Alex Lifeson is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as the guitarist and founding member of the progressive rock band Rush. Born on August 27, 1953, in Fernie, British Columbia, Lifeson began playing guitar at a young age and was heavily influenced by the British rock bands of the 1960s.
Lifeson formed Rush in 1968 with drummer John Rutsey and bassist Jeff Jones. Jones was replaced by Geddy Lee on bass and vocals in 1969, and the classic lineup of Rush was born. The band quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic musicianship and unique blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and heavy metal.
As the guitarist for Rush, Lifeson was known for his intricate and melodic guitar playing, incorporating a variety of techniques and styles. He also played a significant role in the band's songwriting, contributing to the creation of many of their most beloved tracks.
Over the course of his career, Lifeson has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Rush in 2013. In addition to his work with Rush, Lifeson has also worked on various solo and collaborative projects, showcasing his versatility and creativity as a musician.
Despite Rush officially retiring in 2018 after the passing of drummer Neil Peart, Lifeson remains active in the music industry, continuing to create and collaborate on new projects.