Dream Theater drummer and lifelong Rush fan Mike Portnoy shared a glowing review of Rush’s reunion tour, where new drummer Anika Nilles has taken over drumming duties. Portnoy, who was also once rumored as a candidate to replace the late Neil Peart, praised Nilles’ performance and the band’s dedication to honoring Peart’s legacy.
Portnoy wrote on Instagram: “Went and saw Rush again last night for the 2nd time on this tour (NYC # 2 & Philly # 2)…absolutely amazing show once again! I got lucky as the sets were very different…last nights being a new unique variation which had them playing both La Villa Strangiato and A Farewell To Kings back to back!! (The two songs I was hoping to hear the most!)”
He continued: “Was able to spend some time with the Queen before the show! Thank you so much Anika for the hospitality. I cannot express enough how happy I am for her and the band. She is absolutely PERFECT for this gig! Handling most of Neil’s nuances while still bringing her own style and swing to the music (but always with the utmost respect). You can feel the whole audience rooting for her through the whole show and I LOVE that!!!”
Portnoy added: “Congratulations to her and Geddy & Alex on this tour. The amount of time and dedication they’ve put into the show(s) is incredible and I think they’ve gone above & beyond anybody’s expectations delivering a show that is worthy of the bands legacy and also honors Neil memory with the utmost respect. I am so proud to be a Rush fan!”
Anika Nilles commented on Mike Portnoy’s post: “It was a huge pleasure to finally meet you Mike!!”
Portnoy’s comments arrive after Nilles became the drummer at the center of Rush’s long-awaited return to the stage. The band’s reunion, and the discussion surrounding who could follow Peart, had been closely watched by fans since his death in 2020.
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced Nilles as Rush’s new drummer on October 6, 2025, for the band’s 2026 “Fifty Something” tour. The announcement marked Rush’s first tour since 2015 and its first concerts since Peart’s death.
Nilles is a German drummer, composer, producer and studio musician who had previously performed with Jeff Beck. Rush’s official website highlighted her experience with Beck and described her as the drummer joining Lee and Lifeson for the tour. The announcement did not publicly detail an audition process, but it emphasized her established musicianship and ability to bring a personal voice to Rush’s material.
Before Nilles was confirmed, Portnoy was frequently mentioned by fans as a possible candidate to replace Peart. However, Portnoy clarified that he had never approached Lee or Lifeson about the position.
“If they ever approached me, of course I would have done it, but I’m kind of relieved they didn’t,” Portnoy said, acknowledging both his connection to Rush and the enormous responsibility of performing Peart’s parts.
The initial “Fifty Something” announcement outlined a 12-date run across seven cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, beginning June 7, 2026, at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. The venue was significant because Rush played its final concert with Peart there in 2015. The tour later expanded with additional dates.
Lee and Lifeson have presented the reunion as a carefully considered tribute to Rush’s history rather than a simple continuation of the band’s past. Lee said, “Alex and I have done some serious soul searching,” while discussing the decision to return. Portnoy’s review suggests that the resulting shows have met the expectations of longtime Rush fans while giving Nilles room to add her own style to the band’s legacy.
