Former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach recently shared his thoughts on Rush’s comeback tour with new drummer Anika Nilles. He expressed full support for their decision to continue without Neil Peart, as reported by WCNC.
Bach addressed why he believes Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson should continue performing despite the loss of their longtime drummer Neil Peart.
“Well, I think it’s amazing. You only have one life — you know what I’m saying? — so why should Geddy and Alex stop? There’s no reason for them to stop,” Bach said. “Neil Peart probably wouldn’t want them to stop. He, unfortunately, did not get to live as long as he should have, but life is not fair at all.”
The singer also praised the band’s choice of replacement drummer. He highlighted her credentials and experience.
“Jeff Beck doesn’t mess around. Anika, the drummer, comes from the Jeff Beck group. Jeff Beck doesn’t hire crappy musicians. He hires the best musicians that are out there,” he continued. “So I’m figuring if she made great music with Jeff Beck, I can’t wait to hear what the music she’s gonna make with Rush. They wouldn’t have her in the band if she stunk.”
Bach’s comments come as Rush prepares for what many consider an unexpected return to the stage. This follows years of uncertainty about the band’s future.
Modern Drummer reported that the tour has been named the “Fifty Something Tour.” It will feature old songs, new arrangements, and possibly new material as a tribute to Peart. The announcement marked a significant shift for Lee and Lifeson, who had previously suggested Rush was finished after Peart’s passing in 2020.
The decision to return wasn’t immediate. Music Radar noted that their perspective changed following tribute shows like the 2022 Taylor Hawkins concert. Playing Rush songs shifted their view from “verboten” to viable. This experience helped the surviving members realize they could honor their legacy while moving forward.
Finding the right drummer proved challenging initially. Ultimate Guitar revealed that Lee and Lifeson initially doubted Nilles could handle Peart’s complex parts. However, their concerns disappeared during rehearsals when she “suddenly understood what we were talking about.” This demonstrated her ability to capture the essence of Rush’s intricate rhythmic foundation.
The tour represents more than just a comeback—it’s a celebration of Rush’s five-decade legacy. It also acknowledges that the band’s dynamic has fundamentally changed. Lee has consistently stated in interviews that Neil Peart cannot be replaced. He emphasized that Rush as fans knew it ended with his death, making this new chapter both a tribute and a fresh beginning.
