Get ready for a thrilling musical journey as we uncover the story behind RUSH's bold decision to welcome Anika Nilles as their new drummer!
In a shocking turn of events, RUSH, the legendary rock band, announced their highly anticipated return to the stage with a 2026 North American tour. But that's not all; the real surprise came with the revelation of their chosen drummer to replace the iconic Neil Peart - Anika Nilles, an artist relatively unknown to many fans.
The story behind this selection is an intriguing one. It all began with a casual mention by RUSH's frontman, Geddy Lee, during an interview with The Guardian back in 2023. Lee shared his admiration for Nilles, recalling how he had heard her play with Jeff Beck and was thoroughly impressed. Little did he know, this encounter would lead to a significant chapter in RUSH's history.
On October 5th, at a press event held at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Lee shared the inside story of how Nilles became RUSH's new drummer. He explained that his bass tech, Skully, had worked with Jeff Beck and had the opportunity to witness Nilles' talent firsthand. Skully couldn't stop raving about her skills and her warm personality, which left a lasting impression on Lee.
Lee continued, "So I looked her up, and there she was, all over YouTube, already well-known in her own musical realm. As we started discussing the possibility of playing together again, the idea of Anika Nilles kept coming up. It felt like an intriguing path to explore."
He went on to describe the process as an "experiment," admitting that he and guitarist Alex Lifeson weren't entirely sure what to expect when they invited Nilles to jam with them. But the rest, as they say, is history.
And this is the part most people miss: the beauty of RUSH's decision lies in their willingness to embrace the unknown and take a chance on an artist who, despite being less famous, possesses an incredible talent. It's a testament to their open-mindedness and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of music.
But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think about RUSH's choice? Is it a bold move that will breathe new life into their music, or do you prefer the traditional path? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion about this exciting development in the world of rock!
