MIKE PORTNOY Is Glad RUSH Didn’t Call Him For Their Reunion: “That Would Be Way Too Much Pressure”

Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has shared his thoughts on Rush’s surprise return to the stage, offering a fan’s perspective on the Canadian legends’ upcoming Fifty Something reunion tour — and the decision to enlist acclaimed fusion drummer Anika Nilles to step into the unenviable role once held by the late Neil Peart.

Speaking in a new interview with Chile’s Futuro, Portnoy described the announcement as “extremely exciting,” emphasizing both his lifelong devotion to Rush and his personal connection to Peart.

“It’s extremely exciting. I, as a fan, can’t wait to see how they do this and what it’s gonna be like,” said Portnoy. “Neil Peart was not only one of my biggest drum heroes, but he was somebody that I was honored to become friends with in the last decade or so of his life. So, yeah, as a fan of the band and as a friend of Neil‘s, I’m very happy to see them doing this, and I can’t wait to hear what they do.”

While Portnoy admitted he hasn’t yet seen Nilles perform live, he was quick to praise her credentials. Like many fans, he dove into her online performances following the announcement, citing her work with Jeff Beck and her jazz-fusion background as evidence of her formidable skill. “She’s obviously a tremendous drummer,” he noted, adding that he’s eager to hear how the new lineup sounds.

Portnoy also addressed a question he says followed him relentlessly for years: whether he would ever consider playing with Rush. Though the idea may seem logical given his prog-metal pedigree, the drummer revealed a sense of relief that the call never came. “Of course, those guys are my heroes,” he said. “But in all honesty, I’m kind of glad that they didn’t even ask me. That would be way too much pressure.”

Instead, Portnoy is content to watch Rush‘s next chapter unfold from the crowd. “It’s much better this way,” he added. “I get to enjoy it like a fan.” Speaking of that Rush tour, you can get all their upcoming dates below and get your tickets here.

6/7 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
6/9 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
6/11 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
6/13 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
6/18 Mexico City, MX Palacio de los Deportes
6/20 Mexico City, MX Palacio de los Deportes
6/24 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
6/26 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
6/28 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
6/30 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
7/16 Chicago, IL United Center
7/18 Chicago, IL United Center
7/20 Chicago, IL United Center
7/22 Chicago, IL United Center
7/28 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
7/30 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
8/1 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
8/3 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
8/7 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
8/9 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
8/11 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
8/13 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
8/21 Philadelphia, PA Xfinity Mobile Arena
8/23 Philadelphia, PA Xfinity Mobile Arena
8/26 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena
8/28 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena
9/2 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
9/4 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
9/12 Boston, MA TD Garden
9/14 Boston, MA TD Garden
9/17 Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena
9/19 Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena
9/23 San Antonio, TX Frost Bank Center
9/25 San Antonio, TX Frost Bank Center
10/5 Denver, CO Ball Arena
10/7 Denver, CO Ball Arena
10/10 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena
10/12 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena
10/15 San Jose, CA SAP Center
10/17 San Jose, CA SAP Center
10/25 Washington, DC Capital One Arena
10/27 Washington, DC Capital One Arena
10/30 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
11/1 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
11/5 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live
11/7 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live
11/9 Tampa, FL Benchmark International Arena
11/11 Tampa, FL Benchmark International Arena
11/20 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center
11/22 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center
11/25 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
11/27 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
12/1 Glendale, AZ Desert Diamond Arena
12/3 Glendale, AZ Desert Diamond Arena
12/10 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
12/12 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
12/15 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
12/17 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena