RUSH made a long-awaited return to the stage on Sunday night (March 29), delivering a surprise performance at the Juno Awards in Hamilton, Ontario — and marking the first time they’ve played live with new touring drummer Anika Nilles.
The legendary duo of Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson kicked off the ceremony with a spirited rendition of “Finding My Way,” the opening track from their 1974 debut album Rush. Joining them onstage was keyboardist Loren Gold, who is also set to be part of the band’s upcoming tour lineup.
The performance carried extra weight for fans, as it not only showcased the band’s renewed live energy but also offered the first glimpse of how Nilles fits into the iconic RUSH sound. Her inclusion signals a new chapter for the band following the passing of longtime drummer Neil Peart, whose legacy continues to loom large over RUSH’s music.
Speaking to reporters after the performance, Lee explained the reasoning behind their choice of song: “You really can’t ask us what song to play. If we have to choose one song, it’s almost impossible. We have so many. So we just asked management, and they said first song, first album.” Lifeson added with a laugh: “Also, it’s the only song we know how to play.”
The Juno Awards appearance serves as a warm-up for RUSH’s first official shows under the band’s name in 11 years. The comeback run is set to begin in June at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles — the same venue that hosted the band’s final performance during their “R40” anniversary tour.
The upcoming 2026 North American leg will take RUSH across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, celebrating their extensive catalog while honoring Peart’s immeasurable contributions to the band’s progressive rock identity.
Looking even further ahead, the band has already mapped out the next phase of their return. Back in February, RUSH revealed plans to bring the “Fifty Something” tour to South America and Europe in early 2027. These shows will mark their first European performances since 2013, as well as their long-awaited return to South America after a 17-year absence.
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