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  • Rush Reunites, with Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson Naming Anika Nilles as Touring Drummer

    Rush Reunites, with Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson Naming Anika Nilles as Touring Drummer

    After years of speculation, Rush is officially back. Founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are hitting the road again for a 2026 reunion tour—dubbed “Fifty Something”—and they’ve brought in Anika Nilles as their touring drummer. 

    This marks the band’s first major tour since the passing of legendary drummer Neil Peart in 2020. Lee and Lifeson, now in their seventies, surprised many by deciding to revive performance as Rush, entrusting Nilles with the challenging role of filling the rhythmic seat. 

    Why Anika Nilles Was Chosen

    The pick of Nilles wasn’t random. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Lee first heard her work while she toured with Jeff Beck. His bass tech, who had worked with Beck, recommended she check out her playing. Lee was impressed, and they began conversations that culminated in her involvement with the band. 

    Nilles, born in 1983 in Aschaffenburg, Germany, built a reputation through viral videos, clinic work, and solo releases.  Her style—dynamic, musical, and technically fluent—made her a compelling candidate to interpret Rush’s complex catalog while honoring Peart’s spirit. 

    Tour & Logistics

    Rush will kick off the “Fifty Something” tour on June 7, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, with multiple stops across North America through September.  Setlists will feature two career-spanning sets each night. 

    Importantly, Nilles is presented not as a permanent replacement for Peart, but as a touring member who carries the mantle for live performances.  Lee and Lifeson stated they wanted someone who could “get into Neil’s headspace” while bringing her own voice. 

    What It Means for Rush

    This reunion is more than nostalgia—it’s a statement. Rush is stepping back into the spotlight with reverence for their past and confidence in a future performance identity. The decision to enlist a modern, highly technical drummer like Nilles shows an intention not just to play old songs but to bring them to life with integrity.

    Fans may watch closely how she navigates Peart’s powerful legacy, and whether she becomes a long-term fixture or remains a touring collaborator. But one thing’s clear: the drumming world will be listening.

    For more:

    • Glide Magazine Announcement
    • Ultimate Classic Rock: How Anika Nilles Became Rush’s Drummer
    • Loudwire: Rush Reunion Tour + New Drummer
    • Wikipedia: Anika Nilles

  • Ilan Rubin Steps In as Foo Fighters’ New Drummer at Surprise Show

    Ilan Rubin Steps In as Foo Fighters’ New Drummer at Surprise Show

    In a move that surprised fans and stirred excitement across the rock world, Foo Fighters introduced Ilan Rubin as their new drummer during an unannounced show in San Luis Obispo, California.

    The performance took place on September 13, 2025, at the Fremont Theater, where around 900 lucky attendees witnessed Rubin’s first set behind the kit with the band. The 25-song show spanned much of the Foo Fighters’ iconic discography and marked the beginning of a new chapter following the departure of Josh Freese earlier this year.

    A New Chapter Begins

    Rubin is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves, and his solo project The New Regime, he brings both technical skill and creative range to the table. At just 36, Rubin already boasts a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction (with NIN in 2020) and has toured the globe many times over.

    During the show, Dave Grohl introduced him with enthusiasm and a touch of reverence—setting the tone for a performance that felt both celebratory and symbolic.

    What Happened to Josh Freese?

    Josh Freese, who joined Foo Fighters in 2023 following the tragic loss of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins, had become a well-respected presence in the band’s post-Hawkins era. His exit in May 2025 appeared amicable and sparked speculation about what was next.

    As rumors hinted, a sort of “drummer switch” has taken place: Freese has returned to Nine Inch Nails, while Rubin now takes his place with Foo Fighters. Neither camp has officially confirmed the swap as coordinated, but the timeline and mutual respect between all parties suggest it may have been more than coincidence.

    Rubin’s Style & Fit

    Fans of Foo Fighters may find Rubin’s approach both fresh and familiar. He’s known for tight, hard-hitting grooves and a musicality that suits the band’s wide dynamic range. While it’s unclear whether Rubin’s role is permanent or just for the current tour cycle, this debut outing suggests he’s more than capable of handling the high expectations that come with the position.

    As Foo Fighters continue to evolve in the wake of major change, Ilan Rubin may just be the right drummer to carry the torch—with power, precision, and personality.

    For more:

    Rolling Stone
    LouderSound
    Ilan Rubin Wikipedia

  • Bruce Springsteen drummer, Max Weinberg, buys a $2.4 million home in Washington, D.C.

    Bruce Springsteen drummer, Max Weinberg, buys a $2.4 million home in Washington, D.C.

    The Washington Business Journal and Wall Street Journal have reported that the legendary Max Weinberg, famous for his gig as the drummer of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, has purchased quite the new abode in D.C.

    2012-07-12_Springsteen07

    To read more, check out the Washington Business Journal article and the Wall Street Journal article.