Anika Nilles, the new drummer for the legendary band RUSH, is stepping into the shoes of the late and iconic Neil Peart. In an exclusive interview, Nilles opens up about the challenges and unique qualities of Peart's drumming, and how she's navigating the task of filling his legendary footsteps.
Nilles, who joined RUSH for their surprise performance at the Juno Awards, acknowledges the immense pressure of following in Peart's footsteps. She highlights his energetic playing style and the way he infused each song with a fresh, unique feel. Peart's ability to create a distinct tonal palette and a signature snare sound is something Nilles admires and aims to emulate.
One of the most striking aspects of Peart's playing, according to Nilles, is his reluctance to repeat himself. She explains, "Neil rarely repeated himself. He kept bringing something new into the song. Even if a section repeated in terms of songwriting, his drumming the second time was different from the first. That makes it exciting and is part of what gives the songs their identity." This approach, she believes, is what makes RUSH's music so captivating and timeless.
Nilles also discusses the initial doubts that RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson and frontman Geddy Lee had about her. She explains, "First and foremost, it’s about capturing the right feel. That also means immersing myself to some extent in Neil’s way of thinking and his playing feel." Despite these initial concerns, Nilles' dedication and skill were evident during the fifth rehearsal, where she "nailed all those songs."
Looking ahead, Nilles is eager to continue the RUSH legacy. She says, "I also love playing in a very energetic way. That’s the first thing that comes to mind, and something I really appreciate about his playing." With the band's "Fifty Something" reunion tour starting this June, fans can expect a fresh take on RUSH's iconic music, infused with Nilles' unique style and Peart's timeless spirit.
In my opinion, Nilles' journey with RUSH is a testament to the power of musical evolution. While it's impossible to replicate the genius of Neil Peart, Nilles is certainly adding her own distinctive flavor to the band's sound. As she continues to grow and develop as a drummer, RUSH fans can look forward to a new era of music that pays homage to the past while embracing the future.
