Additional Coverage:
- ‘70s Rock Legend From Canada Turns 73 Today (parade.com)
Alex Lifeson, the iconic guitarist of rock legends Rush, celebrates his 73rd birthday today, August 27. More than five decades after co-founding one of rock’s most influential bands, Lifeson continues to captivate audiences with the music that cemented his status as a guitar hero.
Born Aleksandar Živojinović in 1953 in Fernie, British Columbia, Lifeson grew up in Toronto and received his first guitar at age 13, a Christmas gift from his father. By the summer of 1968, the young musician had formed the band that would become Rush.
Soon after, Geddy Lee joined, followed by drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in 1974, completing one of rock’s most revered power trios. Their beginnings were modest-playing to just 20 people in a church basement and earning a mere $10-yet their ambitions were anything but small.
Lifeson’s guitar work is central to Rush’s expansive sound. Known for his innovative chord structures, bold riffs, and imaginative solos, he transformed the trio’s music into a richly textured experience that defied the limitations of a three-piece band. Drawing inspiration from legends like Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, and especially Jimmy Page, Lifeson has cited Page as his greatest influence, admiring his style and spontaneity.
Over the years, Lifeson contributed memorable guitar work to classic Rush tracks such as “Xanadu,” “2112,” “Limelight,” “Freewill,” and “La Villa Strangiato.” His talents have earned him recognition as one of rock’s most distinctive guitarists, with Rolling Stone ranking him No. 58 on its 2023 list of the 250 greatest guitarists, highlighting his influence on bands like Metallica.
Rush’s fanbase remains fiercely loyal, drawn by the band’s technical prowess, ambitious compositions, and unwavering authenticity. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, Rush-and Lifeson in particular-hold a special place in rock history, celebrated for their musicianship and Lifeson’s playful charisma.
Beyond Rush, Lifeson has pursued creative ventures including his 1996 experimental solo project, Victor. After Rush’s 2015 farewell tour and the passing of Neil Peart in 2020, Lifeson continued to explore new musical landscapes with the band Envy of None, releasing albums in 2022 and 2025 that showcase his atmospheric and textural explorations beyond progressive rock.
In addition to his musical career, Lifeson is a painter, golfer, and licensed pilot. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada alongside his Rush bandmates in 1996 and received Canada’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2012.
Perhaps the most fitting tribute to Lifeson’s enduring legacy is his current return to the stage. This summer, Lifeson and Geddy Lee embarked on the Fifty Something tour, joined by drummer Anika Nilles and keyboardist Loren Gold, celebrating over 50 years of Rush’s music and honoring the memory of Neil Peart.
At 73, Alex Lifeson is not just reflecting on a legendary past-he is actively shaping the present, continuing to share the music that has inspired generations.
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- ‘70s Rock Legend From Canada Turns 73 Today (parade.com)