Slash recently commented on Rush’s reunion announcement. He shared insights from a private conversation with guitarist Alex Lifeson in a statement featured on Loudwire.
When asked about his excitement for Rush’s return, Slash explained that he and Lifeson had connected a few years prior. They discussed various topics over dinner. During that time, Slash observed that Lifeson was eager to perform again but uncertain about the right project to pursue.
“[Alex Lifeson] and I hung out [a few years ago] and had a great time, went to dinner and talked about all kinds of different stuff,” Slash said. “But I could tell he was really itching to go out and play and he didn’t want to go out and play in whatever thrown together thing.”
Slash noted that Lifeson seemed to want something meaningful. He hadn’t yet found the right opportunity. “He wanted to do something, but he didn’t seem to know what he wanted to do. I got that feeling and I sort of felt bad for him because I know how I would feel. There’s a certain amount of frustration with not being able to just do what you want to do.”
With Rush’s official reunion announcement, Slash expressed enthusiasm about the band’s prospects. “So with this announcement, I thought, man, that’s so cool. They’re going to go out there and they’ve got a great drummer and they’re going to go out there and play.”
Slash’s optimism about Rush’s future reflects the magnitude of what the legendary Canadian rock band has accomplished. Guitar World reports that Rush has officially announced the Fifty Something tour for 2026. This marks a significant milestone in rock music history and will celebrate over 50 years of Rush’s influential career while bringing the band back to live audiences after years away from the stage.
The reunion represents a poignant moment for the band. The Los Angeles Times revealed that Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee decided to reunite after a period of soul searching. They wanted to celebrate their extensive career and commemorate Neil Peart, Rush’s legendary drummer who passed away in 2020. The decision to move forward reflects the band members’ desire to honor their late bandmate’s legacy while reconnecting with fans worldwide.
A crucial element of the reunion involves the selection of a new drummer to fill the irreplaceable role left by Peart. Guitar World notes that the band has chosen Anika Nilles, a highly regarded German drummer known for her work with Jeff Beck. Nilles is described as an incredible musician who is adding her own chapter to Rush’s story while respecting Neil’s irreplaceable role in the band’s history.
The Fifty Something tour will span over 50 shows across 24 cities in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. It begins June 7, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles—the same venue where Rush performed their last show with Peart in 2015. Rush’s official website confirms that Peart’s family has given their blessing to the tour. They emphasized the celebration of Neil’s legacy as both drummer and lyricist. This endorsement underscores the respectful and meaningful nature of the reunion, ensuring that the band’s decision to return to the stage honors the memory of one of rock music’s most influential figures.
