I am not a rush fan but in the 90's when I was in my 20's I worked at a night club called the orbit room in Toronto's Little Italy that Alex Lifeson was part owner of and I will always say he is just a really nice, friendly man.
Lee: I get it. This was an Epiphone arranged interview with the great Lerxst. But please - this was barely an appetizer. Please, PLEASE, after the whole promo period for the new awesome Epiphone Lifeson axe is over and Alex has more time to breathe, P L E A S E do your best to get a proper "The Captain Meets..." episode with Alex. YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST....
There's Rock Stars... then there's Alex Lifeson. A humble, gracious man of music. quick to take the focus off himself and let others shine. Cutting edge comedic ability that is equal to his musical ability. He has all the necessary goods to be a Rockstar... but he is so much more.
Such a humble, soft-spoken guy despite having churned out original music for almost 50 years. 20+ albums of original music with Rush in addition to his solo stuff. What a gift to the music world!
Most underrated guitarist ever. It's hard to stand out in a band that featured the best bassist and drummer in the history of rock, but it was Lifeson's emotive solos and textural rhythms that made me want to be a guitarist. One of very few players whose leads give me goosebumps.
I have often said this to people... if it weren't that he were in a band with the greatest drummer and bassist to ever lace on a pair of sneakers, he'd be more widely regarded as a "legendary" guitarist. I consider him one of the greatest.
Underrated? To be underrated, many must think you suck. Who thinks that Alex sucks? Nobody. Underappreciated? Perhaps, but not by me. I've thought he was one of the best since the mid 70s.
i hear that a lot but all i ever heard about him was lavish praise that he deserves, how many guitarists in history had a chord named after them? cant get higher than that, john petrucci, dave grohl, kirk hammet all adore him so that says it all
Alex doesn't know this, but he taught me how to play guitar. Figuring out what he was doing on _Fly By Night_, _2112_, and _Permanent Waves_ was my basis for rhythm and lead playing.
Same here but the albums I attempted to learn were Caress of Steel & Hemispheres. Lifeson is a tough guy to play and it is the reason cover bands never try to play Rush. 9 out of ten cover bands would choose to play Steely Dan rather than embarass themselves trying to play Rush.
@@fullclipaudio I think some of Steely Dan's stuff is a little out there and advanced; with elements of jazz and fusion. Very difficult to cover a lot of their music.
Rush was simply the best at everything they did, would have loved a chance to see them live but obviously isn't going to happen now. Glad he and Geddy are both staying busy, even if they don't collaborate with each other. The new Les Paul looks amazing, I'm not one for signature gear but this has my eye.
I sat behind Alex, Geddy and Neil at a minor league baseball game in Richmond, Va. one time about 30 years ago. I didn't want to bother them so I never said anything to them. I regret not at least saying "thank you."
@@Ram-2112 I was on that Rockline too! Asked Alex about his golf handicap just to change it up a bit. It is weird to hear my voice but a dream moment to be treasured.
I know Alex is doing "the rounds" to promote the product with retailers and the interwebs, yet he seemed more engaged with this interview than any other I've seen. It was great to see his sense of humor emerge during his banter with The Captain. Now the product - the Epi Alex Lifeson LP is a LOT of kit for the retail price!
I had one and I returned it. The electronics sucked. I didn't want to deal with returning it for repairs and waiting .... I had returned a new flying v back in 1977 and it took a year for the repair.
@@andertons your content is one of the last bastions of decency on RU-vid. Everything else decays into arguments about all sorts. The worst the comments get is arguing over relic’d guitars… (they’re brilliant).
@@joesatchton212 ... he owned a bar in Toronto called "The Orbit Room", Some musically minded friends and I used to go there for drinks to see the house band "The Dexters"... an absolutely killer blues 5 piece, Hammond organ.Leslie...the works. One evening Tom Cochran came in and ended up sitting right next to me, Alex came over to see Tom and the three of us had a short conversation about Tom and Alex sitting in with the band. Tom declined saying he'd had too much to drink, but Alex did a few songs with The Dexters....I was impressed, he was very easy to talk to and thanked us for coming out to his establishment.... class act all the way. Tom was also great, just a regular guy with a very interesting job was my impression of him... great evening. The bar was still there, but apparently Alex is no longer the owner and the bar had been closed during Covid...
