Rush's Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson Reveal 'Fifty Something' 2026 Tour

When Geddy Lee, bassist, vocalist and co‑founder of Rush, teamed up with guitarist Alex Lifeson on Monday, October 6, 2025, they announced a 2026 headline trek dubbed “Fifty Something,” the first time the surviving members have shared a stage in eleven years. The tour, slated to hit seven North American cities from June through September, isn’t just a concert series – it’s a full‑blown celebration of a four‑decade legacy and a heartfelt tribute to late drummer Neil Peart who passed away in January 2020.

Background and Legacy

Back in August 2015, the R40 Tour wrapped at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, marking what many fans thought was the definitive goodbye. The tour had grossed roughly $50 million and sold over 800,000 tickets worldwide, cementing Rush’s status as one of Canada’s most successful rock exports.

Since then, the trio’s rhythm section has been silent. Peart retired from drumming after health setbacks, and his death left a palpable void. Yet the band’s catalogue – more than 40 million records sold, 24 platinum certifications in the U.S., and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2013 – kept the fire alive.

Tour Details and Schedule

The new itinerary launches on June 7, 2026, again at the Kia Forum. A second Los Angeles evening follows on June 9. From there the itinerary hops north to Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes (June 18), then to Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena for shows on June 24 and June 28.

• July 16 & 18 – United Center, Chicago
• July 28 & 30 – Madison Square Garden, New York
• August 7 & 9 – Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
• September 17 – Rocket Arena, Cleveland (final stop)

Ticket presales opened this week via the band’s official site, with general sales slated for Friday, October 17, 2025. Prices range from $95 for standard seats to $450 for VIP packages that include a backstage lounge and a limited‑edition “Fifty Something” laminate.

Fan Reactions and Ticket Info

Social media lit up instantly. One longtime follower wrote, “I never thought I’d hear ‘Tom Sawyer’ live again – this feels like a miracle.” Another fan from Toronto posted a photo of the presale confirmation screen, grinning ear‑to‑ear. The buzz is palpable, and resale sites are already flagging the dates as “high demand.”

Lee addressed the excitement in a brief video posted to the band’s YouTube channel: “We’ve missed the road, we’ve missed the energy, and we’re thrilled to bring the music back to the fans who kept us going for half a century.” Lifeson added, “This isn’t just a tour; it’s a thank‑you note to everyone who lived the Rush journey with us, and a nod to the man who kept our heartbeat steady.”

Tribute to Neil Peart

Every stop will feature a dedicated segment honoring Peart. The band plans to perform “The Spirit of Radio” and “YYZ” with a guest percussionist filling the drummer’s seat, followed by a video montage of Peart’s most iconic solos. The setlist, while still under wraps, is expected to blend classic tracks from the 1970s‑80s era with deeper cuts from “2112” and “Signals.”

Music historian Dr. Carla Normand notes, “Peart’s lyricism and technical prowess reshaped progressive rock. The decision to embed his memory into each performance bridges the past and present, giving fans a full‑circle experience.”

Industry Perspective and Impact

Analysts see the tour as a strategic move for legacy acts tapping into nostalgia‑driven revenue. Billboard’s touring department reports that legacy tours averaged $120 million in 2024, a 12% rise from the previous year. With Rush’s brand equity still strong – their 2023 streaming numbers topped 500 million plays globally – the “Fifty Something” venture could easily breach $80 million in gross ticket sales alone.

Promoter Live Nation, which handles the logistics, confirmed the choice of venues was driven by a mix of capacity, regional fan density, and symbolic relevance. “Los Angeles bookends the story, Chicago and New York hit the major markets, and Toronto brings it home,” a Live Nation spokesperson said.

What’s Next for the Duo?

Beyond the September finale, both Lee and Lifeson hinted at possible studio work. “We’ve been tinkering with a few ideas,” Lifeson whispered in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. “If the tour feels right, who knows? Maybe a new EP for the fans.” Meanwhile, the band’s management confirmed they’ll release a limited‑edition live album sourced from the first two shows at the Kia Forum.

For now, the focus is squarely on delivering a show that does justice to four decades of progressive rock mastery. As Lee summed up, “We’re back because the music never stopped living inside us – and it never stopped living inside our fans.”