What to expect at Rush’s Fifty Something Tour: Setlist, start time, merch and more

Welcome to SeatGeek Front Row, where SeatGeek employees share their best tips for getting the most out of live events. For this edition, our AI Content Manager, Taylor Paschal, breaks down what it’s really like to see Rush’s Fifty Something Tour, from when the band takes the stage to the songs you can expect, thoughts on the sound and visuals, and what makes this show special for first-timers and long-time fans alike.

If there’s one thing to know about seeing Rush live, it’s that you don’t have to be a die-hard fan to enjoy the show. Between their musical talent and immersive production, Rush puts on a concert that’s just as entertaining for casual listeners as it is for longtime fans.

With the Fifty Something Tour being the band's first without drummer Neil Peart, who sadly passed away in 2020, this one was bound to be a little different. But rather than simply looking back, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are introducing a new generation of fans to Rush's music, honoring their longtime bandmate and showing they still have plenty left to give.

So, whether you're considering going or already have tickets to an upcoming Fifty Something Tour show, here is what to expect before you go.

What a Rush “Fifty Something Tour” concert is actually like

A Rush Fifty Something Tour concert is part rock show, part career retrospective, and part reunion. It’s the band’s first tour without Neil Peart, and you can feel how much that means to everyone in the room, both onstage and off.

On Tuesday, October 27, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were joined by Anika Nilles on drums and Loren Gold on keyboards and backing vocals for a truly epic show.

The show kicks off with a video that highlights chapters of Rush’s legacy, setting the stage for the band to play from the roof of the mansion featured in the video. Between the moving screens, lasers and fog, there are jokes about the band’s (and their average fan’s) age, a South Park cameo or two, and heartfelt tributes to Neil Peart.

It’s a celebration of Rush’s music, humor and legacy, with plenty of moments longtime fans will appreciate.

Is there an opener for Rush on the "Fifty Something Tour"?

No. There was no opening act, with Rush being the main and only performer for the night.

What time does Rush go on stage?

With no opener, Rush took the stage a few minutes after 7:30 p.m.

How long is a Rush show?

Rush played for about three hours with a 15-minute intermission and a two-song encore. The music rarely stopped, with friendly but brief pauses for Geddy Lee to address the audience. Lee shared humble greetings and tidbits about several songs, along with a beautiful introduction to Neil Peart's tributes.

What is Rush’s "Fifty Something Tour" setlist?

Here is the full setlist from Rush's Capital One Arena show on October 27, and it was the perfect mix of hits, deep cuts and albums in full.

Setlists can change from show to show, but this gives a good idea of what to expect.

Is there an encore?

Yes, there was a two-song encore at this show. And it feels almost certain that they'll end with "Working Man" at every show during the Fifty Something Tour. Although you'll be in for your own surprise because Anika Nilles has been known to pull off different pranks and bits at the end of shows on this tour. On October 27, she rocked some funny glasses!

What is the "Fifty Something Tour" stage setup like?

The stage places the band atop the roof of what appears to be the mansion featured in the opening video. The physical set pieces add another dimension to the production, standing out against the enormous digital backdrops. Throughout the show, moving screens, lasers, fog and elaborate lighting effects transform the stage, while a few unexpected (and very loud) surprises keep fans on their toes.

You'll find Geddy Lee stage left and Alex Lifeson stage right with Anika Nilles and Loren Gold centered behind them. The cameras that capture the footage that's cast on the screens throughout the show run automatically, making them almost invisible to the audience. There's even a camera near Anika's bass drum that Geddy and Alex pose in front of throughout the night.

Depending on where you choose to sit, you may want to bring hearing protection because this show is LOUD. This took me by surprise as an avid concertgoer and 'turn it up to eleven' kind of listener!

What to know before going to Rush’s "Fifty Something Tour"

If you're heading to a show on Rush’s Fifty Something Tour, there are a few things worth knowing ahead of time to make your concert experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

How early should you arrive for a Rush concert?

