Anika Nilles, who replaced the late Neil Peart as Rush’s drummer, focused intensely on her performance during her first show, stating, “I will not look into the audience once, it doesn’t matter what happens,” to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
The band’s Fifty Something Tour has expanded significantly, with Nilles expressing excitement about their upcoming residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, saying, “Everything is new for me there.”
Nilles has impressed fans with her ability to tackle Peart’s complex drumming patterns, and she expressed a desire to play “Kid Gloves,” sharing, “I told Geddy, if I can ever have a wish list song, can we do that one?”
Nilles maintains her stamina through rigorous training, noting, “I don’t do cardio,” and relies on her physiotherapist to help her recover after shows, explaining, “There are shows when my arms are fine. And then there are shows when they are tired and tight.”
Embracing the fun atmosphere of the band, Nilles has engaged in playful antics during performances, recalling, “I just joined in their goofiness,” and highlighting a memorable moment involving “The Bag” prank from the band’s history.
