Rush Is Back — and Anika Nilles Is Behind the Kit!

By Patrick Maley Jr.

RUSH IS BACK!!!

I just have to take a moment to congratulate Anika Nilles on this incredible honor of getting to play with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.

To all my fellow Rush fans and Neil Peart admirers, this is something truly special!

Honoring Neil Peart’s Legacy

I can only imagine how difficult it’s been for Geddy and Alex over the years — first losing Neil, and then navigating the weight of everyone’s expectations about what they should or shouldn’t do next.

But here’s the truth every musician knows:

🎵 The music doesn’t die if you’re still alive!

What Geddy and Alex are doing now is, in my opinion, the most meaningful way they could ever honor Neil Peart’s legacy — by continuing to share and celebrate this incredible body of work they created together.

Who Is Anika Nilles?

For those unfamiliar with Anika, she’s been a professional drummer, composer, and educator for many years and is an absolute powerhouse behind the kit!

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her a few times, and I’m always struck by her precision, her deep respect for the craft, and the pure joy she brings to drumming.

Her energy, timing, and dedication make her one of the most inspiring modern drummers in the world — and a perfect fit to carry forward the spirit of Rush.

Rush’s Return: A Tribute, Not a Replacement

Let’s be clear — Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson aren’t replacing Neil Peart. They’re paying tribute to him, keeping the spirit of Rush alive for new generations of fans and musicians.

I honestly can’t think of a better drummer to honor Neil’s legacy than Anika Nilles.

A Message to Drummers Everywhere 🥁

To all my fellow drummers around the world:

Let’s show Anika the love, respect, and support that only this amazing drum community can show her!

She’s one of us. She’s put in the work, paid her dues, and now she’s stepping into huge shoes with incredible grace and courage.

There’s a lot of pressure on her — and while no one could ever replace Neil — Anika is stepping into a moment that’s both historic and deeply human.

As Neil wrote in “Resist” from Test for Echo:

“Understanding begins when we stop resisting the unfamiliar.”

In that spirit, Anika’s time behind the drums isn’t a replacement — it’s a renewal of the love, courage, and artistry that Neil left us.

🔥 Congrats, Anika Nilles!
You’ve made the entire drum world proud.

Much Love,
Patrick Maley Jr.