Who is Anika Nilles and why is she the new tour drummer for Rush?
born in Aschaffenburg, Germany, into a family deeply passionate about drumming. Even though she was born in 1983, just a year after Rush released their Signals album, her talent and passion for the drums have solidified her reputation as a progressive-rock drummer, educator, and composer. Anika gained recognition in the early 2010s when she started posting a series of polished videos on YouTube showcasing her drumming skills.
Her work on YouTube caught the eye of many, and in 2015, DRUM! magazine named her the best up-and-coming drummer of the year. In addition to performing, Nilles is deeply involved in the drumming community, writing for various drum magazines and serving as a department head at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, a music conservatory in Mannheim, Germany. Furthermore, she is actively involved in her band, Nevell, with whom she records and performs regularly.
Anika Nilles has released four albums under her name, namely Pikalar in 2017, For a Colorful Soul in 2020, Opuntia in 2022, and False Truth in 2025. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to convey emotions through her music set her apart as a talented and innovative drummer.
In 2023, Rush singer-bassist Geddy Lee expressed admiration for Nilles, mentioning her as a standout drummer who had made an impression while touring with Jeff Beck. Lee’s bass tech, John (Skully) McIntosh, had high praise for Nilles after working with her on the Beck tour, leading Lee to look her up. Upon investigating her work on YouTube, Lee found her to be a match for Rush and recommended bringing her on board for the upcoming tour.
While there were other notable candidates to fill the drumming void left by Neil Peart, such as Danny Carey, Chad Smith, and Dave Grohl, Anika Nilles stood out for her unique style and musicality. Rush’s decision to choose her was not based on a traditional audition but rather on a feeling out process to ensure a good fit for both the band and Nilles.
Anika Nilles cites Toto’s Jeff Porcaro as a major influence on her drumming style, along with other renowned drummers such as Stanton Moore, Carter Beauford, and Jojo Mayer. She also draws inspiration from non-drummers like Sheryl Crow, Prince, Joe Satriani, Joss Stone, and Dave Matthews. For Nilles, music is all about conveying emotion and creating a connection with the audience through dynamics, touch, and the interplay of sound and silence.
As she prepares to embark on her first tour with Rush, Anika Nilles brings a fresh perspective and unique energy to the legendary band, promising an exciting and innovative musical experience for fans as she steps into the illustrious shoes left by Neil Peart.