Alex Lifeson
Best known as the broadly-skilled guitarist for the rock group Rush, which also features drummer Neil Peart and bassist Geddy Lee. Rush is the most successful Canadian music group in history, and is the third most prolific seller of consecutive (American) Gold and Platinum Records and videos, behind only the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Lifeson's ability to pull double-duty as both a melodic rhythm-guitar player and a searing soloist has earned him a reputation similar to that of his bandmates. All three share the distinction of being among the most highly influential virtuosos in their crafts. Alex has a passion for studio production, and is the only member of Rush to compose and produce a television theme (Andromeda (2000)). But his live performances are where his spontaneous side really shows. During live performances, Alex deftly switches from rhythm guitar to soloing, while simultaneously triggering his own pre-recorded accompaniments. Being the soul of spontaneity in the band, Alex is the member of Rush who most frequently contributes comedy to the show. This side of Alex can be seen during the performances of "La Villa Strangiato" on two of Rush's concert videos, Rush in Rio (2003) and Rush: A Show of Hands (1989), and to an even greater degree on the documentary "The Boys In Brazil" (2003), part of the bonus material included with Rush in Rio (2003). Alex's prowess can be heard on a few non-Rush recordings, primarily his solo album, entitled simply "Victor" (1996), and the soundtrack album for South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999). After their longest break from recording and touring, a highly successful 2002 tour brought Rush back to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, to the great anticipation of fans. Rush ended their 2002 tour with their first-ever shows in Brazil, where they played to 125,000 fans in three nights. The final performance of the 2002 tour was captured on DVD as Rush in Rio (2003), which was certified double-platinum within weeks of its release. Alex has fostered several younger groups, such as The Dexters, who he often guests with during their live performances at The Orbit Room, a Toronto club that Alex owns in part.
Photos
Movies (54)
Neil Peart: No One's Disciple
2026
Rush: Grace Under Pressure (Super Deluxe Edition)
2026
Rush: Signals (40th Anniversary Edition)
2023 · 6 and 12 string guitars, Taurus pedals
Behind the Stage Door
2022 · Alex Lifeson
Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert
2022 · Self
South Park 25° Aniversario: El Concierto
2022 · Self (Rush)
The Breach
2022 · Alex
Rush: Moving Pictures (40th Anniversary Edition)
2022 · 6 and 12 string guitars, Taurus pedals
Rush: Cinema Strangiato - R40+ Director's Cut
2021 · Himself
RUSH: Cinema Strangiato 2019
2019 · Himself
Rush - Hemispheres (40th Anniversary Edition)
2018 · Himself
Bachman
2018
Rush: A Farewell To Kings (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
2017 · Himself
Rush: 2112 40th Anniversary Edition
2016 · Himself
Rush - Live from the Rabbit Hole 1990
2016 · Himself
Rush: Time Stand Still
2016 · Himself
Rush: R40 Live
2015 · Himself on Guitars
Rush - Live at The Molson Amphitheater 1997
2014 · Himself
Rush: R40
2014 · Himself
Rush: R40 Completist DVD (Blu-Ray Edition)
2014 · Himself
Rush: The Rise of Kings 1968-1981
2014 · Himself / Musician
Rush - Clockwork Angels Tour
2013 · Himself
Rush: 2112
2012 · Himself
Inner Rush
2012 · Self
RUSH: Time Machine
2011 · Self
Ecstasy
2011 · Dr. Figg
Jason Segel & Paul Rudd Meet Rush
2011 · Himself
Classic Albums: Rush - 2112 & Moving Pictures
2010 · Himself
Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage
2010 · Self
Rush : Working Men
2009 · Himself
Suck
2009 · Border Guard
Te amo, brother
2009 · Alex Lifeson - Rush
Rush: Retrospective 3 Video Collection
2009 · Self
Rush - Snakes & Arrows Live
2008 · Himself - Guitars
Rush: The Game Of Snakes & Arrows
2007 · Himself
Trailer Park Boys: The Movie
2006 · Cop 2
Rush: R30
2005 · Himself - Guitars
The Boys in Brazil
2003
Rush in Rio
2003 · Self - Electric and acoustic guitars, backing vocals
Toronto Rocks
2003 · Self
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
1999 · Musician
Rush: Different Stages - Live
1998 · 6 and 12 string guitars, Taurus pedals
Primus - Horrible Swill
1998
Rush: A View From The Palace
1994 · Himself
Rush: Chronicles
1990 · Himself - Guitars
Rush: A Show of Hands
1989 · Himself - Guitars
Rush: Grace Under Pressure Tour
1986 · Himself - Guitars
Rush: Through the Camera Eye
1985 · Himself
Through the Camera Eye
1985
The Body Electric
1985 · Music Score Producer
Rush: Exit... Stage Left
1982 · Himself - Guitars
Come On Children
1973 · Himself
Rush: Live at the Capitol Theatre, 1976
· Himself
Pinkpop - The Vintage Years (1975-1979)
· Himself
