New Rush Drummer Anika Nilles Talks Neil Peart & Tour Nerves

Stepping behind the kit for Rush is a daunting task for any musician, but new drummer Anika Nilles had some unexpected support that helped ease the pressure. In a recent interview, the German musician shared how a message from Neil Peart’s widow helped calm her nerves ahead of her debut on the band’s Fifty Something tour.

The Five-Day Audition and Rehearsal Intensity

Nilles secured the coveted spot following a rigorous five-day audition for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Once hired, she faced the immediate challenge of learning to fit into the iconic catalog without getting overwhelmed by the legacy of her predecessor.

“In each song part I had to coach myself a little bit…not to fly away,” Nilles told Rolling Stone regarding the intense rehearsals. “That all helped not to think too much about how big that seat is and what role I’m filling in it.”

Her grounding mantra during the process was simple: “Be in the moment, be present, be focused.”

Adapting to Neil Peart’s Approach

Establishing what was expected took time as Nilles navigated between learning whether to prep every micro-detail or maintain some personal freedom. Studying Peart’s approach ultimately led her to alter her physical technique, shifting away from her established stick control style and taking up weightlifting to build muscle for a more direct delivery.

“I have to play more out of muscle power,” she noted. Studying the legendary drummer also deeply influenced her perspective on arrangement: “Now, I have a little bit of Neil in me. What I learned for myself the most is the compositional part. He was brilliant in that, really. He constantly builds, and builds, and builds the drum part to a point where you think, ‘What the hell is going on?’”

A Supportive Message From Carrie Nuttall

Nilles’ confidence received a major boost just before her first live performances when Neil Peart’s widow, Carrie Nuttall, reached out. “I got a nice message from her, a really lovely message,” Nilles said. “It was really nice to hear that she is on board and looking forward to this whole journey.”

With the Fifty Something tour underway, Nilles reported feeling “really energized, and relieved.” Asked how she felt after her initial shows, she laughed: “I made it through!”