Watch: Rush fans cheer as Anika Nilles nails 'Tom Sawyer' drum fills at Kia Forum
A truly special moment
Last updated 20 hours ago
Rush fans have lavished touring drummer Anika Nilles with praise for her stellar performance at the band’s first concert in 11 years at Los Angeles Kia Forum on Sunday (7th June).
Poignantly, the late-great Neil Peart was honoured with video tributes throughout Rush’s colossal 24-song show, and Anika Nilles truly excelled despite the monumental pressure of stepping into Neil’s shoes.
During ‘Tom Sawyer’, the 18,000-strong crowd at LA Kia Forum cheered when Anika absolutely nailed Neil’s iconic drum fills.
One impressed fan said: “My jaw is on the ground... she absolutely is meeting the moment. WOW.”
“F---ing outstanding!,” wrote another. “I almost teared up when she got a cheer for the fills in the middle.”
Echoing the sentiment, a viewer enthused: “Anika is killing it! And after almost a year of learning and practicing Rush's songs.... look at those guns! She's a beast!”
Another said: “Neil (Peart) always said this was the hardest song to play live........Anika nailed it!!!!!”
You can see more fan-filmed videos and the full setlist from Rush’s Los Angeles Kia Forum concert RIGHT HERE.