Geddy Lee, the lead vocalist of the legendary Canadian rock band Rush, has recently expressed his dismay at musicians who sought to replace the late Neil Peart after his passing in January 2020. Peart died at the age of 67, leaving a rich legacy as one of rock music’s most revered drummers. Lee’s comments, made during an interview with Guitar World magazine, addressed the timing of these approaches, which he found sincerely inappropriate.
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In the interview, published on May 19, Lee reflected on how the band was still in mourning when a number of drummers—many of whom were acquaintances—came forward, suggesting their interest in filling Peart’s role. “People who are close to us – good friends that are successful drummers – would never infer something like that because they have too much respect, not only for Neil and for the situation,” Lee explained. He added that these friends also shared in the grief and thus would not behave selfishly in that delicate time.
However, Lee noted that not all musicians exhibited the same level of sensitivity. He reported that several drummers, eager to step into Peart’s shoes, reached out to him in a manner that he deemed “most distasteful.” The 72-year-old vocalist strongly emphasised that such conduct was entirely out of place given the circumstances surrounding Peart’s death.
Before Peart’s retirement in 2015 and the subsequent disbandment of Rush in 2018, the trio had consisted of Lee, Peart, and guitarist Alex Lifeson for decades. In an announcement made in October 2025, however, Rush revealed exciting plans to reunite for a tour entitled The Fifty Something Tour, which is set to begin in 2026. As they prepared for this new venture, Lee and Lifeson faced the daunting task of finding a suitable drummer to carry on Peart’s legacy.
The band eventually made the decision to invite Anika Nilles, a German drummer, known for her work with the late Jeff Beck, to join them. Lee indicated that it was through recommendations and personal research that Nilles rose to the forefront of their considerations. “We didn’t really know where to begin to look,” Lee shared. “We started with Anika because she had been recommended to me, and I had done some research on her. I loved her vibe and diverse style.”
As Lee recounts, both he and Lifeson found an immediate connection with Nilles, who is 42 years old. Beyond her impressive musical capabilities, they appreciated her intelligence and unique perspective. “She brought a lot to the table, but more than her chops, more than her guts, and her willingness to sit in that hot seat, she brought an intelligence and a story,” Lee elaborated.
In discussions concerning the upcoming tour, Lee underscored the need to honour Peart’s memory. He mentioned that the band is focused on ensuring the tribute is both appropriate and poignant. “If we just picked up and went on without feeling any tug of anything, that would be absurd,” Lee asserted, indicating that several moments throughout the performance would be dedicated to celebrating Peart’s life and contributions.
Rush has a rich history, having formed in 1968 and releasing their self-titled debut album in 1974. Their final record, *Clockwork Angels*, was unveiled in 2012, marking the end of an era for the band. Now, as they prepare for the Fifty Something Tour, Lee and Lifeson have a mix of excitement and nostalgia as they prepare to pay homage to their late friend while also welcoming a new chapter in their musical journey.
The band’s upcoming US leg of the tour is scheduled to commence in June and will extend until December this year. An international tour has also been planned for 2027, signalling the enduring legacy of Rush and the resilience of its members as they move forward.