Rush Return to the Stage With the “Fifty Something Tour”
Legendary Canadian rock band Rush have officially announced their long-awaited return to the stage with the “Fifty Something Tour,” a massive celebration of more than five decades of music, legacy, and the life of their late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
The tour will see Rush co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson performing together again for the first time since the band’s final concert of the R40 Live Tour on August 1, 2015.
Beginning in June 2026 and continuing through 2027, the tour spans North America, South America, the United Kingdom, and Europe, marking one of the biggest comeback events in modern rock history.
A Tribute to Neil Peart and the Legacy of Rush
The “Fifty Something Tour” is more than a comeback—it is also a tribute to Neil Peart, widely considered one of the greatest drummers in rock history.
Peart’s widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia Peart publicly voiced their support for the tour.
They shared that Neil’s musicianship and lyricism shaped the identity of Rush and inspired generations of fans around the world.
His compositions expanded what rhythm and storytelling could achieve in rock music, and his lyrics helped listeners find meaning and connection in their own lives.
The upcoming tour celebrates that legacy while bringing Rush’s music back to the stage for fans old and new.
The First Rush Tour in Over a Decade
The upcoming shows mark the first time Lee and Lifeson have toured together in eleven years.
Their last performance together took place at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles during the final show of the R40 Tour.
Appropriately, the Fifty Something Tour will begin at the very same venue, bringing the band’s live history full circle.
Rush 2026 Tour Lineup
The band will be joined by new musicians for the tour.
Touring Musicians
- Geddy Lee – bass, keyboards, vocals
- Alex Lifeson – guitar, vocals
- Anika Nilles – drums
- Loren Gold – keyboards
German drummer Anika Nilles has performed with Jeff Beck and released several solo albums. Her addition introduces a new chapter for Rush while honoring the irreplaceable role Neil Peart played in the band.
Keyboardist Loren Gold, known for his work with Roger Daltrey, will expand the band’s live sound and allow Lee and Lifeson more freedom on stage.
What Fans Can Expect From the Shows
The Fifty Something Tour will feature “Evening With Rush” performances, meaning there will be no opening band.
Each concert will include:
🎸 Two full sets of music
🎸 Rotating setlists each night
🎸 A catalogue of 35–40 Rush songs
🎸 Fan favorites and deep cuts
🎸 A large-scale production similar to classic Rush tours
The band plans to rehearse dozens of songs so that the setlist can evolve across the tour, giving fans a different experience at each show.
Rush 2026 North American Tour Dates
The tour begins June 7, 2026 in Los Angeles and spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
June 2026
- June 7 – Los Angeles – Kia Forum
- June 9 – Los Angeles – Kia Forum
- June 11 – Los Angeles – Kia Forum
- June 13 – Los Angeles – Kia Forum
- June 18 – Mexico City – Palacio de los Deportes
- June 20 – Mexico City – Palacio de los Deportes
- June 24 – Fort Worth – Dickies Arena
- June 26 – Fort Worth – Dickies Arena
- June 28 – Fort Worth – Dickies Arena
- June 30 – Fort Worth – Dickies Arena
July 2026
- July 16 – Chicago – United Center
- July 18 – Chicago – United Center
- July 20 – Chicago – United Center
- July 22 – Chicago – United Center
- July 28 – New York – Madison Square Garden
- July 30 – New York – Madison Square Garden
August 2026
- Aug 1 – New York – Madison Square Garden
- Aug 3 – New York – Madison Square Garden
- Aug 7 – Toronto – Scotiabank Arena
- Aug 9 – Toronto – Scotiabank Arena
- Aug 11 – Toronto – Scotiabank Arena
- Aug 13 – Toronto – Scotiabank Arena
The expanded leg of the tour will bring the band to additional cities including Philadelphia, Detroit, Montreal, Boston, San Antonio, Denver, Seattle, San Jose, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Florida, Charlotte, Atlanta, Arizona, Edmonton, and Vancouver, expanding the massive Fifty Something Tour across North America.
