Anika Nilles: From Preschool Teacher too Drumming with Rush – A Journey to Reunion Tour 2025
Anika Nilles, a German drummer and music educator, has recently made headlines as the new drummer for the legendary rock band Rush, joining them for their highly anticipated 2025 reunion tour – the band’s first as the passing of Neil Peart in 2020 and the first time adding a new member since 1974. But who is Anika Nilles, and how did she rise to this momentous opportunity?
Early Years and a Passion for percussion
Anika Nilles’ connection with drumming began in childhood.She has described the instrument as a source of focus and a meditative experience, fostering a “physical and mindful connection.” At 16, she expressed her desire to pursue drumming professionally, but her parents encouraged her to first obtain a more conventional education. She subsequently studied social work and became a preschool teacher, a career she maintained for five years. Despite the stability of the job, her passion for drumming never waned.
Transitioning to a Full-Time Music Career
In her late twenties, Nilles made the pivotal decision to dedicate herself fully to music. She enrolled at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim, Germany. During her studies,she initially practiced privately,often self-consciously,striving to improve her skills. Her breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the online release of her original composition, “Wild Boy.” The video quickly gained traction, opening doors to live performances and music teaching opportunities.
Rising to Global Recognition
Nilles released her debut album, Pikalar, in 2017, followed by For a Colorful Soul in 2020. She has cultivated a critically important online presence, with over 225,000 followers on her YouTube channel, where she showcases her performances and collaborations with artists like Joshua De La victoria and Kaz Rodriguez.
Her career reached new heights in 2022 when she toured with Jeff Beck in Europe, a collaboration she described as a significant milestone. She also graced the cover of Modern Drummer magazine in 2017. Beyond performing, nilles shares her expertise as an educator at Nexus ICA, Drumeo, and popakademie Baden-Württemberg, where she currently heads the drum department.
Joining Rush: A New Era
The opportunity to join rush arose through a connection with Jeff Beck’s tour crew. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were impressed by Nilles during rehearsals and ultimately selected her for the reunion tour. Lee expressed excitement about the prospect of greater stage freedom, potentially incorporating a keyboard player, while Lifeson noted the enjoyment of sharing more time at the front of the stage with Nilles taking the lead on drums.
Nilles now faces the unique challenge of honoring the legacy of Neil Peart while bringing her own distinct style to Rush’s complex and iconic music. Her inclusion marks a new chapter for the band and a significant step forward in her own career.
How did Anika Nilles join Rush as their new drummer?
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson discovered her through Jeff Beck’s tour crew. after rehearsals, they were impressed by her drumming and selected her for Rush’s upcoming reunion tour.
