Oh my effing (insert profanity of your choice here)! Where the hell do I even begin?? Let me start by saying this: June 11, 2026 was one of the greatest nights of my life. My first Rush show of the 50-Something tour! It’s going to be so hard to put into words, but I’ll do my best.
The show took place at the LA Forum. The Forum is so special to me. My first Rush show was there on April 2, 1990. And the Taylor Hawkins tribute happened there, another incredible night, to say the least. I can't believe that all these years later I was seeing the Rush Fifty Something sign. REALLY? We got in the merch line, and my immediate thought was “I’ll take one of everything!” I settled for three shirts and a tour program. I was tearing up the whole time.
The hours ticked away and the clock got closer and closer to 6:30. We hovered by the door that would take us to our seats, and the security guard said “five minutes.” I was getting so antsy, but time went by, as it always does, and we were right up at the front. When 6:30 came, we were in after about ten seconds! As soon as I saw into the arena itself I started to well up again with tears. Oy!
We finally got to our seats. I breathed in the whole atmosphere. Was this going to happen?
I looked down at the floor, remembering how I sat fourth row for my first Rush show. I thought about how I must have felt back then, but wondered if it was even more special to me now because I thought I had lost them for good.
I was going out of my mind waiting for the lights to go down. At the same time, I was SO grateful to have this feeling again, the pre-Rush show anticipation. And just when I thought I could stand no more, everything went dark. The crowd cheered and I started crying again!
I won't give spoilers because so many folks have yet to go to their shows. But I will say that all at once I felt joy, the loss of Neil, great pride in Anika, absolute redemption, love, happiness, and complete and utter gratitude. We’re BAAACK!!!
The thing that got me most, and that was apparent from the moment the show started, was how happy the three of them were. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Geddy smile so much!
All I can say is that I now believe in second chances more than I ever have. The lesson for me is never give up, because you have no idea what life has in store for you.
What a time to be alive. What a time to be a Rush fan! See you soon, and in the meantime, RUSH ON!