Due to massive demand, many of the original dates sold out immediately, leading to additional shows being added.
Rush 2027 International Tour Dates
Following the massive North American run, Rush will expand the tour worldwide in 2027.
The band will perform 24 shows across 13 countries, including their first European performances since 2013.
South America
The tour’s South American run will include stops in Buenos Aires, Curitiba, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Brasília.
Europe
European shows will take place in Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, and Stuttgart.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom leg will feature concerts in Glasgow, Manchester, and London.
Scandinavia
The Scandinavian run includes Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki.
Ticket Sales and Presale Information
Tickets for the tour were released in phases due to the overwhelming demand.
Presales
Artist presales were available through Rush’s official fan signup.
Additional presales included:
- Citi card presales for U.S. shows
- American Express presales for Canadian shows
- Banamex presales for Mexico City
General On-Sale
General ticket sales began October 17, 2025 for the first round of shows and October 31, 2025 for newly added dates.
For international shows, tickets went on sale February 27, 2026.
Fans are encouraged to always check the official Rush tour page for ticket availability.
VIP Packages and Travel Experiences
Rush are offering several premium fan experiences.
VIP Program
The VIP experience may include:
- Meet & greet with the band
- Autograph signing session
- Behind-the-scenes production tour
- Entry to the Xanadu pre-show lounge
- Exclusive merchandise gifts
2112 Platform Experience
A special premium platform viewing experience inspired by Rush’s iconic album 2112.
Travel Packages
Travel packages include:
- Two-night hotel stay
- Premium concert tickets
- Exclusive Rush welcome gifts
- Transportation passes
- Limited-edition merchandise
Over Half a Million Tickets Already Sold
Demand for the Fifty Something Tour has been extraordinary.
The initial 22 tour dates sold out almost immediately, prompting the addition of more cities and second shows.
By early 2026 the tour had expanded to:
- 58 shows
- 24 cities
- Over 500,000 tickets sold
Geddy Lee on Returning to the Stage
Geddy Lee explained that the decision to tour again came after years of reflection.
After more than a decade away from touring, he and Lifeson realized how much they missed performing together and celebrating the music they created with Neil Peart.
The Fifty Something Tour is meant to be both a celebration of Rush’s past and a tribute to their longtime friend and bandmate.
Why the Fifty Something Tour Is Historic
This tour is significant for several reasons:
🎸 First Rush tour since 2015
🎸 Tribute to Neil Peart
🎸 First Rush shows with Anika Nilles on drums
🎸 Massive global tour across four continents
🎸 Rotating setlists covering over 50 years of music
For longtime fans, the tour represents a rare chance to experience Rush’s legendary catalogue live once again.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rush Fifty Something Tour
When does the Rush Fifty Something Tour start?
The tour begins June 7, 2026 in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum.
Who is playing drums for Rush on the 2026 tour?
German drummer Anika Nilles will perform on drums, honoring the legacy of Neil Peart.
Who else is in the touring band?
Keyboardist Loren Gold will also join Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.
How many shows are on the tour?
The tour has expanded to 58 shows across 24 cities due to overwhelming demand.
Will Rush play different songs each night?
Yes. The band plans to rotate songs from a catalogue of 35–40 Rush classics and fan favorites, meaning each show could feature a different setlist.
When was the last Rush tour before this?
The previous Rush tour was the R40 Live Tour in 2015.
Final Thoughts
The Rush Fifty Something Tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest rock tours of the decade.
With over half a century of music, an evolving setlist, and a tribute to Neil Peart’s legacy, the tour promises to be an unforgettable celebration of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
Fans across the world will finally have the chance to experience Rush’s music live again as Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson return to the stage to celebrate the band’s incredible history.
The Front of the Stage Editorial Team delivers the latest updates in rock, metal, and alternative music, keeping you connected to the pulse of the scene.
