A fan captured footage of new RUSH drummer Anika Nilles during the entirety of the kickoff show of the band’s “Fifty Something” reunion tour, and it erases any lingering doubts about her honoring the late Neil Peart behind the kit.
The video, uploaded by YouTuber Tapehead Too, comes from Sunday night’s concert at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, and includes the full 2 hour, 40 minute show (read our full review here).
Nilles playing is absolutely unreal, capturing what feels like every quirk of Peart’s beyond-iconic playing for the seminal prog rock trio. While the duo of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee had to live up to decades of touring after over 15 years away, Nilles had undeniably the greatest pressure, having to live up to a drummer not only as beloved as Peart, but highly idiosyncratic and definable, as well.
We previously named RUSH’s “Fifty Something” tour as one of the 10 must-see rock and metal concerts of the summer, and the kickoff concert absolutely confirmed its inclusion on our list. Get tickets to RUSH’s upcoming tour dates here.
Watch the full concert footage of Anika Nilles playing drums at RUSH’s tour kickoff below.
