Fifty-something years ago, Cleveland fans showed up for Rush. And 50-something years after that, the iconic Canadian prog-rock band returned to the city, bringing its latest tour to Rocket Arena for one of the biggest rock events of the year.
Night 1 of Rush’s two-concert stand kicked off on Thursday night, to be followed by Night 2 on Saturday. The three-hour marathon performance featured original band founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson performing with touring keyboardist Loren Gold and the talented Anika Nilles, who has filled in on drums since powerhouse drummer Neil Peart died in 2020.
It’s the first time Rush has played in Cleveland since 2012, and the first time without Peart slamming out intricate fills behind his 360-degree drum kit. The Thursday night concert served as a tribute to the late drummer, with numerous stories, dedications and notes shared about his virtuosic skill…