🥁 Rush’s New Drummer Anika Nilles Says She Has “Big Shoes To Fill”

…and she’s already earned praise from Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson 🤘🇨🇦

Rush have officially entered their next chapter — and the person sitting behind Neil Peart’s legendary kit knows exactly what that means.

German drumming powerhouse Anika Nilles has spoken publicly for the first time since being announced as Rush’s new touring drummer for their 2026 reunion shows. And in true humble rock fashion, she’s said what every fan was thinking:

“There are big shoes to fill, no question. Neil Peart was one of the greatest drummers who ever lived. I’m not here to replace him — nobody can — but I’m honoured to carry his music forward with love and respect.”

🔥 Proper job, that quote.

Nilles, known for her surgical precision, jazzy flair, and YouTube-famous drum covers, was personally invited to audition by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson earlier this year. And it seems she smashed it.

In a joint statement, the Rush legends said:

“Anika brought a fresh energy that made us both grin ear-to-ear. She’s got groove, dynamics, and the spirit Neil always valued — that mix of curiosity and control. We’re excited to share the stage with her.”

🥁 Who is Anika Nilles?
Before joining Rush, Nilles fronted her own instrumental project Nevell and toured with Jeff Beck, Marco Minnemann, and the fusion elite. She’s been called “one of the most technically skilled drummers alive” by Modern Drummer Magazine.

But despite all that jazz-fusion wizardry, she’s as down-to-earth as a bar gig in Berlin, recently posting:

“Thanks to Geddy and Alex for trusting me with this. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”

👀 The 2026 Rush Tour – What We Know So Far

• The tour will celebrate the 50th anniversary of 2112.
• Rehearsals are reportedly taking place in Toronto this winter.
• Fans can expect a setlist mixing classics (Tom Sawyer, YYZ, Limelight) with deep cuts.
• Visual production is rumoured to include tributes to Neil Peart throughout the show.

Only in rock could a band lose one of its greatest members, take a decade to heal, and still find a way to roar back — not to replace, but to honour.

Rush are back. And if Anika Nilles’ sticks have anything to say about it… it’s going to be lush, loud, and utterly tidy. 🥁⚡