Chaz and Schatz go live to tape and gather the first gathering of The Contagion Collective to process the biggest moment in Rush fandom since R40 — Geddy and Alex’s surprise announcement that Rush is returning to the stage.

Yep. You read that right. Rush. Is. Back.

With special guests Tim Starace (YYNOT), Eric Wirsing (Solar Federation), Mary Jo Plews (RushCon), Andy Faulkner (Author, Finding My Way), Martin “Tigre” Urionaguena (Dorothy from Argentina), Steve "Knee" Brown (Moving Pictures UK), and Paul Beaulieu (RushFest Canada), this impromptu global episode captures the shock, joy, disbelief, and tears that rippled through the fanbase the moment the news dropped.

The gang breaks down the official statement, the new lineup (yes — a female powerhouse drummer, Anika Nilles!), and what it means for the community, the legacy, and the spirit of Neil Peart.

In This Episode:

🚨 The moment Geddy and Alex say it out loud: “We’re going back on tour.”

🥁 Meet Anika Nilles — the “irreplaceable replacement” whose playing reignited their spark.

🎹 Talk of adding a keyboard player to free up Geddy for more bass — and maybe even some dance routines?!

💔 Reflection on Neil’s memory and how every show will include a tribute segment to the Professor.

🌎 First reactions from across the Rush universe — North America, the UK, South America, and beyond.

🎟️ Breakdown of announced tour stops — LA, Toronto, Cleveland, New York — and will there be more?

💬 Emotional insights from Donna Halper’s backstage story: Geddy hadn’t even told all his family yet.

🎸 Tim and Eric share why this feels more like a celebration than a comeback.

❤️ The Rush community unites: tribute musicians, podcasters, superfans — all celebrating the music’s return.

🎉 And yes… consensus achieved: Rush officially joins Schatz’s Scratch List as the ultimate tribute band to themselves.

It’s joy. It’s disbelief. It’s community.

After 11 years since the final curtain call, the band that taught us to “roll the bones” and “face up” has decided to do it again.

The Macallan 40 is in order...Raise your glasses, fellow travelers — the spirit of Rush lives on, the invisible airwaves crackle with life tonight!

SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS

Scratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)

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