When a drummer steps into the world of Rush, there’s always one unavoidable challenge: living up to the legacy of the late Neil Peart. For the band’s new drummer Anika Nilles, that reality hit hard the first time she faced one of the group’s most famous tracks.
According to frontman Geddy Lee, Nilles had an immediate moment of doubt when she realized she would have to tackle the band’s iconic song Tom Sawyer. When the trio prepared to run through the track for the first time, Lee recalled her reaction with a laugh: she simply paused and said, “Yikes. I don’t know if I want to play this one.”
Facing Rush’s Toughest Legacy
Nilles joined Rush as Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson prepared to return to the stage following Peart’s death in 2020. The drummer’s reputation for technical brilliance made her a compelling choice, but stepping into Rush’s catalog meant confronting some of the most revered drum parts in rock history.
Lee admitted the learning process wasn’t simple. Nilles initially knew only a few of the band’s most famous songs and had to quickly absorb the complex nuances that defined Peart’s playing. While she could handle the technical fills without much trouble, Lee explained that the real challenge lay in capturing the feel of the music.
The Intimidation Of “Tom Sawyer”
Released in 1981 on Rush’s landmark album Moving Pictures, “Tom Sawyer” has become one of the band’s signature songs and a staple of classic rock radio.
The track’s intricate rhythms and dynamic structure are closely tied to Peart’s legendary drumming, making it a daunting assignment for anyone who attempts to play it live. Lee acknowledged that Nilles’ nerves were understandable given the song’s importance in the band’s history.
Finding Her Groove
Despite that initial hesitation, Lee says Nilles has quickly grown into the role. As rehearsals continued, the drummer became more comfortable with the music and began locking into the groove that made Rush’s songs so distinctive.
“The fills weren’t the hardest part,” Lee explained. “It’s the feel, sitting in that groove.” Over time, he said, Nilles has “clued in,” and watching her develop within the band has been “really lovely.”
A New Chapter For Rush
Rush’s return to the stage marks the first major activity from the band since their final tour in 2015 and Peart’s passing five years later. With Nilles behind the kit and additional musicians helping expand the live sound, Lee and Lifeson are framing the upcoming shows as both a celebration of their legacy and a fresh chapter for the band.
If Nilles’ early “Yikes!” moment proved anything, it’s that even world-class drummers can feel the weight of Rush’s music. But as rehearsals have shown, she’s quickly proving she’s more than capable of carrying that legacy forward.
Leave a Reply