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RUSH Triumphantly Kick Off Four-Night Run at Madison Square Garden: Photos, Video + Setlist
RUSH kicked off the Madison Square Garden leg of their "Fifty Something" reunion tour on 28 July 2026, playing the first of four sold-out nights at the New York venue. The show marked a milestone for fans, as it is the progressive rock band's first tour in 11 years, and featured a lavish production including video tributes to the late Neil Peart alongside comedic appearances referencing "I Love You, Man" and "South Park".
The band performed a 24-song set spanning their career, opening with "Xanadu" and closing with "Working Man". Reviewers praised Geddy Lee's vocals and Alex Lifeson's guitar work, while drummer Anika Nilles, who has taken over from the late Neil Peart, was singled out for her performances on tracks such as "YYZ" and "Tom Sawyer". The setlist is expected to vary across the remaining three Madison Square Garden shows, with the wider North American tour continuing through to December.
In short
- RUSH began a four-night Madison Square Garden run on 28 July 2026.
- Drummer Anika Nilles won praise stepping in for Neil Peart.
- Tour continues across North America through December 2026.
Explained simply
RUSH is a Canadian progressive rock band that rose to prominence in the 1970s and has maintained a dedicated global following for over five decades. The group's signature sound comes from Geddy Lee's distinctive vocals, Alex Lifeson's intricate guitar playing, and historically from the drumming and songwriting of Neil Peart.
The band's return to touring represents a major milestone for their fans, as RUSH had not toured for eleven years prior to launching this "Fifty Something" reunion tour. The tour follows the passing of Neil Peart in January 2020, with Canadian drummer Anika Nilles now taking his place behind the drum kit.
Madison Square Garden in New York is hosting four consecutive nights as part of the band's wider North American tour, which continues through December 2026. The performances feature setlists spanning the band's four-decade catalogue, alongside special production elements created for the reunion.
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