Rush’s Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee say they were unprepared for the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reaction to the band’s ‘Fifty Something’ tour, their first in more than a decade and first since drummer Neil Peart’s death in 2020. They describe the shows as a joyful reunion for fans and the band, offering audiences a temporary escape and a sense of shared community.

The tour began in Los Angeles on 7 June and features Lee and Lifeson with German drummer Anika Nilles and keyboardist Loren Gold. Lee said preparations took years and were physically demanding, particularly for performances lasting around three hours, but he is pleased the new line-up has gelled and intends to enjoy the limited number of shows he feels he has left in him.