**Rush Announces 2026 Tour, Reflects on Controversial Album** Fans of the iconic Canadian rock band Rush are celebrating the announcement of their upcoming tour. On October 6, original members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson revealed plans for the "Fifty Something" tour, marking their first tour together in 11 years. "Alex and I have done some serious soul-searching and come to the conclusion that we f–ing miss it," Lee stated during the announcement. The tour will honor the band's legacy, which spans over 50 years, and pay tribute to their late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who died from brain cancer in 2020. Anika Nilles, a German drummer and composer, will fill in for Peart during the tour. The band will perform two nights at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena on August 7 and 9, 2026. The tour will kick off in Los Angeles on June 7 and conclude in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 17. Presale tickets will be available starting October 13. As fans prepare for the tour, they are also reflecting on one of the band's most controversial albums, "Caress of Steel," released in 1975. This album, which turns 50 in September, is often regarded as the band's "worst" due to its complex narratives and lengthy arrangements. During a recent event at Massey Hall, Lee and Lifeson reminisced about the album. Lee asked Lifeson, "Do you remember making 'Caress of Steel?'" Lifeson humorously replied, "Do you remember how much hash oil we smoked making 'Caress of Steel?'" The album was met with critical backlash upon its release, leading to a challenging period for the band. It followed the successful "Fly by Night" and was seen as a misstep that could have ended their career. Howard Ungerleider, the band's longtime tour manager, recalled, "They actually thought that was the end, after this album came out." Despite its poor reception, "Caress of Steel" showcased the ambitious musical style that Rush would become known for. It features Lee's powerful vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and complex drumming. Critics, however, described the album as unfocused and meandering, with one review calling it "an earful of torture." The album's artwork, originally designed in a more elegant style, was altered at the request of the record company. Artist Hugh Syme, who created the cover, noted that the band was always supportive of his vision. Producer Terry Brown, who worked with Rush during this period, expressed his fondness for the album, stating, "I was really thrilled with it at the time, and I thought we’d come up with a great record." The subsequent tour, known as the "Down the Tubes Tour," was marked by low attendance and little support from the press. Ungerleider described it as a "very somber turning point in their career." Despite the challenges, Rush persevered and went on to create their landmark album "2112," which would redefine their sound and solidify their place in rock history. Brown emphasized that "Caress of Steel" was a crucial step in the band's evolution, paving the way for their future successes. As Rush prepares for their 2026 tour, fans are eager to see how the band will honor their past while embracing new beginnings with Nilles on drums. The anticipation builds as they look forward to celebrating the music that has defined generations.