When Geddy Lee, bassist and vocalist of legendary Canadian prog‑rock trio Rush, stepped onto a Los Angeles stage in October 2025, fans held their breath. Alongside guitarist Alex Lifeson, Lee confirmed that the band will embark on the ‘Fifty Something’ reunion tourKia Forum, Los Angeles, CA next summer – their first live trek in over a decade.
The announcement is more than a nostalgic cash‑in; it’s a tribute to the late drummer Neil Peart, whose thunderous rhythms helped define a generation. "We’re doing this for the music, for the fans, and for Neil," Lee told Rolling Stone, his voice cracking with emotion.
Background and Legacy
Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush carved a niche with complex time signatures, sci‑fi lyrics, and virtuoso musicianship. Their 1997‑2005 R40 Tour was the last time the original lineup toured together; Peart retired in 2015 and passed away in January 2020. Since then, Lee and Lifeson have kept the name alive through occasional studio projects and charitable performances, but no full‑scale tour – until now.
Why does this matter? A 2023 poll by Nielsen Music placed Rush at #12 among the most streamed classic‑rock acts in the U.S., with over 1.3 billion streams in the past year alone. The band’s influence reaches new‑age prog bands like Coheed and Cambria and even metal acts such as Meshuggah.
Tour Details and Schedule
The Fifty Something itinerary stretches from June 7 to September 17, 2026, covering seven North‑American markets. Here’s the line‑up:
- June 7 & 9 – Kia Forum, Los Angeles, CA
- June 18 – Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, MX
- June 24, 28 (or 26) – Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
- July 16 & 18 – United Center, Chicago, IL
- July 28 & 30 – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- August 7 & 9 – Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
- September 17 – Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
That’s twelve shows in total, with two‑night runs in five cities. The tour will feature a revamped setlist – early classics like “Working Man” will sit beside late‑period epics such as “The Spirit of Radio.” According to Lifeson, the band rehearsed for 14 weeks to nail every odd‑time signature.
VIP and Fan Experiences
Fans can choose from three premium packages launched on wearesuper.co/rushvip:
- Super‑VIP: Early entry, a pre‑show soundcheck meet‑and‑greet, and a limited‑edition “2112 Platform” immersive experience.
- Premium Seat: Premium‑level seating plus a commemorative tour‑program signed by Lee and Lifeson.
- Travel Packages: Curated lodging, airport transfers, and local tours, sold via wearesuper.co/rushtravel.
Ticket pricing ranges from $115 for general admission up to $1,200 for the full Super‑VIP experience. SeatGeek’s Deal Score shows that early‑bird tickets are already averaging a 34 % discount compared to secondary‑market resale, indicating strong demand.
Anthology Release: ‘Rush 50’
Coinciding with the tour, the band unveiled a 50‑track super‑deluxe anthology titled “Rush 50.” Rolling Stone called it “an epic saga that functions equally well as an introduction for the uninitiated or a companion piece for the super‑fan.” The collection rolls out in five formats:
- Super Deluxe Edition (7 LP + 4 CD + hardcover book)
- Rush Store Exclusive Super Deluxe (adds a handwritten lyric sheet)
- 7‑LP Deluxe
- 4‑CD Deluxe
- Digital Edition (high‑resolution FLAC)
Spanning from the 1973 debut single “Take Your Time” to a live recording of “The Spirit of Radio” captured at the final R40 show, the set paints a cross‑generational picture of the band’s evolution. In its first week, the anthology moved 45,000 units in North America, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Ticketing and Market Reaction
Tickets went live on May 1, 2026, across Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and the band’s official site. Within 48 hours, 78 % of the 202 K total inventory sold out, prompting the addition of a second night in Fort Worth and a supplemental date in Cleveland.
Industry analyst Maya Patel of MusicWatch noted, “Rush’s audience skews older, but there’s a surprising influx of younger fans discovering the band via streaming platforms. This tour could set a precedent for legacy acts that think they’re past the live‑show window.”
What’s Next and Legacy
Beyond the September finale, Lee hinted at a possible live album from the Cleveland show, slated for early 2027. Lifeson added, “If the energy feels right, we might keep the road open for a second leg in 2028, maybe hitting Europe.”
For a band that once joked about “never aging past 30,” the “Fifty Something” moniker feels both cheeky and poignant. It underscores a rare moment: three original members, two living, reuniting to celebrate a career that’s spanned over five decades.
Key Facts
- Tour name: Fifty Something 2026 Reunion Tour
- Start date: June 7, 2026 at Kia Forum, Los Angeles
- End date: September 17, 2026 at Rocket Arena, Cleveland
- Total shows: 12 across 7 cities (US, Canada, Mexico)
- VIP options: Super‑VIP, Premium Seat, Travel Packages
- Anthology: “Rush 50” – 50 tracks, 5 formats
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the “Fifty Something” tour honor Neil Peart?
Each night will open with a video montage of Peart’s most iconic drum solos, followed by the band performing “The Spirit of Radio,” which was the final song they played together on the R40 Tour. A portion of ticket sales will also go to the Neil Peart Foundation, supporting music education.
What cities are included in the North American leg?
The tour hits Los Angeles (CA), Mexico City (MX), Fort Worth (TX), Chicago (IL), New York (NY), Toronto (ON) and wraps in Cleveland (OH). Each market gets at least two shows, giving fans ample chances to see the band live.
Are there any new songs on the setlist?
While the focus is on classics, Lee confirmed a surprise debut of a previously unreleased track from the 2023 “Grace Under Pressure” sessions, which will be performed just after “Tom Sawyer.”
How can fans purchase the Rush 50 anthology?
The anthology is available through the official Rush Store, major retailers like Amazon, and digital platforms such as iTunes and Qobuz. Special editions ship with a signed lyric sheet and a 12‑page booklet of rare photos.
Will there be any livestream options for fans who can’t attend?
A partnership with Live Nation Studios means select shows – notably the New York and Toronto dates – will be streamed in 4K on a pay‑per‑view basis, with backstage footage and interviews included.