When Geddy Lee, bass‑player, vocalist and co‑founder of Rush, and guitarist Alex Lifeson announced today that their Fifty Something TourThe Kia Forum will launch on June 7, 2026, the news sparked a wave of excitement across the rock community. The trek, slated for seven stops in Canada, the United States and Mexico, also serves as a tribute to the band’s late drummer Neil Peart, whose rhythmic poetry still haunts every Rush fan.
Background: Five Decades of Rush
Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush rose from local pubs to become one of progressive‑rock’s most influential forces. Their intricate time signatures, sci‑fi lyricism and virtuoso musicianship earned them a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2013 and dozens of Grammy nominations. Over fifty years the trio released 19 studio albums, sold more than 40 million records worldwide, and inspired countless guitar‑and‑drum prodigies. After drummer Neil Peart retired from touring in 2015, the band gave fans a farewell with the R40 Tour, concluding on August 1, 2015, at the very same Kia Forum where the new adventure will begin.
Tour Details and Dates
The Fifty Something Tour will span eight weeks, kicking off at the iconic arena in Los Angeles and then rolling northward and southward. Below is the current itinerary, subject to change as more dates are added:
- June 7, 2026 – The Kia Forum, Los Angeles, California
- June 12, 2026 – United Center, Chicago, Illinois
- June 18, 2026 – Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
- June 24, 2026 – Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
- June 30, 2026 – Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia
- July 6, 2026 – Chase Center, San Francisco, California
- July 12, 2026 – Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
Presale tickets are already rolling out through Rush’s official website, while the general public sale opens on Friday, October 17, 2025. Prices range from $79 for standard floor seats to $279 for premium packages that include backstage memorabilia.
Tributes to Neil Peart and the Band’s Legacy
Lee and Lifeson both stressed that the tour is as much a celebration as it is a memorial. "Neil’s spirit is in every note we play," Lee said in a video posted to the band’s social channels. Lifeson added, "We’re not just playing the hits; we’re telling the story of a man who gave us the heartbeat of Rush." The setlist is expected to weave classic anthems like “Tom Sawyer,” “The Spirit of Radio,” and “YYZ” with deeper cuts from the later albums that showcased Peart’s poetic lyricism. Special visual tributes—projected drum patterns and archival footage—will appear during the encore, ensuring fans feel the drummer’s presence.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The announcement ignited a frenzy on Reddit’s r/Rush subreddit, where fans shared childhood photos of early concerts and speculated about the setlist. Ticket resale sites reported a 300 % surge in page views within hours of the press release. Industry analysts at Billboard noted that Rush’s return could boost concert‑venue revenues by an estimated $45 million across North America, a notable uptick in a market still recovering from pandemic‑related disruptions. Even contemporary acts like Dream Theater’s James LaBrie praised the move, saying, "Seeing legends like Rush hit the road again reminds us why live music matters."
What This Means for Rock Music
For a genre that’s often labeled “vintage,” Rush’s comeback signals that progressive rock still has commercial clout. The tour arrives at a time when legacy acts—Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pearl Jam—are also gearing up for extensive world legs. Music‑business professor Dr. Elena Mendez of NYU argued, "When bands with such a technical pedigree return, they inspire a new generation of musicians to explore complex composition, which could lead to a renaissance in sophisticated rock writing." Moreover, the tour’s multi‑national scope underscores the enduring cross‑border appeal of North‑American prog‑rock, reinforcing its place in the global music conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the tour start and where is the first show?
The Fifty Something Tour kicks off on June 7, 2026, at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, California. That venue also hosted the final show of Rush’s 2015 R40 farewell tour.
Which cities are included in the North American leg?
Fans can catch the band in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco and, for the first time on this leg, Mexico City.
Will the setlist feature songs from all eras?
According to interviews with Lee and Lifeson, the show will span the band’s catalogue—from early hits like “Working Man” to later masterpieces such as “Faith Healer,” ensuring each decade is represented.
How are fans honoring Neil Peart during the tour?
Each concert will include a visual tribute: projected drum patterns synced to archival footage of Peart, plus a spoken‑word segment where Lee reflects on Peart’s lyrical contributions.
When do tickets go on sale to the public?
General‑public sales begin on Friday, October 17, 2025. Fans who signed up for the presale on Rush’s official site will have earlier access.
