…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. 🥁⚡
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
Comments