Legendary '70s Band Returns to Stage After 11 Years, Plays 1987 Hit Live for the First Time Ever
After more than a decade away from the stage, one of rock's most beloved bands is officially back.
On Sunday, June 7, Rush kicked off its highly anticipated Fifty Something tour in Los Angeles, marking the group's first run of performances since 2015. Founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson returned to the stage alongside acclaimed drummer Anika Nilles, who stepped into the role once occupied by the late Neil Peart.
The opening night set featured 24 songs spanning the band's decades-long career, including fan favorites like "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight." Longtime listeners were also treated to several deeper cuts that hadn't been performed in years, including "Freewill," "Vital Signs," and "La Villa Strangiato."
Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann also joined the band at one point for the first-ever live performance of "Time Stand Still," the 1987 track on which she originally appeared-another incredibly big deal.
"Rush brought out Aimee Mann for Time Stand Still I'm losing my sh*t," one person on X shared.
Another wrote, "This is so bittersweet. Amiee Mann joining Rush for Time Stand Still and the tribute to Neil Peart on the screen."
This is so bittersweet. Amiee Mann joining Rush for Time Stand Still and the tribute to Neil Peart on the screen. pic.twitter.com/50JNFM241E
— Maury Brown (@BizballMaury) June 8, 2026
"The roar that the crowd gave when @realaimeemann first hit the mic during Rush's Time Stand Still" was the correct response," a fan claimed on Threads.
And Peart's presence was still felt during the show. According to concert reports, the legendary drummer appeared in a series of digital tributes projected throughout the performance, including images of him drumming among the stars. Peart passed away in 2020 following a battle with brain cancer.
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The return didn't happen overnight. In a recent interview with Rick Beato, Lee admitted he essentially had to relearn much of Rush's catalog once the setlist was finalized. Even after decades of performing the songs, some still present a challenge.
"There's complexity in performance due to the fact that I'm very rarely just the bass player," Lee explained while discussing the band's music. He specifically pointed to "Anarchist" as one of the most difficult songs to perform because of the demands of singing and playing simultaneously.
With dates scheduled through April 2027, all that preparation appears to be paying off.
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 4:16 PM.