**Rush Announces First Tour Since Neil Peart’s Passing, Coming to Chicago**
CHICAGO — Iconic progressive rock band Rush has announced their first tour since the death of legendary drummer Neil Peart. The band, which announced their retirement in 2018 after 41 years together, will be returning to the road, including shows in Chicago.
Neil Peart, the band’s drummer and lyricist, sadly passed away at age 67 in early 2020 after a battle with brain cancer. In a heartfelt move, Rush has welcomed German drummer Anika Nilles to join them for this tour. Nilles launched her career through YouTube in the early 2010s and has toured with renowned guitarist Jeff Beck.
Rush is scheduled to play at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday, July 16, and Saturday, July 18.
Bassist Geddy Lee shared a statement reflecting on the tour and Peart’s legacy:
> “It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage.
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> And so, 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 fucking miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of RUSH music.
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> So in 2026, my BFF Lerxst (aka Alex Lifeson) and I are going to hit the road once again to pay tribute to our past and to Neil by performing a vast selection of RUSH songs in a handful of cities.
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> No small task, because as we all know Neil was irreplaceable. Yet life is full of surprises, and we have been introduced to another remarkable person; an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey. Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated RUSH fanbase, whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role.
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> Before we hit the stage, we also hope to add another musician or two to expand our sound a wee bit and free up Alex and I, in order to show off some of our new fancy dance steps.
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> Lerxst, Anika and myself, along with many of our longstanding crew members have been hard at work rehearsing and designing the kind of RUSH show you’ve grown accustomed to expect from us.
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> We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together.”
### Tour Dates
– June 7 & 9 — Los Angeles
– June 18 — Mexico City
– June 24 & 26 — Fort Worth
– July 16 & 18 — Chicago (United Center)
– July 28 & 30 — New York
– August 7 & 9 — Toronto
– September 17 — Cleveland
Pre-sale registration is available now, and general tickets will go on sale on October 17.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the music of Rush live once again and celebrate the band’s incredible legacy.
https://wgntv.com/news/deans-list/rush-announces-first-tour-in-11-years-coming-to-chicago/
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