Anika Nilles Stuns Fans in Rush’s Triumphant Return
Steve Obrien 
Anika Nilles’ Rush debut at the Kia Forum is the moment fans have been talking about all month — and for good reason.
There is a prairie fire currently ravaging the internet. One of the most beloved bands in modern times has returned to the fray after a decade-long hiatus. Fans of the band Rush have proven to be among the most dedicated — and at times downright fanatical — fan bases in all of rock.
Growing Up on Rush and Neil Peart
Now, full transparency: I wouldn’t count myself among Rush’s hugest fans. That being said, I certainly was in my teen years, and I’m old enough to say that much of their music has been, at one time or another, the soundtrack of my youth. As a young beginner drummer, I still remember the night my friends and I first spun the red vinyl copy of Hemispheres over a case of beer (stubbies, of course) — underage and eager — and the jaw-dropping experience of hearing “La Villa Strangiato” for the first time. Neil Peart became my drumming hero that night. The fact that this kid from my hometown could elevate to such epic percussive heights left an indelible impression on me.
Of course, time would prove that I certainly wasn’t the only one. Peart would become one of the most inspirational drummers of all time, practically reinventing the drummer’s role as creative artist, not just timekeeper. Air drumming was born in Peart’s wake as fans feverishly mimicked those famous fills with reckless abandon. (Shout out to my late bestie Joe O’Shaughnessy, who was hands down the most accurate Rush air drummer I’ve ever witnessed — even nailing the deep cuts!)
A Legacy Too Big to Walk Away From
As many know, it is Peart’s status as a drumming deity that makes this event so interesting. This is certainly no ordinary reunion. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d be aware that Neil Peart left this world back in 2020. The surviving members, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, decided out of respect for Neil to discontinue the band — much like Zeppelin after the loss of John Bonham — but as the decade passed, with both involved in various unrelated projects, the Rush legacy came knocking on their door, and they made the decision to return.
An Impossible Task: Replacing Neil Peart
Of course, there was one huge obstacle: who would dare approach the vacated golden drum throne of Neil Peart? A valid question. Geddy and Alex knew this would inevitably be their greatest challenge. It wasn’t simply a matter of finding someone with the technique and chops to handle his meticulous drum parts, but also someone who would find acceptance from the scrutinous eyes of the Rush fan base. No matter who the choice was, there would be naysayers and negative reactions, with many taking literal offense at the mere notion of replacing “the Professor” on the drum kit. To Alex and Geddy’s credit, they didn’t just target the huge names on the drumming scene (think Mike Portnoy, Gavin Harrison, etc.).
Enter Anika Nilles
Enter Anika Nilles. At the outset, this choice had its challenges. She was virtually unknown outside drum circles, she was female (yes, there are still dark corners of the music industry where this is a thing), and… well, how dare she? This young drumming powerhouse, however, was not without her followers. Several drummers (myself included) had already been made keenly aware of her percussive prowess through YouTube videos over the years, coupled with high-profile tours, including the late, great Jeff Beck (which I had the privilege of witnessing live) and the prog act Nevell. For those of us in the know, she was certainly no slouch. When her name was announced, I — like many others — knew she was more than capable for the job.
Anika Nilles’ Rush Debut at the Kia Forum
Understandably, Rush fans waited with bated breath for the debut gig at the Kia Forum in LA on June 7. I can only imagine the nerves Anika must have felt that night. She needn’t have worried.
From the opening power chords of the classic “Xanadu” to the blues-based rocker “Working Man,” Anika delivered in droves. Sashaying through straight rockers as well as more complex arrangements such as “YYZ,” “La Villa Strangiato,” and “Natural Science,” Nilles shined throughout. While she remained dedicated to Peart’s iconic drum parts (the air drummers wouldn’t have it any other way), she injected just enough of her own personality to escape the “robotic clone” label. I’m not sure what affected me more: her bang-on delivery or the audience’s roar of approval every time she nailed one of Peart’s rhythmic intricacies. I’m assuming many in attendance that night weren’t yet convinced she was up to the task, but from what I witnessed, naysayers were converting to Team Anika at an alarming rate. We all know the term “overnight sensation” — well, in this musical Cinderella story, Anika Nilles has come to the forefront and, overnight, has become possibly the most famous drummer on the planet.
Geddy, Alex, and the Rest of the Band
Then there’s those other two guys. Both Geddy and Alex showed the receptive crowd that age hasn’t slowed them down any. Geddy’s bass work remains top-tier, and he delivered without compromise throughout the evening. His whiny, sometimes screechy vocals remain a challenge for many, but diehards embrace it as part of the Rush M.O. Alex soldiered on through the musically dense soundscapes, layering and coloring in the manner he’s become famous for. He reminds us that he’s an invaluable member of the trio, playing exactly what’s needed for each piece — and those killer riffs!
Rico Ferrara 
Joe Ruicci 
