Rush's New Chapter: Lee, Lifeson & Nilles

0:00I'm Cory, with the story, and this episode is brought to you by NordVPN. If you use public Wi-Fi or care about your privacy online, NordVPN helps keep your connection, secure across all your devices. Links in the episode description, here's the latest from across the UK. Getty Lee and Alex Lifeson, the heart of Rush, have been best friends for 60 years ever since junior high. After their drummer Neil Partt passed away in January 2020, they thought the band was done for good, but their deep bond pulled them back together, not for the music at first, but just to jam as old pals. That let the dusting off rush songs from their Prague Rock days, blending complex riffs and hard rock that earned them 14-planta albums in the US. It started simple, with casual sessions where they stumbled through old tracks they once nailed perfectly. They needed a new drummer to fill parts huge shoes, known for his unmatched skill and lyrics. After checking videos and a week-long audition in Canada last March,

1:02they picked 42-year-old Anika Nils from Germany. She's a powerhouse player with tons of technique, recommended by Lee's bass tech from a Jeff Beck tour. Fans hold part close as Rush's standout, so expectations run high for sticking to those intricate arrangements. Nils nails the tough fills, but is adjusting to the unique interplay between bass, drums, and high hat that Lee and Lifeson developed over decades. Still, they give her room to add her own flair once she's locked in, much like how part once barged into their friendship and made it work. Rush's history shows their friendship let them evolve through ups and downs, from early heavy blues to grand concept albums like 2-1-1-2 and hemispheres. They shift at styles when Lifeson wanted more guitar focus, or part reinvented as drumming with jazz influences, always adapting without major fights. That sank other bands. That same openness keeps them going now, fueled by mutual respect and fans who love their nerdy work ethic. With Nils easing into the mix, Lee and Lifeson are excited to play on,

2:07proving their lifelong connection still drives the rush sound forward.