Lawrence Gowan, keyboardist for Styx, recently shared his thoughts on Rush’s comeback. He commented on the legendary band’s decision to reunite with new drummer Anika Nilles. His remarks were featured in an interview with The Metal Voice.
Gowan expressed enthusiastic support for the reunion when asked what he thinks about Rush getting back together. He highlighted his personal connection to the band, noting that guitarist Alex Lifeson played on Styx’s fourth album, “The Lost Brotherhood.”
“I’m so happy. I’m so happy for it,” Gowan said. “Alex played on my fourth album, The Lost Brotherhood. He was the guitarist on that one along with Ken Greer.”
Gowan described his interactions with Rush’s members over the years, emphasizing their character and dedication to music. “I would meet with them every couple of times a year usually at the office. I’ve spoken with all three of them on several occasions. Obviously Alex the most, Getty would be second. I only spoke with Neil maybe twice that I can recall.”
He praised the band members as exceptional people and musicians. “These guys are really great people. I just perceive them that way, and so do millions around the world now. They’re so devoted to music and devoted to their band and what they were able to accomplish.”
Gowan emphasized the importance of live performance for musicians. He expressed relief that Rush would return to touring. “The huge part of a musician’s life is playing in front of people. It’s the biggest part quite honestly in my opinion. To see them coming back with drummer Anika Nilles is a phenomenal and tremendous choice.”
He also praised the visual branding of the reunion, commending designer Hugh Simon’s work on the project’s logo.
Rush’s comeback marks a significant moment in rock history after the tragic loss of original drummer Neil Peart. The band announced their reunion in October 2025, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Surviving members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are preparing to embark on their “Fifty Something Tour” beginning in 2026. This reunion comes five years after Peart’s death from brain cancer in 2020, marking a poignant return for the Canadian progressive rock legends.
The tour represents an ambitious undertaking. The “Fifty Something Tour” kicks off on June 7, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, as detailed by Loudwire. This is the same venue where Rush performed their final show with Neil Peart in 2015. What began as 12 dates across 7 cities has expanded significantly to 58 shows across 24 cities in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. The tour spans from June 7 through December 15, 2026. The shows will run over 2 hours in length, though not the epic 3-hour sets the band was known for during their peak years.
German drummer Anika Nilles has been recruited to fill the drummer role. She has gained international acclaim for her work with Jeff Beck and her drum clinics around the world. Consequence reported that Geddy Lee acknowledged the challenge of this role. He stated: “As we all know, Neil was irreplaceable. Yet life is full of surprises, and we’ve been introduced to another remarkable person—an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey.” Peart’s widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia gave their blessing for the tour, providing an important seal of approval for the reunion.
Lee has suggested that additional musicians may join the lineup to expand the band’s sound. This addition would free up both Lee and Lifeson from their previous triple duties. Lee previously handled singing while playing bass and keyboard simultaneously. This will allow him to focus more on his vocal performance and stage presence during the extensive tour ahead.
