When the initial wave of shock wore off this morning that Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are touring as Rush next year, most fans turned their attention to who will be taking on the absurdly difficult task of replacing the late Neil Peart behind the kit. The answer: German virtuoso Anika Nilles. “We could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated Rush fanbase,” Lee said in a statement, “whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role.”

In a video accompanying the tour announcement, Lee explained how he came into contact with Nilles. “How do we replace someone who is irreplaceable?” he asked. “I had heard from Scully, my bass tech, who had been on tour with Jeff Beck. He had been working with this drummer named Anika Nilles. He mentio

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