Alex Lifeson
Born: 1953-08-27 in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Known For: Acting
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
2023
- Rush: Signals (40th Anniversary Edition) as 6 and 12 string guitars, Taurus pedals
2022
- The Breach as Alex
- Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert as Self
- Rush: Moving Pictures (40th Anniversary Edition) as 6 and 12 string guitars, Taurus pedals
- South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert as Self (Rush)
- Behind the Stage Door as Alex Lifeson
2021
2019
- RUSH: Cinema Strangiato 2019 as Himself
2018
2017
2016
- Rush: Time Stand Still as Himself
- Rush: 2112 40th Anniversary Edition as Himself
- Rush - Live from the Rabbit Hole 1990 as Himself
2015
- Rush: R40 Live as Himself on Guitars
2014
- Rush: R40 as Himself
- Rush - Live at The Molson Amphitheater 1997 as Himself
- Rush: The Rise of Kings 1968-1981 as Himself / Musician
- Rush: R40 Completist DVD (Blu-Ray Edition) as Himself
2013
- Rush - Clockwork Angels Tour as Himself
2012
- Chicago Fire as Alex Lifeson
- Inner Rush as Self
- Rush: 2112 as Himself
2011
- Ecstasy as Dr. Figg
- RUSH: Time Machine as Self
- The Drunk and On Drugs Happy Fun Time Hour
- Jason Segel & Paul Rudd Meet Rush as Himself
2010
- Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage as Self
- Classic Albums: Rush - 2112 & Moving Pictures as Himself
2009
- Suck as Border Guard
- I Love You, Man as Alex Lifeson - Rush
- Rush: Retrospective 3 Video Collection as Self
- Rush : Working Men as Himself
2008
- That Metal Show
- Rush - Snakes & Arrows Live as Himself - Guitars
2007
- Rush: The Game Of Snakes & Arrows as Himself
2006
- Trailer Park Boys: The Movie as Cop 2
2005
- Rush: R30 as Himself - Guitars
2003
- Toronto Rocks as Self
- The Boys in Brazil
- Rush in Rio as Self - Electric and acoustic guitars, backing vocals
2001
- Trailer Park Boys as Alex Lifeson
1999
- South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut ... (Musician)
1997
- Classic Albums as Self
1994
- Rush: A View From The Palace as Himself
1990
- Rush: Chronicles as Himself - Guitars
1989
- Rush: A Show of Hands as Himself - Guitars
1986
- Rush: Grace Under Pressure Tour as Himself - Guitars
1985
- Rush: Through the Camera Eye as Himself
- The Body Electric ... (Music Score Producer)
- Through the Camera Eye
1982
- Rush: Exit... Stage Left as Himself - Guitars
1973
- Come On Children as Himself