Rush’s Second Kia Forum Show Delivers a Setlist Shock Fans Never Saw Coming

For decades, Rush fans have debated dream setlists, imagined long-forgotten deep cuts returning to the stage, and wondered what a truly unpredictable Rush concert might look like. On June 9, 2026, at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, those dreams suddenly became reality.

Just two nights after opening the Fifty Something Tour to widespread acclaim, Rush returned for their second sold-out Forum performance and somehow managed to surpass the excitement of opening night. While fans expected a few changes, almost nobody anticipated the scale of what was about to unfold.

From the opening moments, it became clear that Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were serious about their promise to keep the tour fresh. Songs began appearing that had not been played on opening night, and the audience quickly realized they were witnessing a completely different show rather than a simple repeat performance.

The biggest shock arrived when Rush launched into the full seven-part suite “2112.” For many longtime followers, it was the kind of moment they never thought they would see again. As each section unfolded, disbelief spread throughout the arena as fans absorbed the significance of hearing one of progressive rock’s defining masterpieces performed in its entirety.

The surprises did not stop there. The setlist also featured beloved classics and deeper catalog selections including “The Trees,” “A Passage to Bangkok,” “Witch Hunt,” and “Anthem,” giving veteran fans exactly the kind of rarities they had spent years hoping to hear live.

What made the evening even more remarkable was the realization that this was only the second show of the tour. Rush had reportedly rehearsed around forty songs for the run, yet only thirty-two had been performed so far. That meant even more surprises remained waiting in the wings.

The atmosphere onstage reflected that sense of adventure. The band appeared noticeably more relaxed than they had been on opening night. Instead of focusing on the pressure of launching a major tour, they looked like musicians enjoying every second of being back together in front of an audience.

Anika Nilles continued to be one of the biggest stories of the tour. After earning overwhelming praise during her debut performance on June 7, she returned with even greater confidence. Her smile appeared more often, her movements looked freer, and her command of Rush’s famously demanding material seemed completely natural.

Throughout the night, Nilles handled intricate arrangements with remarkable precision while adding her own personality to the performance. By the second show, any lingering doubts from skeptics had largely disappeared as fans embraced her role in this new chapter of Rush history.

Keyboardist Loren Gold also appeared more comfortable and expressive. Having settled into the flow of the production, he spent more time interacting with the crowd and moving around the stage, adding an extra layer of energy to the performance.

Meanwhile, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson looked rejuvenated. Both musicians performed with the enthusiasm of artists who genuinely wanted to be there, feeding off the energy of the audience and each other throughout the evening.

Lee’s vocals drew particular attention. He successfully reached many of the famously high passages that fans associate with Rush’s classic recordings, delivering them with a strength that surprised even longtime followers who have watched the band evolve over the decades.

Lifeson, as always, balanced technical brilliance with pure joy. Whether delivering intricate progressive passages or crowd-pleasing guitar moments, he appeared completely immersed in the experience and frequently ventured to the edges of the stage to engage directly with fans.

Another memorable moment came when Aimee Mann once again joined the band for “Time Stand Still.” Having already appeared during the opening-night concert, she seemed more relaxed and confident during her second performance, drawing enthusiastic applause from the packed arena.

As the final notes faded and the audience slowly made its way out of the Forum, one feeling seemed to unite everyone in attendance: Rush is truly back. More than a reunion, more than a nostalgia tour, the Fifty Something Tour is proving to be a living, evolving celebration of one of rock music’s most extraordinary catalogs. Judging by the energy, ambition, and excitement on display during night two in Los Angeles, this new era may be every bit as rewarding as fans dared to hope.