Could the legendary sounds of Rush echo once more in new music? It seems the possibility is more than just a hopeful whisper! Geddy Lee, the iconic bassist and vocalist of Rush, has hinted that new musical creations might just be on the horizon, but there's a significant condition: he, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and new drummer Anika Nilles must first successfully navigate their monumental "Fifty Something" reunion tour.
Before diving headfirst into celebrating Rush's rich history, Lee's initial intention was to embark on a solo musical endeavor. However, during some jamming sessions, a new avenue opened up – the potential for collaboration with Alex Lifeson. This exciting prospect, though, has been temporarily shelved due to the sheer volume of work involved in preparing for the extensive tour. "There's too much work to do for this tour to even think about that," Lee explained. Yet, he remains optimistic, suggesting, "But if we manage to survive the tour, and go back to Canada and have a rest, who knows what'll happen, but I suspect some music will eventually come out."
But here's where it gets interesting: Lee expressed a genuine curiosity about Anika Nilles' creative capabilities. "It would be fun to see what [Nilles] can do in a creative situation. Like, that would be fun," he mused. While this remains purely speculative for now, it certainly paints a picture of an open mind and a willingness to explore new artistic territories.
Rush sent shockwaves of both surprise and delight through the rock community when they unveiled plans for their "Fifty Something" reunion tour back in October. What initially started as a modest 11-show run has since blossomed into an impressive 50-plus dates, scheduled to keep the band on the road from June through December.
This tour marks a significant moment, with Lee and Lifeson being joined by the incredibly talented Anika Nilles, who steps into the formidable shoes of the late drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart. Each performance is set to be a unique experience, featuring two distinct sets and drawing from an expansive repertoire of 35 songs.
Lee shared his heartfelt feelings in an official statement: "It's been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. After all that has gone down since that last show, Alex and I have done some serious soul searching and come to the decision that we f---ing miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of Rush music."
He also conveyed his enthusiasm for introducing Nilles to the dedicated Rush fanbase, acknowledging the immense challenge of filling such a pivotal role. "We could not be more excited to introduce [Nilles] to our loyal and dedicated Rush fanbase, whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role," Lee stated. It's also anticipated that additional musicians will likely join them on stage to enrich the live experience.
And this is the part most people miss: While the focus is on the reunion tour, the potential for new music with Nilles at the helm raises fascinating questions. Could this collaboration redefine the Rush sound, or will it remain a faithful homage to their past? This transition, especially with a new drummer stepping in after Neil Peart's legendary tenure, is a delicate balance. What are your thoughts on the possibility of new Rush material with Anika Nilles? Do you think it's a natural progression, or a risky venture? Let us know in the comments below!
