Rush Returns to the Stage With Emotional "Fifty Something" Reunion Tour Launch in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - Rush returned to the stage for the first time in nearly a decade, opening their Fifty Something reunion tour at the Forum in Los Angeles on Thursday night.

"We're here for so many reasons," frontman Geddy Lee told the crowd early in the set. "We're here to celebrate over 50 years of music that Alex Lifeson, myself and the great Neil Peart made together. We're here to pay tribute to Neil."

This marked Rush's first concert since Aug. 1, 2015, which was also held at the Forum and closed their R40 Live tour. While that tour was not billed as a farewell, the band later indicated they were finished. The death of drummer Neil Peart in 2020 appeared to end any possibility of a reunion.

Lee and Lifeson surprised fans last October by announcing the Fifty Something tour, with drummer Anika Nilles joining to fill Peart's role.

The show began with a short film featuring several celebrity cameos before the band launched into "Xanadu," a track from 1977's "A Farewell to Kings." According to setlist.fm, this was the first time Rush had ever opened a concert with that song.

The band followed with songs including "Limelight," from the 1981 album "Moving Pictures," and "Freewill," from 1980's "Permanent Waves." Both tracks drew energetic responses from the audience.

Emotions ran high throughout the night as Rush honored Peart's memory. During the set, archival footage of Peart, including audio of him discussing his passion for drumming, played on giant screens. The tribute led into a performance of "Bravado," accompanied by images of the late drummer.

Rush closed their first set with "The Spirit of Radio," drawing some of the loudest cheers of the evening. After a 30-minute intermission, the band returned with a trio of songs from their 1976 album "2112": "Overture," "The Temples of Syrinx" and "A Passage to Bangkok."

The second set included a special guest appearance by singer Aimee Mann, who joined Rush for "Time Stand Still." The single was a radio hit in 1987, but this marked the first time Mann performed it live with the band.

Throughout the show, Lee and Lifeson demonstrated the musical skill that has defined Rush for more than 50 years. Nilles received a warm welcome from fans, impressing many with her performance behind the drums.

A comedic video short featuring "South Park" characters arguing over Rush lyrics introduced the band's signature song "Tom Sawyer." Rush briefly left the stage before returning for "By-Tor & the Snow Dog," which they had not played in more than 20 years, and "Working Man" closed the concert.

Rush's Fifty Something tour continues across North America through December. The band has announced plans for additional international dates in 2027.