Anika Nilles to join Rush on tour in 2026!

[Jules]

This will be interesting, won't it?

[tcbetka]

Seriously? Wow. She's a great drummer and all, but I would not have pictured her for that gig. I was really thinking they'd get Danny Carey or someone like that. Very interesting choice. Where did you read that, Jules?

[Jules]

Seriously? Wow. She's a great drummer and all, but I would not have pictured her for that gig. I was really thinking they'd get Danny Carey or someone like that. Very interesting choice. Where did you read that, Jules?

It's all over the net. Apparently, egotistical males are not liking it. Those guys know what they are doing. If she got the gig, she deserved it.

[tcbetka]

Yeah, she's a fine drummer--no complaints there. But I have just never heard her play that kind of music. And she's out of Europe I though, while they're...not.

Should be an interesting show.

EDIT: Another guy I thought of for this gig is Todd Sucherman. Double kick guru, odd-time freak and tasty as hell. I just went to YouTube and watched a bunch of her performance videos though--she can play the drums! Can't wait to see some clips of their shows, but I see that (right now anyway) there are only 12 of them, two of which are in Toronto.

[Jules]

I have enjoyed some of Rush's music over the years. I used to listen to Dr. Demento and other radio programs that played it and it is certainly part of the soundtrack of some special parts of my life. I also have monster respect for Neil Peart and his contributions to the drumming community.

But, other than mentioned, I am not what you would call a fan of the band or Neil Peart. Their music is one of those things that I enjoyed in passing, but never really delved into. All THAT said, I am actually looking forward to hearing Anika's work with the band on tour next year. I will be curious to see if she presents an interpretation of the original parts or if she pretty much nails them as written. I think they have made an intriguing choice.

[tcbetka]

Agreed. I'm a fan of some of the Rush stuff, but not a "deep cut" guy when it comes to some of their stuff. I hope she does put her own spin on things, because she's a very creative and tasteful player. I'm very much looking forward to seeing clips on YouTube. I'm sure they'll get no closer to me than 300 miles or so.

[drummermark]

Rush and Neil Peart are a huge part of my musical life. While I wouldn’t say that Neil influenced my playing style, he definitely is partly influential for my interest in drums. I've pondered the question over the last 10 years on "what now" for Rush. Not once have I ever thought that it was acceptable to never see Geddy and Alex take the stage again, as Rush. They are just as much Rush as Neil was and I'm glad to see them honor his legacy with someone who is way more than competent to fill the role of drummer. How many bands over the last 20 plus years have replaced founding members of our favorite bands due to loss or separation? As the cliche says, the show must go on. And it does!

[Kelly]

Disclaimer: I'm a grouchy old man and I know it.
This news doesn't excite me. I don't know her and won't look any further into her. I do have an aversion for female drummers. Call it what you like as I'm not exactly sure why myself but it seems to be a "strength" thing. I like hard hitters, strength drummers...Thomas Langs, Virgil Donati's...there are a couple "internet" drummers that roll through my feed that are just monsters on drums. Females trying to play hard just look ridiculous to me. Distracts me.
As far as Alex and Geddy coming back out...they are monster musicians, legends, a joy to watch. They come out as Rush it just isn't going to work for me. The focus will be on whether any replacement drummer nails the part....aka cover band. Like all the other classic rock bands that came back out, I wish they would have updated, changed, infused, new fresh stuff...they all feel like cover bands. Journey comes to mind.
Alex and Geddy are exceptional. I hope they stay that way.

[Scott_M]

Those guys know what they are doing. If she got the gig, she deserved it.

I agree - Alex and Geddy pretty much had their pick of whomever they wanted. They chose Anika for a reason.

Whether this is just for the tour, or will be a long-term/permanent thing, only time will tell.

[Wayne]

Disclaimer: I'm a grouchy old man and I know it.
This news doesn't excite me. I don't know her and won't look any further into her. I do have an aversion for female drummers. Call it what you like as I'm not exactly sure why myself but it seems to be a "strength" thing. I like hard hitters, strength drummers...Thomas Langs, Virgil Donati's...there are a couple "internet" drummers that roll through my feed that are just monsters on drums. Females trying to play hard just look ridiculous to me. Distracts me.
As far as Alex and Geddy coming back out...they are monster musicians, legends, a joy to watch. They come out as Rush it just isn't going to work for me. The focus will be on whether any replacement drummer nails the part....aka cover band. Like all the other classic rock bands that came back out, I wish they would have updated, changed, infused, new fresh stuff...they all feel like cover bands. Journey comes to mind.
Alex and Geddy are exceptional. I hope they stay that way.

This is the dumbest and most sexist comment I’ve read on the internet this year