Alex Lifeson

Person

Alex Lifeson

Acting 73 August 27, 1953

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada

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…

IMDb

Known for

Popular titles

Biography

A closer look

Read full biography

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.

Filmography

Movies and shows, newest first

  1. 2026
  2. 2026
  3. 2023
    Rush: Signals (40th Anniversary Edition)

    Movie 6 and 12 string guitars, Taurus pedals

  4. 2022
    Behind the Stage Door

    Movie Alex Lifeson

  5. 2022
  6. 2022
  7. 2022
    The Breach

    Movie Alex

  8. 2022
    Rush: Moving Pictures (40th Anniversary Edition)

    Movie 6 and 12 string guitars, Taurus pedals

  9. 2021
  10. 2019
    RUSH: Cinema Strangiato 2019

    Movie Himself

  11. 2018
  12. 2018
    Bachman

    Movie

  13. 2017
  14. 2016
  15. 2016
  16. 2016
    Rush: Time Stand Still

    Movie Himself

More credits
  1. 2015
    Rush: R40 Live

    Movie Himself on Guitars

  2. 2014
    Rush: R40

    Movie Himself

  3. 2014
  4. 2014
  5. 2014
    Rush: The Rise of Kings 1968-1981

    Movie Himself / Musician

  6. 2013
    Rush - Clockwork Angels Tour

    Movie Himself

  7. 2012
    Rush: 2112

    Movie Himself

  8. 2012
    Chicago Fire

    TV show Alex Lifeson

  9. 2012
    Inner Rush

    Movie Self

  10. 2011
    RUSH: Time Machine

    Movie Self

  11. 2011
    Ecstasy

    Movie Dr. Figg

  12. 2011
  13. 2011
  14. 2010
  15. 2010
  16. 2009
    Rush : Working Men

    Movie Himself

  17. 2009
    Suck

    Movie Border Guard

  18. 2009
    I Love You, Man

    Movie Alex Lifeson - Rush

  19. 2009
  20. 2008
    Rush - Snakes & Arrows Live

    Movie Himself - Guitars

  21. 2008
    That Metal Show

    TV show

  22. 2007
  23. 2006
  24. 2005
    Rush: R30

    Movie Himself - Guitars