The Wait Is Over: Rush Finally Broadcasted Emotional Reunion World Tour Titled “Fifty Something” As Geddy Lee And Alex Lifeson Reflects On The ‘Difficult Decision’ Of Finding A New Drummer After Neil Peart’s Death. full dates and cities revealed with tickets.
Rush, the legendary Canadian progressive rock trio that redefined musicianship and emotional storytelling, has announced what many fans thought would never happen — a full reunion world tour titled “Fifty Something.” The announcement marks the band’s first tour since the passing of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in 2020, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most emotional and historic comebacks in modern rock history. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, the two remaining members of Rush, have opened up about the deep personal and artistic challenges behind this decision, revealing that this reunion isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about closure, celebration, and love for the music that defined generations.
In a heartfelt broadcast streamed live across multiple platforms, Lee and Lifeson appeared together for the first time in years, visibly emotional as they confirmed that Rush will return to the stage for a worldwide farewell celebration under the tour name “Fifty Something” — a nod both to their 50-plus years of friendship and the enduring impact of their five-decade legacy. “We never thought we’d do this again,” Lee admitted during the broadcast. “After Neil’s passing, we didn’t know what Rush could even mean without him. But over time, we realized that Rush was never just the three of us — it was a spirit, a connection with fans, and a body of music that still has life left in it.”
Lifeson, equally introspective, added, “This tour isn’t about replacing Neil — no one ever could. It’s about honoring him by keeping the music alive. Every note we play, every beat that hits, will be in his memory.” The guitarist described the decision as “one of the hardest and most emotional” of their lives, explaining that it took years of private reflection and countless conversations before they felt ready to share a stage again.
The “Fifty Something” tour will feature a carefully chosen drummer who has the blessing of Peart’s family and the full support of Lee and Lifeson. Though fans have speculated for months, the broadcast confirmed that Omar Hakim, the world-class drummer known for his work with David Bowie, Sting, and Weather Report, will step behind the kit for this monumental journey. “Omar was one of Neil’s favorite drummers,” Geddy Lee revealed. “He’s got that precision and creativity Neil respected. We knew he would approach the music with humility, passion, and respect for what it means to all of us.”
The setlist, according to Lee, will span the entire Rush catalog, from the raw energy of “Fly by Night” and “2112” to the experimental grandeur of “Moving Pictures” and the later introspective works like “Clockwork Angels.” The show is said to include rare deep cuts that the band hasn’t played in decades, alongside a visual production that promises to be “a living museum of Rush’s history.” Every show will feature tributes to Neil Peart — from projected footage to unseen video clips and audio recordings of his legendary drum solos. “We want fans to feel him there,” Lifeson said quietly. “Because he is.”
The tour kicks off on May 2, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Rush’s hometown, with a three-night stand at the Scotiabank Arena. The first night sold out within hours of the announcement, with tickets for additional shows added due to overwhelming demand. From there, the band will embark on a massive global route covering North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia — a truly worldwide farewell that reflects Rush’s international reach and the deep affection of fans everywhere.
Full tour dates and cities are as follows:
North America 2026:
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May 2–4: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
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May 7: Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
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May 10: Boston, MA – TD Garden
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May 13: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
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May 16: Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
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May 19: Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
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May 22: Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
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May 25: Chicago, IL – United Center
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May 28: Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
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May 31: Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
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June 3: Houston, TX – Toyota Center
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June 6: Denver, CO – Ball Arena
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June 9: Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
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June 12–13: Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
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June 16: San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Europe 2026:
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July 2: London, UK – O2 Arena
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July 5: Manchester, UK – AO Arena
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July 8: Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro
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July 11: Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
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July 15: Paris, France – Accor Arena
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July 18: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
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July 21: Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
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July 24: Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
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July 27: Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum
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July 30: Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
South America 2026:
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August 10: São Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Parque
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August 13: Buenos Aires, Argentina – Movistar Arena
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August 16: Santiago, Chile – Movistar Arena
Asia and Oceania 2026:
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September 3: Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Dome
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September 7: Osaka, Japan – Osaka-jō Hall
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September 12: Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
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September 15: Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
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September 20: Auckland, New Zealand – Spark Arena
The tour will conclude with a final two-night performance back in Toronto on October 2–3, 2026, where the band plans to deliver what they describe as “the most emotional shows of our lives.” Those nights will be recorded for a live concert film and documentary chronicling Rush’s final chapter — including behind-the-scenes footage, fan stories, and interviews that celebrate Neil Peart’s towering legacy.
Tickets for the “Fifty Something” World Tour are available now through Rush.com and official ticketing partners. A special “Time Machine VIP Experience” package will offer fans exclusive merchandise, early venue access, a pre-show Q&A with Lee and Lifeson, and a private museum-style exhibit of Neil Peart’s memorabilia, including drum kits, handwritten lyrics, and tour artifacts. Proceeds from select dates will benefit cancer research and music education charities in Peart’s name.
The emotional impact of this announcement has been staggering. Fans across social media have expressed overwhelming gratitude and disbelief. “I never thought I’d see Rush again,” wrote one fan. “Neil’s spirit will be there in every beat. This means everything.” Another added, “This isn’t just a tour — it’s a healing moment for millions of us who grew up with their music.”
Indeed, Rush’s story has always been one of resilience and reinvention. From the early 1970s, when the young Canadian trio rose from the underground scene of Toronto clubs, to their reign as one of rock’s most technically brilliant and philosophically rich bands, they consistently challenged conventions. With Peart’s intricate drumming and intellectual lyrics, Lee’s soaring vocals and masterful bass work, and Lifeson’s distinctive guitar tone, Rush became a band that inspired musicians as much as it moved fans. They redefined what rock could be — complex yet human, cerebral yet deeply emotional.
