Full Breakdown
Rush Expands 2026 Reunion Tour with 17 New Cities
10/20/2025, 8:28:12 PM
Overview of the Tour Expansion
Canadian rock band Rush has announced the addition of 17 new cities to their 2026 "Fifty Something" reunion tour, bringing the total number of performances to 40. The newly added locations include Philadelphia, Detroit, Montreal, Boston, San Antonio, Denver, Seattle, San Jose, Washington, D.C., Uncasville, Hollywood (FL), Tampa, Charlotte, Atlanta, Glendale, Edmonton, and Vancouver. The tour is set to kick off on June 7, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where the band performed their final concert with late drummer Neil Peart in 2015.
Key Details of the Tour
The tour will feature Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, the surviving members of Rush, alongside German drummer Anika Nilles, who will replace Peart following his death from glioblastoma in January 2020. Each concert will follow an "Evening With" format, showcasing two sets from a catalog of 35 songs, including both greatest hits and fan favorites. The tour is designed to celebrate Rush's legacy and Peart's contributions to the band.
Ticket Sales and Availability
Tickets for the newly announced dates will go on sale to the general public on October 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. local time. An artist pre-sale is scheduled for October 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. local time, with additional pre-sale opportunities for Citi and American Express cardholders. VIP and travel packages will also be available for fans.
Official Statements & Responses
Geddy Lee expressed the emotional significance of the tour, stating, “It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend, Neil. After all that has gone down since that last show, Alex and I have done some serious soul searching and come to the decision that we f*cking miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of Rush music.” Peart’s family has also voiced their support, with Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart stating they are "thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations."
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been largely met with enthusiasm, some fans have expressed concerns regarding the absence of Peart, noting that his unique drumming style and lyrical contributions were integral to Rush's identity. The decision to continue touring without him has sparked discussions about the authenticity of the performances.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are excited to see how their new vision unfolds, and to hear this legendary music played live once again.” — Carrie Nuttall-Peart, Neil Peart's widow
- “no small task, because as we all know Neil was irreplaceable.” — Geddy Lee, Rush
Upcoming Tour Dates
The complete list of tour dates includes:
- June 7, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
- June 18, 2026 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
- August 21, 2026 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
- December 15, 2026 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
The expansion of the "Fifty Something" tour reflects the enduring legacy of Rush and the band's commitment to honoring Peart's memory while delivering their music to fans across North America.
