toneknob

If I was the dedicated Rush fan in say Detroit, San Antonio or Montreal and had already shelled out my $$$ for a gig in Chicago, Fort Worth or Toronto, I'd probably be using a stronger word than "silly"

ok this is getting silly now

I couldn't make last night, hope it was as good as last time!

Donnie McCaslin at Ronnie's. Treated myself to a fancy seat

I'm not saying it's a massive money-making exercise, but here's The Alex Lifeson R50 gear collection on reverb.com: https://reverb.com/shop/the-official-lerxst-amplification-reverb-shop

Not bad going seeing as tickets aren't even on sale yet

I bet anyone who went to this last month is feeling pretty pleased with themselves https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/anika-nilles

Also adding a keyboard player

There's a slim chance I'll be in California in the first week of June 🛫

the blurb of the email, in case you're not on the list: "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductees, GRAMMY® Award-nominated icons, and RUSH Co-Founders Geddy Lee [bass, keys, vocals] and Alex Lifeson [guitar, vocals] have announced their return to the stage for a very special 2026 headline tour, Fifty Something, in celebration of RUSH’s music, legacy, and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. It notably marks the first time Lee and Lifeson have toured together in eleven years since the finale of RUSH’s R40 Tour on August 1, 2015 at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA, bringing it full circle with a return to the Forum to embark upon these special shows. Of the tour, Geddy Lee says: “It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of RUSH alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. A lifetime’s worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage. And so, after all that has gone down since that last show, Alex and I have done some serious soul searching and come to the decision that we f***ing miss it, and that it’s time for a celebration of 50-something years of RUSH music. So in 2026, my BFF Lerxst (aka Alex Lifeson) and I are going to hit the road once again to pay tribute to our past and to Neil by performing a vast selection of RUSH songs in a handful of cities. No small task, because as we all know Neil was irreplaceable. Yet life is full of surprises, and we have been introduced to another remarkable person; an incredible drummer and musician who is adding another chapter to our story while continuing her own fascinating musical journey. Her name is Anika Nilles, and we could not be more excited to introduce her to our loyal and dedicated RUSH fanbase, whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role. Before we hit the stage, we also hope to add another musician or two to expand our sound a wee bit and free up Alex and I, in order to show off some of our new fancy dance steps. Lerxst, Anika and myself, along with many of our longstanding crew members have been hard at work rehearsing and designing the kind of RUSH show you’ve grown accustomed to expect from us. We dearly hope you will come along and help us celebrate our history together.” Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, Neil’s widow and daughter share: “We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honor Neil’s extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist. Neil’s musicianship was singular. Compositions of intricacy and power that expanded what rhythm itself could express. As both drummer and lyricist, he was irreplaceable. Inimitable in his artistry, and unmatched in the depth and imagination he brought to the lyrics that inspired and moved so many, he profoundly shaped how fans connected with him and the band, giving voice and meaning to their own lives. As the band enters this new chapter, it promises to be truly unforgettable. We are excited to see how their new vision unfolds, and to hear this legendary music played live once again.”

The bit you're all wondering is Annika Nilles

howdy from an ex-Guildford resident! I'm long overdue a good mooch around Andertons.

I got my Mustang JMJ precidely for this reason - lugging bass and occasional other misc gear around London's various public transport options. Doing ok so far! Although to paraphrase Ian Faith, sometimes topsy-turvy world of public transport, having the good solid piece of a long-scale bass in your hand is often useful.

My JMJ as featured on Mustang gig bag thread (https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/329743-mustang-bass-dimensions-for-gig-bags/) )

He's had the Ibanez double a while - there are twitter posts from 2015 for example