressive rock and fusion scenes.
Blabbermouth noted that Nilles didn’t take up drumming professionally until she turned 26. This makes her journey to working with one of rock’s most influential bands even more remarkable. Despite her relatively late start, she quickly made her mark in the music world. She eventually secured touring positions with legendary artists including Jeff Beck.
The addition of both Nilles and Gold represents Rush’s strategic approach to their return. Guitar Player revealed that this reunion tour announcement was one of 2025’s most surprising music stories. It marks the band’s first shows in over a decade. The new lineup allows Lifeson and Lee to focus on their core instruments while maintaining the complex musical arrangements Rush is known for.
Modern Drummer highlighted that Nilles’ appointment as Rush’s touring drummer represents a historic moment. She becomes the first person to officially fill the drumming role since Neil Peart’s retirement and subsequent passing in 2020. Her extensive experience with progressive and technical drumming styles, combined with her work alongside Jeff Beck, positioned her as an ideal candidate to handle Rush’s demanding catalog.
The update provides insight into Rush’s careful approach to finding new collaborators as they continue working on their upcoming project. It demonstrates the band’s commitment to maintaining their musical integrity while embracing new creative partnerships.
