Overview (4)

Born August 27, 1953 in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada Birth Name Alexander Zivojinovich Nicknames Lerxst

Big Al Height 6' (1.83 m)

Mini Bio (1)

Alex Lifeson is 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: Größer, länger und un(b)geschnitten (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.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Manfrenjensenton

Spouse (1)

Trade Mark (3)

Dynamic, complex guitar riffs



Subtle humorous antics while on stage



Gibson Guitars



Trivia (13)



Member of the rock music group Rush (with Geddy Lee and Neil Peart ). Plays lead guitar, with Lee on Bass/Vocals/Synth and Peart on Drums/Percussion/SongWriting.

Children: Justin and Adrian.



He uses "Lifeson" as a stage name. It's a semi-literal translation of his surname "Zivojinovich" which is a Serbian name meaning roughly "son of life." He has not, however, changed his name legally.





On February 26, 1997, he and his bandmates Geddy Lee and Neil Peart became the first rock musicians to be inducted into the prestigious position of Officers of the Order of Canada. This is the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian by the Canadian government. According to the Ottawa Sun, "The award was given as much for their community service as for their contribution to the arts. They have raised over $1 million for food banks and the United Way."



His birthday (August 27) is also the anniversary of the death of Stevie Ray Vaughan



Alex, along with fellow members of Rush Geddy Lee and Neil Peart , was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013. His acceptance speech consisted of a made-up language with only one word, "Blah", that told the story of their wait to become inductees.

Performed with Rush for 450,000 people as part of the Toronto SARStock relief benefit, alongside major bands including AC/DC and The Rolling Stones. Rush was one of the few native Toronto bands to perform at this historic event to herald Toronto's graceful endurance of the SARS scare. [July 2003]



Hot on the heels of their triumphant 2002 tour, 2003 DVD, and benefit performance for 450,000 at the 2003 SARS benefit, Rush has announced plans to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their current lineup with a celebratory tour. Planned shows include their first visits to Europe since 1992. [December 2003]



"Contents Under Pressure: 30 Years of Rush at Home and Away" is released. It is an authorized biography of the band, written by Martin Popoff. [June 2004]



Alex, Geddy and Neil are back in the recording studio working on Rush's new album to be released early 2007. [November 2006]



Los Angeles, CA, USA: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band Rush. [April 2013]



With Rush, released "Feedback", an EP containing 8 cover songs. This marks the first Rush release wherein the band performs songs other than their own. After "Feedback", Rush embarked on a highly successful Thirtieth Anniversary Tour ("R30" for short). On this tour, the band performed some of the cover songs live -- also a first for them. [June 2004]



Played bass on fellow Canadian band Platinum Blonde's follow up album Alien Shores.



Personal Quotes (4)



[in response to the question posed by a fan in a guitar magazine, asking if he felt, as a Canadian, he should apologize for Bryan Adams] Bryan Adams might not be what I want to put on, but he's a pop singer with a great voice and great guitar tone. Plus, he's done more for Canada than Rush have, because he works all the time. I envy him for that.

I really consider myself more of a rhythm guitarist than a soloist.



I'm not that fluid when it comes to scales and modes. I just pick up the guitar and play. It's all about exploration: just tune the guitar any way you want and start playing.



For the first few weeks of rehearsal, we tend to sound like a really, really bad Rush tribute band.

