Rush Cancels San Jose Concert Due to Drummer Illness
Rock band Rush canceled its Saturday, Oct. 17, concert at the SAP Center in San Jose after drummer Anika Nilles fell ill, sfchronicle.com reported. The group announced that the performance has been rescheduled for Dec. 6, with all previously purchased tickets remaining valid for the new date.
Tour Interrupted by Worsening Flu Symptoms
Nilles began experiencing flu-like symptoms during the band’s first San Jose show on Thursday, Oct. 15, according to guitarist Alex Lifeson. Despite feeling sick, Nilles managed to complete the performance.
“So this really sucks,” Lifeson said in a video posted to the band’s official Facebook page. “She was in the early stages of a flu, but she managed to get through the gig, which was really quite incredible and a testament to her willpower. But over the last couple of days she’s gotten a lot worse, and unfortunately we’re gonna have to cancel the show tonight.”
Lifeson added that the band is crestfallen over the cancellation but hopes Nilles will recover over the following week to continue the Fifty Something reunion tour. Fans unable to attend the rescheduled December date can obtain refunds at their original point of purchase.
Fifty Something Reunion Tour Marks Return to the Stage
Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush is currently undertaking its first tour in 11 years. The reunion marks the band’s first series of live performances without longtime drummer and primary lyricist Neil Peart, who died of cancer in 2020.
Following Peart’s death, the remaining members initially considered disbanding before returning to live performance after years of navigating grief and health challenges. Nilles, a German drummer, joined the tour after bassist and singer Geddy Lee saw her perform alongside guitarist Jeff Beck.