Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles

Episode: Who Is Anika Nilles? (October 15, 2025)

Episode Overview

This bonus episode, hosted by Janda on the Gamut Podcast Network, explores the story of German drummer Anika Nilles, who was recently selected to join Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson for Rush’s 2026 50th anniversary tour following the passing of legendary drummer Neil Peart. Janda delves into Nilles’s musical background, her rise to prominence, what makes her style unique, and how the Rush community, band members, and Peart's family have responded to this pivotal change.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Big Announcement: Anika Nilles to Drum for Rush

• Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced a 2026 tour celebrating 50 years of Rush, with Anika Nilles on drums, stepping into the monumental role held by the late Neil Peart.
• The news left fans wondering: “Who is Anika Nilles?” and whether she could live up to Peart’s complex legacy.

  "Lots and lots and lots of Rush fans immediately wondering, who is Anika Nilles now? Drum nerds definitely know who she is." — Janda (01:05)

2. Anika Nilles' Musical Background

• German drummer, raised in a musical family: her father was a drummer and she started playing at age six.
• She is a respected music educator and began building her following on YouTube in the early 2010s.
• Currently tours with her band Neville, who have released three albums.
• Nilles was chosen by Jeff Beck to join his 2022 tour, performing notably on “Freeway Jam” in Texas.
• In 2021, contributed drums to Jim Peterik’s album Tigress, showing versatility and range.

3. What Makes Nilles Unique

• Recognized for her elite musicianship: “precise but not mechanical, talented with the feel that comes across in her playing that is specific to her.”
• Main influences include Jeff Porcaro of Toto, reflecting an attention to groove, musicality, and individuality.
• Lee became aware of her talent via his bass tech, who was already working with Nilles.

  “When they met her and started playing with her, they said that it immediately felt good, like here was a drummer who could play Rush's material well… and bring her own style to the live performances.” — Janda (02:30)

4. Endorsement from Rush Members

• Janda quotes Lee’s enthusiastic introduction of Nilles to the Rush fanbase:

  “Annika Nilles was, quote, an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey. We could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated Rush fan base, whom we know will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role.” — Geddy Lee (03:05)

• Lifeson comments on the emotional weight of the tour:

  “It will be beautiful to celebrate him every single night.” — Alex Lifeson (03:35)

5. The Fans and Peart's Family Respond

• Peart's wife and daughter offered their support:

  “They are thrilled to support the 50 Something Tour and to honor Neil's extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and a lyricist.” — Peart’s family statement (04:00)

• Janda contextualizes the impossibility of replacing Peart, noting that both the band and fans are approaching this transition with "respect and care”.

6. The Spirit of Rush Lives On

• The 50th anniversary tour is explicitly framed as a tribute to Neil Peart and the band's decades-long friendship.
• The upcoming setlist will feature around 35 songs with a two-hour show that will change nightly.
• Janda shares her own experience seeing Rush live in 2015 and expresses excitement about the return in 2026.

  “How great to have Rush back in the limelight, so to speak. Rush fans by and large have been incredibly supportive of this decision and with the respect and care with which Lee and Lifeson announced that they're doing this.” — Janda (04:30)
  “2026 is going to be a great year for Rush fans.” — Janda (04:55)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• Geddy Lee, on Nilles joining Rush:

  "Annika Nilles was... an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story...” (03:05)

• Alex Lifeson, on honoring Peart:

  "It will be beautiful to celebrate him every single night." (03:35)

• Janda, on Rush community’s reaction:

  “As always, there's a feeling of friendship and love in this tour announcement, sentiments that have carried through between the band members and between the band and their fans for decades.” (04:35)

• Peart’s family on the legacy:

  “They are thrilled to support the 50 Something Tour and to honor Neil's extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and a lyricist.” (04:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01-01:20 — Introduction to Anika Nilles and her selection as Rush’s new tour drummer
• 01:21-02:20 — Nilles’ background: family, education, YouTube, and bands
• 02:21-02:50 — Notable collaborations: Jeff Beck, Jim Peterik
• 02:51-03:24 — How Lee and Lifeson chose Nilles and their impressions
• 03:25-03:58 — Band and family official statements on the tour and Peart’s legacy
• 03:59-04:50 — Rush fan community’s reception, tour structure, and Janda’s personal Rush memories
• 04:51-05:13 — Closing thoughts and excitement for the 2026 tour

Podcast Tone & Style

Janda blends reverence for Rush’s legacy with warm enthusiasm for Nilles’s arrival. Her narrative is personal and insightful, making the episode both informative and evocative for devoted Rush fans and newcomers alike.

Takeaway

This episode celebrates both the timeless magic of Rush and the exciting new possibilities brought by Anika Nilles joining the band, ensuring that the Professor’s memory and musicianship will echo on—while a new chapter is written for classic rock history.