Rush launches Fifty Something tour with new drummer Nilles

The legendary rock band Rush returned to the stage for the first time in over a decade on Sunday, June 7, launching their global "Fifty Something" tour with a sold-out, emotionally charged performance at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. The concert marked the first full show for founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson since the death of their longtime drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart, in 2020. Stepping into the formidable role is German drummer Anika Nilles, whose performance was met with rousing approval from the devoted audience.

The nearly three-hour concert was structured in two sets, spanning the band's 50-year catalog. In a notable first, the band opened with the epic "Xanadu" from 1977's "A Farewell to Kings." The setlist featured a mix of fan favorites and deep cuts, including "Limelight," "Subdivisions," "Freewill," and "The Spirit of Radio." The second set opened with a suite from the 1976 album "2112." The main set concluded with the iconic "Tom Sawyer," introduced by a video featuring characters from "South Park." The encore included a rare performance of "By-Tor and the Snow Dog," not played since 2004, followed by "Working Man."