The announcement of Rush’s return to the stage in 2026 has sent waves of excitement through the rock world. In their statement, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson explicitly confirmed they would be recruiting a keyboardist for the tour, a crucial role given the sonic architecture of their music. With the masterful Anika Nilles already confirmed on drums — a bold and inspired choice signaling the band’s forward-looking vision — fan speculation has now intensely focused on this other pivotal position.
Among the names being floated, one artist emerges not only as a safe bet, but as the ideal musical complement to Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson: Dino Jelusik.
What makes Jelusik such a compelling fit extends beyond raw talent — though he has that in spades. It’s the combination of his specific skills, his proven pedigree, and his unique ability to solve one of the tour’s biggest practical challenges that makes him the clear choice.
The Vocal Solution: Authenticity Through Support
Geddy Lee’s voice is iconic, but after decades of performing some of the most demanding vocal lines in rock, time has naturally taken its toll. The soaring highs of “Freewill” or “The Spirit of Radio” are challenging for any singer, especially one who has given so much to the stage. This isn’t a weakness; it’s a reality of a legendary career.
This is where Dino Jelusik’s value becomes undeniable. His role in Whitesnake isn’t just to sing harmonies — it’s to double and reinforce David Coverdale’s vocal line, ensuring the signature sound remains powerful and full. He is a master of vocal support. For Rush, this means he could seamlessly double Geddy’s parts, providing the power and high-end clarity needed for authentic renditions while allowing Geddy to perform within his strongest current range. It’s the difference between a struggling performance and a triumphant one — and it’s exactly the kind of professional musicianship this tour requires.
A Pedigree of High-Profile Performance
While Anika Nilles did tour extensively with Jeff Beck, Dino Jelusik’s connection, though not as a touring member, is still noteworthy. He shared the stage with Beck at the Guitare en Scène festival in France in 2022 — a high-pressure performance alongside a guitar legend. That kind of experience speaks to the level of trust and skill required to perform at that altitude of musicianship.
Jelusik, a Croatian native, brings a European precision and discipline that aligns perfectly with Nilles’ German background. This shared foundation of rigorous training and technical mastery is essential for music as intricate as Rush’s.
More Than a Sideman: Keys, Vocals, and Bandsmanship
- On keys, he navigates complex arrangements with articulate touch — essential for everything from the synth textures of “Subdivisions” to the organ grandeur of “Limelight.”
- As a vocalist, he is a powerhouse. His ability to deliver everything from the piercing wail of “Immigrant Song” to the polished tones of “Jane” proves he has the range and stamina to be a vocal anchor.
- Most importantly, he understands support. He brings flair without grandstanding, power without intrusion — exactly the ethos Rush’s music requires.
The Ultimate Multi-Instrumentalist Insurance
Beyond keys and vocals, Jelusik’s proficiency on bass and guitar provides a unique strategic advantage. Onstage, this versatility could allow for dynamic rearrangements or moments where he supports Alex Lifeson on rhythm parts, freeing Geddy to focus on intricate keyboard passages or vocal delivery. He isn’t just a hired hand; he’s a complete, adaptable musical force, offering the kind of creative flexibility that could elevate the entire live production.
Conclusion: A New Chapter, Built on Practical Excellence
This tour isn’t a nostalgia act. It’s a professional production that must honor the past while adapting to the present. Choosing Dino Jelusik would be a strategic move to ensure that the music is presented with maximum power, authenticity, and respect — for the songs, for the fans, and for Geddy Lee himself.
He isn’t just a candidate; he’s the solution.
— Wolfshead