I like Alex as a musician and a human being. His riffs are always tasteful and interesting and he’s a humble bloke despite his massive skills. He exudes quiet confidence and doesn’t beat people half to death with obnoxious ego raves like some other (and mostly lesser) musos.
I bought VIP 'meet and greet' tickets to meet one of my favorite players before his concert, who happens to be one of the biggest icons of guitar in history, and I practiced what to say to him for days, right up until I was in line to meet him, which went like this "you've been such a great musical and spiritual inspiration for me, thank you!". When I finally got to shake his hand and speak to him, all I could muster was handing him the backplate of a signature guitar of his I own for him to sign and a sharpie, and say thank you. I've been kicking myself ever since. I know exactly how you feel.
Alex is my all-time greatest music hero and inspiration. I can't explain how much his playing has connected with me and brought joy through so many moments in my life. Not to mention his ever-changing playing style and guitar tones that make for a constant influence on my own playing. It's one of my biggest dreams to meet him and thank him. My dad is building a replica of the guitar Alex used on the Distant Early Warning music video for my 21st birthday which im so excited for. Though Alex's Epiphone being announced at the same time is a little bittersweet XD
I’m in my 50s now and Alex has been with me every single day, musically speaking, since I was 14 years old. I love other bands but Rush is in my DNA. An absolute legend.
VERY well put. Exactly my own truth also. 59 and since 14... or I'm still 14 at 59.😎 Its always so great to hear the boys interviewed. True fellow Canadian demeanours shining through each time.
I love interviews with the Captain, and suddenly of my absolute heros is there with him, I had to watch it immediately. Not to mention I am waiting for that Signature model to arrive in three weeks time. Would love to get the Gibson version, but getting a hold it now without selling the car or perhaps house is close to impossible…. Thank you Captain!
That was a wonderfully conducted interview by, Lee. 👏👏👏 To the point, clear and interesting. Congratulations. I wouldn’t have imagined Lee as a Rush fan, though. Alex, as always, is gracious and sincere.Hope stock arrives soon. 👍
You cant imagine how long I‘ve waited for this episode. Thanks, Captain Lee - and sorry I had to get my Epi signature from another place. Customs / tariffs suck. Brexit sucks even more. 😔🇬🇧❤️
I love this musician, he makes me cry in much of their songs, the sound that he has is so unic, powefull, opened, envolved, all around you is turning around when he plays. Great interview, Alex Lifeson is one of the gorgeous guitarrist. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💋💋🎉💋🎉❤️❤️❤️❤️
I only found Rush in January 2020. What a rollercoaster of emotions and experience the last year and a half has been. I've been playing guitar for about 12 years, just by myself at home playing along to songs. But I always try to improve and always get better. I'd hit a wall for the last couple of years and couldn't improve. Alex's guitar compositions literally breathed life into my guitar playing, I've improved probably two-fold and have not stopped playing Rush tunes all year. He's taught me new chord shapes, how to explore the neck more and the magic of open notes in harmony with the right chords. Thank you for everything you've done for us Alex (and Geddy and Neil)
Finally something "New" I know a les paul with a Floyd has already be done, but to have one standard on a epiphone w/ coil splits is a force to be reakoned with. Well done
@@jaycareaga9929 thoes debuted back around 2010 when epiphone / China made guitars where questionable a good amount of the time. Besides, they are not really easy to find and I've seen a few going for $700+. Rather just spend a few hundres more for a new one that is more likely to be a sound instrument. Resale should fetch a fair price 20 years from now also being a AL signature!
@@jaycareaga9929 we live in the age where free returns are almost always guaranteed. It's only been out about a month, hopefully they get the QC where it needs to be. My 2019 epiphone les paul standard pro was pretty much flawless right out the box. Epiphone has came such a long way...
Imagine being this great - a legendary guitarist and musician - but you’re often overlooked by the talents of your other two band mates. Alex is phenomenal and Rush are national treasures. Consistently amazing. Blah blah blah, blah blah blah blah blah.
This new Epiphone is an absolutely amazing guitar!!! Alex is right in saying it’s a trigger for creativity. I’ve had one for a few weeks and did a video of the tones you can get and my experience as a regular musician. If you want to check it out click my head to the left. Thanks for such an inspiring guitar Alex!!!
