News: Anika Nilles Announced As New Rush Drummer + AU Tour Supports Announced

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ANIKA NILLES ANNOUNCED AS NEW DRUMMER FOR RUSH + AUSTRALIAN TOUR SUPPORTS ANNOUNCED

Renowned drum virtuoso Anika Nilles has been the subject of massive hype since being revealed as the new drummer for RUSH.

Following an announcement by Rush founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, it was revealed that Anika would be joining the group on their 50th anniversary tour in 2026. With over a dozen arena shows sold out already, the response has been massive.

Some of the world’s biggest names in the drumming and music community, including Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Rick Beato, Estepario, Tommy Igoe and more have come together to laud Anika for her talents and express excitement about the news.

Watch Anika Nilles and Nevell Live

In the meantime, Anika will bring her own band Nevell to Australia for the first time this November and December, touring in support of her new album ‘False Truth.’ The album showcases the breadth of her talents across fusion, prog, funk, jazz and rock.

Joining Anika as support act for all shows will be Sydney-based neo-jazz outfit Brekky Boy. Led by former professional wrestler Taylor Davis, the group have toured Europe, toured with Snarky Puppy, Lettuce and gone viral with their cover of Centrelink’s on-hold music.

Opening proceedings in Melbourne will be frenetic energy of Mad Vantage, led by prolific keyboardist Solune. Recently debuting at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Mad Vantage will release their debut album ‘Minutae’ on November 7, featuring their complex math-rock-prog-jazz compositions.