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Guitar World
Guitar World
Entertainment
Phil Weller

“She was a complete stranger. She was a bit intimidated at first because she’d heard of the band, but she wasn’t a Rush fan”: Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee on Anika Nilles’ rollercoaster audition for Rush's Fifty Something tour

Rush Geddy Lee Anika Nilles Alex Lifeson Neil Peart Guitar World
Anika Nilles of Rush performs onstage during the 2026 JUNO Awards at TD Coliseum on March 29, 2026 in Hamilton, Ontario.

No matter the drummer, whoever was to step onto Neil Peart’s lofty drum riser in a reprised Rush was always going to have a massive task on their hands.

Jeff Beck-approved Fusion drummer Anika Nilles’ first shows with the prog giants have been met with widespread acclaim, but getting Rush back on stage wasn’t exactly smooth sailing – nor was Nilles’ rollercoaster 'audition'.

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