Such an underappreciated guitar player. Part of the greatest trio of musicians that started my love for rock music way back as far as 2112 in '76. Such a nice guy. Legend.
I love how Alex refers his signature model as good for beginners. Sure, no problem! Maybe if they're musical prodigies who can master a Les Paul that features a Floyd Rose tremelo with a coil split Piezo volume/tone controls by the time they reach the age of ten...
Also, to be *really* fair, the American - /pi'eɪzoʊ/ - pronunciation is probably closer to the original Greek. But my professors at university definitely said 'pee-zo', and my (British) dictionary agrees, so I'm gonna stick with that! ;)
This man supplied me with the most incredible soundtrack to my life.....my favourite player and always will be.....incredible player and a fantastic human being too.....thank you Alex.
I swear it’s not a contest but hearing Alex Lifeson saying he manually does all the effects triggering gave me mad respect versus someone like The Edge where his tech Dallas Schoo can trigger the effects backstage if Edge decides to “take a stroll”. Granted U2 stages are huge but still mad props to Lerxst
Alex..your awesome!!But I have a very serious question..WORKING MAN..DID YOU USE A LES PAUL WITH P-90s or did you use your Es- 335 with P.A.F.S..Thru your Marshall's to get that sound???
As Page, Blackmore, May, Fripp etc fan the ONE guitar player who influenced my playing way more than any other is Alex Lifeson, especially his work from Farewell to Kings/Hemispheres period. His ability to put the song first and adapt his style and sound is truly inspirational. If ever there was a composition that incorporated EVERYTHING you need to learn on guitar listen to La Villa Strangiato.It's ALL in there!
One thing to remember. If Epiphone says it's a limited edition, it really is limited. They will stop the run eventually. I bought a Brent Hinds V when they were still being made, and you can't find them new anymore. Used they are over $1000 on Reverb right now.
What an amazing exclusive interview. Alex is my all time favourite guitarist. Well done Lee. I would have been a babbling wreck doing this interview 🤟🏻
congratulations - The reasons I admire and respect Rush are many - The thing that has always resonated with me is how unpretentious they are - I work in the horse industry so I've interacted albeit at a minimum - with many celebs -I've always had the mindset that everyone is a person - just a person - Willie said one thing he has learned with age is all of us are basically the same - we all eat, sleep and take a $#@& - I respect it cause there's a lot of well known people who have a very high opinion of themselves - I also appreciate your desire to work with Gibson by producing a quality instrument at an affordable price - im rt hded but play Lt - my access was limited so I relate - Thanks and I subcribed
@@edgarmatias yeah that's what I'm saying. They are highly rated but they should be higher. Also it took like way way too long to get into the hall of fame but also that doesn't matter as it's a dumb Americanised award
I've always considered Rush a great rock band. For example, I always understood where Neil Peart was in the pantheon of drummers. But my respect for Lifeson really shot up big time when I seen him on an episode of Trailer Park Boys.
First and fore most these guitars are a good deal at the price range in todays market. You kids are lucky of all the advancements. Still serious prices. Now here's the good news. Mike Portnoy has to fill in for his idol so they can rock for two more albums! Alex and Geddy ain't done yet! Let's plant a seed
Nice interview, I have been an Alex Lifeson fan since the 70's, a fantastic and imaginative guitar player. My first guitar was a black Les Paul copy because he played one.
The Epiphone Alex Lifeson model sells for $899 in the US, but it includes the comfort cuts, the locking trem, AND the piezo pickup system in addition to the regular pickups. Part of me chuckles a little bit when people talk about this being a good guitar for someone to start out on, because I know a lot of players who think $899 is a lot of money. It is a lot of money. But it's got a lot of features. I think this thing will sell like mad. I want one.
