Who Is Anika Nilles? Meet Rush’s New Virtuosic Drummer

Rush fans woke up to stunning news this week: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will return to touring in 2026, and they’ve chosen German drumming prodigy Anika Nilles to step into the shoes of the late Neil Peart. The announcement, made on October 6, 2025, confirmed that Nilles will be behind the kit as the band prepares for its long-awaited live comeback.

This marks the first time since 1974 that Rush has added a new full-time member. Lee and Lifeson said the decision came after intense rehearsals that proved Nilles could honor Peart’s legacy while bringing her own creativity to the band’s iconic progressive rock sound.

Anika Nilles: From Preschool Teacher to World-Class Drummer

Anika Nilles may be unfamiliar to mainstream rock fans, but drum enthusiasts have admired her for years. She grew up in Germany and began drumming as a child, describing the experience as “liberating” and deeply physical. However, her path to music was not straightforward. At 16, she dreamed of becoming a professional drummer, but her parents encouraged a safer career path. She studied social work and became a preschool teacher before ultimately pursuing music full time in her late twenties.

Nilles enrolled in the popular music program at Popakademie Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim, where she honed her craft. Early on, she posted drum compositions and videos online, including the viral 2013 track “Wild Boy.” Her complex rhythms and dynamic playing quickly earned her an international following. Today, her YouTube channel boasts more than 225,000 subscribers, and she has toured globally, including with guitar legend Jeff Beck during his 2022 tour.

Her debut album, Pikalar, arrived in 2017 and showcased her ability to blend technical mastery with musicality. Publications such as Modern Drummer and Drumeo have highlighted her as one of the most innovative drummers of her generation.

Joining Rush: A Historic and Emotional Move

The decision to bring Nilles into Rush’s lineup was made after careful consideration by Lee and Lifeson. In a video shared with fans, Lee explained that his bass technician recommended Nilles after working with her on tour with Jeff Beck. “We could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated Rush fanbase,” Lee said. After rehearsal sessions, the duo felt confident she could help bring their music to life again.

This move represents a major change for Rush. For decades, the band refused to add extra musicians, even as their sound expanded with synthesizers and technology. Lee often handled bass, vocals, and keyboard parts simultaneously on stage. Now, the group is considering adding a touring keyboardist, which would give Lee more freedom to focus on bass and stage interaction.

For fans, the addition of Nilles is both emotional and exciting. Neil Peart, who passed away in 2020, was considered one of the greatest drummers in rock history. Replacing him seemed impossible, but Nilles’ technical skill and deep musicality could give Rush a fresh yet respectful sound for a new era.

As Rush prepares for its 2026 tour, Anika Nilles is stepping into one of rock’s most legendary roles. Her story — from preschool teacher to world-touring virtuoso — is inspiring fans worldwide and setting the stage for a historic return of the band.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Anika Nilles?

She is a German drummer known for her technical skill and innovative style. She’s now joining Rush as their new drummer for the 2026 tour.

Q2: What band did Anika Nilles play with before Rush?

She toured with guitar legend Jeff Beck in 2022 and built a following through her solo work and YouTube performances.

Q3: Why did Rush choose Anika Nilles?

Geddy Lee’s bass tech recommended her. After rehearsals, Lee and Alex Lifeson felt her style honored Neil Peart while bringing fresh energy.

Q4: Will Rush add other new members?

Yes, Geddy Lee hinted at possibly bringing in a keyboard player to allow more stage freedom for himself and Alex Lifeson.

Q5: When will Rush tour again?

The band announced plans to tour in 2026, marking their first shows since Neil Peart’s passing.