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\u201cAlex [Lifeson] and I took a long time trying to figure out if we could actually do this ever again,\u201d he tells the publication. \u201cWhen we did finally decide, people were optimistic. But we really didn\u2019t expect the overwhelming response our announcement has brought forth.\u201d <\/p>\n
When the 12 dates were announced on Oct. 6, the demand was instant, prompting the Canadian rock band\u2019s founding members, including bassist-singer Lee and guitarist Lifeson, to add 17 more dates<\/u><\/a> to the tour. Now, there are Canadian stops in Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton and Vancouver, amongst various dates across the U.S. <\/p>\n While there is much excitement, it hasn\u2019t come with a complex set of emotions for the band and longtime Rush fans. The group\u2019s 2026 run marks the first time Lee and Lifeson will hit the road since 2015. It was their final outing with former drummer Neil Peart, who passed away in 2020. <\/p>\n Lee shares that it was \u201ca difficult decision\u201d to think about touring. \u201cThat was the main stumbling block. How do we replace the irreplaceable, so to speak,\u201d he ponders. <\/p>\n Although it was initially a challenge, next year\u2019s outing will include German drummer and musician Anika Nilles, who previously worked with the late Jeff Beck. Nilles was introduced to Lee by a member of his road crew. <\/p>\n \u201cWhen we made the decision to see what it was like to play with another drummer, we contacted her,\u201d he said. \u201cWe surreptitiously snuck into a studio and worked out for about a week. By the end of it, we were convinced that it would be a go for us.\u201d <\/p>\n Yet, bringing Nilles into the fold was a learning curve for both founding members and their newest addition, as Lee recalled the act of \u201ctranslating Rush music\u201d to someone who didn\u2019t grow up with the band. <\/p>\n \u201cIt was a bit of a daunting task, and we had to go through each song and explain the idiosyncratic nature of how our songs are put together,\u201d he shares with CBC<\/em><\/em>. \u201cAt times, she was a bit overwhelmed, but she\u2019s got a really positive attitude and that\u2019s really good for Alex and I to be around.\u201d <\/p>\n Lee revealed that he had been \u201cplaying diligently\u201d for about a year and a half before the tour\u2019s announcement, sharing that after his book tour for <\/a>My Effing Life<\/a><\/em><\/em>, he needed to make music, play the bass and \u201cget my fingers back in shape,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n As Lee and Lifeson gear up to hit the road, the former shared they\u2019re both \u201chitting the gym\u201d in preparation for their seven-month stint. \u201cWe\u2019re going to be ready. We\u2019re putting a lot of hours into it.\u201d <\/p>\n Something else that is keeping Lee\u2019s spirits high? The World Series games. The noted Toronto Blue Jays fan was sitting in the crowd when player George Springer scored the decisive home run in a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners at the Rogers Centre home game on Oct. 20.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was one of the most incredible moments I\u2019ve ever experienced in a ballpark,\u201d he marvelled. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever heard the Rogers Centre or a Toronto baseball crowd that loud, that electric and right on cue. It was really astounding.\u201d <\/p>\n The Jays’ win ensures their spot in the World Series for the first time since 1993, when the team won back-to-back championships, which Lee witnessed first-hand. He says the 2025 iteration of the Blue Jays differs from previous teams, calling many of the players \u201cunsung heroes\u201d who previously played in the minor leagues. <\/p>\n \u201cAs a baseball fan, we\u2019re drawn to the characters. It\u2019s just one of those teams that you can\u2019t help but love, he said, calling out “the enthusiasm of George Springer,” and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who “delivered big time.\u201d <\/p>\n Lee joins the myriad of Canadian artists<\/u><\/a> championing the Blue Jays at the World Series games, which kick off tonight (Oct. 24) at Rogers Centre. <\/p>\n Watch the whole interview here:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n