When you’ve taken on one hell of a gig and know that the guy she’s replacing was one of the hardest hitters on top of being a technical master. This is the best photo of Anika Nilles yet with Rush.
If you haven’t seen this, take a minute and listen to this. This is the best percussion performance I have seen maybe ever but it’s been a long time. Thank you rush.
Rush on their second night night of a four night stay and the Los Angeles Forum swapped 9 songs and also played 2112 in its entirety. Rush has never done anything like that before. I've seen them every year since 1978 and I'm blown away at how good they are now, much better than the last several tours. Their new drummer, Neil's replacement, Anika, is beyond amazing. She's brought a freshness to the band, and you can see it in Alex and Geddy. Also a shout to the their added keyboardist and backup vocals @lorengold
SET 1
Xanadu
Spirit of Radio
Analog Kid (not played night 1)
Freewill
Subdivisions
Bravado
Leave That Thing Alone (not played night 1)
The Trees (not played night 1)
Headlong Flight
Limelight
(Intermission)
SET 2
2112 (played in its entirety)
Animate (not played night 1)
Closer To The Heart (not played night 1)
A Passage To Bangkok (not played night 1)
Time Stand Still (featuring Aimee Mann)
YYZ
Anthem (not played night 1)
Red Barchetta
Witch Hunt (not played night 1)
Tom Sawyer
ENCORE
Finding My Way (not played night 1)
Working Man
I don’t know how Anika Nilles does it.
I really don’t.
Basically - night after night, it’s going to be her under a microscope, in front of thousands of @rushtheband fans, waiting to see how she plays iconic fills.
She has nerves of steel!!!
Props, I could not do it. 🫡
Wondering about Geddy Lee's ability to hit all his notes? Wonder no more! #Rush2026 is as amazing as ever. Alex Lifeson is on point and the late, great Neil Peart is smiling down on opening night tonight in LA as Anika Nilles honors his legacy - the crowd loves her. #RushIsABand