RUSH @ Madison Square Garden, July 28 2026

Once in a lifetime show

I always took Rush for granted.  Even after Neil retired it was "well, I'm sure they'll do a reunion tour".  Even after he passed away 6 years ago, the real loss hadn't hit me.  Seeing their set, remembering how important so many of their songs were... it really sunk in that I was so grateful to be seeing them play and how much of a loss it was that Neil is gone. 

The first show I attended was in the basement of the local UU church.  A local band attempted a cover of Tom Sawyer.  The drummer, Joe Seagull, attempted an impossible feat.  The awe of hearing the opening chords and realizing what was going to be attempted (in front all these people!) made me realize that if Joe could play drums at that level, then I can certainly play too. 

Not pictured here, but Anika Niles was fantastic on the drums.  The energy was there from Geddy and Alex.  The energy was there from the crowd.  The roar after her rendition of Tom Sawyer sealed it 👏👏👏

Shout out as always to the NY homie Sol!  He also took me to an amazing deli truck for a knish and a pastrami sandwich in Bryant park. 

Setlist Version A-2

Set 1:

Intro video (Xanadudes)

1) Xanadu
2) Limelight
3) Far Cry
4) Subdivisions
5) Freewill
6) Bravado (Neil Peart tribute)
7) Headlong Flight
8) La Villa Strangiato
9) Vital Signs
10) The Spirit of Radio

Intermission

Set 2:

11) 2112 (Overture, The Temples of Syrinx, Finale)
12) Distant Early Warning
13) Red Barchetta
14) Dreamline
15) Natural Science
16) Time Stand Still (Neil Peart tribute)
17) Red Sector A
18) YYZ
19) The Garden
20) Tom Sawyer (with Lil' Rush intro)

Encore:

21) By-tor and the Snow Dog
22) Working Man

Outro video (featuring Jason Segal and Paul Rudd reprising their I Love You Man roles)

Source: https://www.rushisaband.com/rush/tour/setlist/2026-Fifty-Something-Tour/313/2026/07/28/Madison-Square-Garden-New-York-City-NY