Meet Anika Nilles: The Virtuoso Drummer Taking Over for Rush
Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced they will tour next year, with German drumming virtuoso Anika Nilles taking on the challenge of replacing the late Neil Peart behind the kit.
Lee shared that he discovered Nilles through his bass tech, who praised her talent after touring with Jeff Beck, and said that rehearsing with her brought new energy and life to Rush’s music.
Though well-known among drumming enthusiasts and boasting over 225,000 YouTube followers, Nilles remains relatively unfamiliar to mainstream rock audiences despite her 2022 performances with Jeff Beck.
Nilles began drumming as a child, describing the instrument as both physical and meditative, comparing the experience to yoga for its focus and freedom.