Due to traffic and limited parking near the Capital One Arena, we aimed to get there right when doors opened (6:00 p.m.) in case it took longer than expected to get in. We got there at 5:55 p.m., and the line to get in was already moving. We entered the arena just a few minutes after 6:00 p.m. and were in our seats with food and drinks in hand by 6:30 p.m. When I ventured back up to concessions for a refill around 7:00 p.m., lines were long! I definitely recommend an earlier arrival if you plan to enjoy concessions without the chaos.

If you plan to go straight to your seats (no food, drinks, or merch), you could aim to get there closer to 7:00.

What should you know about the bag policy?

Capital One Arena has a strict no-bag policy, where fans are only allowed to bring a small clutch or wallet, which is size-checked in a small bin at the security checkpoint.

Be sure to check the venue’s current rules before heading to the show. While this might limit what you can bring in and how to carry merch, this made for a quick and easy entry experience. We walked right through the security checkpoint and scanned our tickets within minutes.

What is the Rush merch like?

For longtime fans, Rush merch is a must! There was a ton of variety, and each design is either unique to this tour or an ode to previous tours and album designs. Pricing is steep, but I'd consider it worth it if you're adding to your collection or want something to remember this specific show or tour.

Merch lines form quickly after doors open, before the show starts, so I recommend making that your first stop. Alternatively, you could try about 20 minutes into the second half if you're willing to skip a song or two of 2112 or Moving Pictures (depending on the show).

What were Rush fans wearing at the concert?

This is a very easy concert to dress for. If you have any Rush swag, wear it loud and proud! We spotted a few red jumpsuits and a mix of vintage tour shirts, with fans rocking their new merch. No one was dressed without a smile. It was very clear that everyone was excited for the show and grateful for the opportunity to see the band perform.

What is the crowd like at a Rush concert?

It felt like a nearly sold-out show with a diverse audience. It was a family-friendly show (barring a scene or two from South Park). I was excited to spot a few other father-daughter duos!

[Gerald Hemphill and Taylor Paschal, father-daughter duo take on Rush!]

The crowd was attentive, engaged, and respectful. There was a good mix of fans, both sitting and standing. From our seats, we had no issue seeing the stage, regardless of what the people in front of us did. It was easy to spot die-hard fans with air drumming and those 'slappin' the bass across the crowd.

After the end of the second half, the crowd lit up the room with lighters and phone lights to greet Geddy and Alex back for an encore. The room was full of gratitude, with the fans grateful to the band for fifty years of music, and the band grateful to the fans for fifty years of support.

How to get Rush tour tickets on SeatGeek

Ready to see Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson back onstage? Whether you're looking for seats near the band or a spot with a great view of the production, SeatGeek makes it easy to compare tickets for Rush's Fifty Something Tour.

Here's how to find your seats:

1. Go to the Rush tickets page and pick your city and date.

2. Use the interactive seat map to compare sections.

3. Pick your preference between the 'Geddy' (stage left) and 'Alex' (stage right) sides of the stage. But don't worry, they move around, and screens spotlight all band members equally!

4. Check the View From Seat to preview your sightline.

5. Look at the Deal Score to spot the best-value listings.

6. Use filters for price, quantity, and section.

7. Buy with confidence with every qualifying order backed by SeatGeek's Buyer Guarantee.

For longtime Rush fans, the Fifty Something Tour is a chance to hear songs they've loved for decades performed live again. For newcomers, it's an opportunity to discover why Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart earned such a devoted following in the first place. No matter how many times you've seen Rush live, having the band back onstage after everything they've been through is definitely worth celebrating.

Taylor Paschal is the AI Content Manager at SeatGeek and daughter of a long-time Rush fan. She has seen them live 3 times along with Gerald Hemphill (her dad), who has seen them live in concert 16 times over the last 30 years.