Sophia Caneira ’29

by Sophia Caneira ’29 on November 20, 2025

Rush Announces Fifty Something Tour

Is it just me, or are there quite a few notable anniversaries currently happening? Last month Charles Schulz’s Peanuts turned 75, next summer, my parents (both members of the Class of 2000) will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, and this week, The Cowl celebrates its 90th year of publication! Finally, after 10 years, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of the Canadian rock band Rush are going back on tour in 2026 to celebrate “Fifty Something” years making music. 

Rush formed in 1968 in Toronto, Canada, and made its breakthrough in the early 1970s. The band consisted of Geddy Lee (lead vocals, bass, keyboards), Neil Peart (drums, percussion, lyrics), and Alex Lifeson (guitar). Thus far, they have made 19 studio albums and have sold millions upon millions of copies of their records. For decades, the band helped define the hard rock and progressive rock genres.

At the end of Rush’s R40 Live tour in 2015, Peart made the decision to retire from music. He struggled quietly with an aggressive form of brain cancer for several years before he tragically passed away in January of 2020. Despite the skill and raw talent that earned him the nickname “The Professor,” Peart was known as an introvert who disliked the attention and scrutiny associated with fame. He wrote the lyrics of the hit song “Limelight” to illustrate his mixed feelings toward the reality of being a rockstar. In addition to being a lyricist, Peart’s way with words also lent itself to the series of books he published about his life on tour. Peart is remembered as one of the greatest drummers in history, in addition to being a devoted husband and father, and an irreplaceable bandmate and friend.

Now, after 10 years, Rush is getting back on the road. Lee and Lifeson made the announcement via a video filmed in their recording studio, where they reminisced over many years of music and friendship. While Lee and Lifeson acknowledge that performing together will not be the same without Peart, they are also eager to play their songs in a way that honors and celebrates Peart’s music, talents, and legacy. The tour currently includes 58 shows in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Lee has also mentioned the possibility of extending the tour into 2027. Anika Nilles will be playing the drums on this tour, and Lee has said he hopes to find another musician to play keyboards so he can focus on bass and have fun with Lifeson onstage. Rush’s music has been highly influential over the years, inspiring popular bands such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Metallica, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band has won numerous awards and accolades, has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For many people, Rush is an acquired taste. However, if you’re a fan of rock music who’s looking for a new band to explore, check out The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits (1974–1987) and/or my radio show (shameless plug), Rush Hour, named in honor of the band. This semester, the show runs from 6-8 p.m.on Monday nights and can be accessed by tuning in or on the PC WDOM 91.3 webpage.