New touring drummer Anika Nilles has shared an emotional update following her live debut with Rush in Los Angeles, revealing a poignant tribute to the late Neil Peart that accompanied her on the drum riser.
Rush officially kicked off their “Fifty Something” tour on Sunday, June 7, launching a four-night residency at the Kia Forum. Despite facing the immense pressure of stepping into the role of the legendary Neil Peart, who passed away in January 2020, Nilles delivered a powerful performance, drawing massive cheers from the 18,000-strong crowd when she flawlessly executed the iconic drum fills during “Tom Sawyer“.
On Monday, Nilles took to social media to share a series of behind-the-scenes photographs from the opening night. The images documented her preparing backstage, sitting behind her massive kit, and walking out to the stage arm-in-arm with core members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.
Reflecting on the monumental milestone, Nilles wrote: “I’m still trying to wrap my head around what happened last night!”
She also highlighted a subtle, emotional homage to Peart built directly into her stage setup. Sharing a photo of her gear featuring a pair of ProMark Neil Peart Signature 747 Oak Drumsticks, she added the caption: “Neil was with us on this drum riser last night.”
The exceptional performance immediately caught the attention of Dream Theater drummer and lifelong Rush fan Mike Portnoy, who left a glowing comment celebrating her successful debut.
You absolutely NAILED IT!! I cannot fathom the emotions that you must’ve been feeling…just watching on YouTube I had goosebumps and tears throughout the entire show! You honoured Neil, Geddy and Alex (and the music and the fans) with every ounce of your being and I am so happy they chose you! Can’t wait to witness this in person sometime this summer…Huge,” Portnoy wrote.
Korn drummer Ray Luzier wrote: HUGE congratulations Anika! Just mad crazy emotions watching the show.. you played so great & powerful, we’re all insanely proud of you!!”
Altough he was not present at the show, Portnoy followed the event closely online and took to social media yesterday, June 8th, to share his emotional response to the performance.
“So many feelings and emotions today…I wasn’t there in person last night, but like so many of us around the world, I was glued to YouTube all night long…I watched the RushCon live stream in real time for the entire show as it was happening (as well as getting play by play texts from my buddy Chris Jericho who was there in attendance last night),” Portnoy wrote.
“What can I say that hasn’t been written already by everybody online today…? It was magical! The setlist was absolutely PERFECT!! (and to think they still have around 3 other variations up their sleeves to come…) Anika absolutely KILLED IT in the best way imaginable. I was so happy for her…nailing all of the big [late Rush drummer] Neil [Peart] moments with a giant smile on her face the whole time! She really is the perfect choice for this! The tributes to Neil throughout the show were so tasteful and emotional. (Yes I’ll admit I cried at a few points) The production was absolutely INSANE (Major props to Howard Ungerleider),” he continued.
He added: “And most importantly of all, I am so happy for Geddy and Alex to be able to do this again! Seeing this tour come to life, it very obvious this needed to happen. As not only a proper tribute to Neil, but most importantly to honor the legacy of this band. Geddy and Alex deserve it. And the fans deserve it as well… I’m still trying to figure out which show I will be able to attend (likely NYC or Philly),but I will be counting the days until I can witness this in person and soak up every single moment… Welcome back Rush!”
