Meet Anika Niles, German Drummer Joining Rush For Their 2026 Reunion Tour After Neil Peart's Death

Legendary Canadian rock band, Rush is officially reuniting for a 2026 North American tour. However, this time, a new face will be behind the drums: German drummer and composer, Anika Nilles. The new announcement marks the first tour of the band since the passing of their iconic drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart, in 2020. The reunion, which has been titled 'Fifty Something', will honor Neil Peart's legacy and mark the beginning of a new era in one of rock's most celebrated bands.

Who is Anika Nilles?

Anika Nilles was born on May 29, 1983, in Germany. She is a world-renowned drummer, composer, and educator known for her intricate rhythms and expressive playing style. Anika began drumming at the mere age of six, inspired by her musically gifted family, as her father, uncles, and cousins were all drummers. During an interview with a South African Drummer, she recalled developing an interest in music and said: 

"My father taught me the first grooves as soon as he realized I was interested in drumming."

Before pursuing a full-time career in music, Anika worked in social education. However, she later earned a degree in popular music from the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim. It marked her first step towards pursuing a professional career. Next, in the early 2010s, she began her career by uploading her original compositions, such as Wild Boy and Alter Ego, to YouTube. Soon Anika's videos went viral, bringing her talent to the world and earning her international fame. 

Over the years, Anika Nilles has performed across Europe, the United States, and China, gaining recognition for her technical precision and dynamic stage presence. She released her debut album, Pikalar, in 2017 and followed it up with For a Colorful Soul. Both albums received critical acclaim, and the latter even reached the third spot on the US iTunes Top 40 Jazz Charts. She has also graced the cover of Modern Drummer Magazine and served as the head of the drums department at Popakademie Baden-Württemberg since 2021.

Anika Niles is set to join Rush in a historic collaboration 

On October 6, 2025, Rush announced that Anika Nilles would join them as their new drummer for the 2026 reunion tour. The news, confirmed by Rolling Stone, has been met with excitement and curiosity among fans. Rush's founding members, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, emphasized that Anika is not replacing Peart, but rather continuing his legacy through music. Anika's involvement represents a blend of technical mastery and respect for the band's deep musical history. She finds her influences from Jeff Porcaro to Carter Beauford, creating an ideal blend of precision and emotional resonance. 

More about Rush's 'Fifty Something' Tour 

Rush's 'The Fifty Something' tour will begin on June 7, 2026, at Los Angeles' Kia Forum. Incidentally, it is the same venue that hosted Rush's final show in 2015. The Rush band will perform in major cities, including Mexico City, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Cleveland, wrapping up on September 17, 2026. The tour comes months after the release of Rush 50, a greatest hits compilation celebrating the group's five-decade career. Although fans once thought that Rush would never perform after Neil's death, the new tour proves that the band's spirit continues to thrive.

What do you think about Rush's decision to announce a new tour with Anika Nilles? 

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