I hear that quite a bit about Epiphones. Good guitars to start out on, blah blah blah. My go to guitar (when carpal tunnel isn't calling me) is an Epiphone Silverburst I picked up a couple of years ago. Swapped out the electronics and pickups, but the thing is just killer for 649 USD. Tuning stability, finish, playability, tone, everything. I practice with it, gig with it (the little I actually gig), record with it, and by just listening you'd never know it wasn't a Gibson. Either a person can play or they can't, and if they can it doesn't matter what guitar they're playing; it'll sound and play better the better you can play. My other go to guitars are two vintage Yamahas. An '86 SE-250 I picked up for 120 USD and a '86 SE-150 (one pickup, one volume, no tone control) that I picked up for 190 USD. Same thing with those. They're practice guitars, gigging guitars, recording guitars, etc. Sound, tone, tuning stability, spot on intonation, everything you'd want in a guitar. I have a Gibson Les Paul Modern (the neck of which is a godsend for carpal tunnel) and that is one that I play daily for practicing. The asymmetrical neck on that guitar doesn't bother my hand or wrist at all. I also have an original vintage Gibson '57 Les Paul Junior and they're both killer guitars, but to be honest, it's my Epi and two Yamahas that I reach for as long as my wrist isn't bothering me; they're just that good. I kind of think of guitars like cars, and I think a great many guitar players are more than just a bit confused. A Mercedes, Lexus, Saab, Lamborghini, Volvo, BMW....these are all first rate and top notch vehicles, but at the end of the day the only thing they are good for is getting you from point A to point B, and that's it. Sure, perhaps they're smoother driving, more soundproof, better materials (better plastic?). A modern Toyota, Ford, Chevy, Hundai, etc. will do the exact same thing; they'll get you from point A to Point B just like the more expensive vehicles, and that's it. I think for a great many, having the Saab or Mercedes is a status thing; there's no practical reason to own one other than to say "look at me". Similarly, for many having that 2500 dollar Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, Gibsom Custom relic, it's a status thing. One can also purchase an older vehicle and mod it. DIfferent engine, tires and rims, transmission, etc., and have a super charged vehicle. Same with guitars.....different pickups, electronics, tuners, etc., and you have yourself a supercharged guitar. Either a person can drive or they can't, and a more expensive vehicle doesn't make a bad driver any better. Same with guitars. Either a person can play or they can't, and a more expensive guitar will not make a guitar player any better. More expensive guitars don't necessarily play any better than cheaper guitars, and some expensive guitars play like absolute crap. For the average player, an Epi can easily be more than just a starter guitar. I love my two Gibsons, but the only reason I play my Les Paul Modern daily is because of the neck and how it agrees with my wrist. If it weren't for that it would likely sit in its case for days (or weeks) at a time.
@@ronpipes1988 Damn, Ron, that was a novella! I can tell you're an older guy like me, because you use capital letters and punctuation. I'm a little jealous of your guitar collection. I have two Gibson Les Pauls, but they're both Tribute (ie. budget) series and I bought both of them used. I prefer my Gibsons to my Epiphones, but I like my Epiphones a lot. I won't gig with a Gibson Les Paul (and have some idiot bump into it and snap the headstock) but I wouldn't hesitate to gig with an Epi. Sorry to hear about your carpal tunnel - I don't have it, but I'm 56 and have other issues. I need to check out a Modern. I don't think I've played one before. To me, playability is number one.
@@budgetguitarist Yeppers....definitely older. 58 these days....Argh!!! As for the capital letters and punctuation, well.....that's what we learned in school. At least when those of us that are our age went to school way back when the Earth still had that new dirt smell. Doesn't seem like the three R's are taught any more. I love both of my Gibsons, but like you I'd never gig with either or them, and particularly not with the Junior. The asymmetrical neck on the Gibson is an absolute dream for someone with wrist problems, tendonits or carpal tunnel. So easy to play and it just sits naturally in the hand. Epi has a version of the Les Paul Modern with the same neck, and their Prophecy line also has it. I have an Epi Lifeson on order but might get one of the other Epi's as well. It would be nice to have at least one other guitar with that style of neck. I know for myself the playability with that particular neck profile is 2nd to none. As for the Tributes, if I ever do get another Gibson it'll be a Tribute or a Studio. There just isn't enough difference overall to really justify the jump in price between those and the standard. A Gibson either sounds and plays like a Gibson or it doesn't, and if it doesn't it won't sell for very long. Tributes and Studios sound and play like Gibsons and the price point is spot on.
already sold out at Sweetwater, this guitar isn't going to beginners. pros are snapping them up because ITS A VERY USEFUL GUITAR AT A BARGAIN PRICE its $899, so lets just call it a grand this guitar is basically like buying three different sounding pro level guitars for a grand
I remember seeing his Gibson signature when I was in high school and falling in love, I’ll be grabbing one for sure, now they just need to re-do the Paul Landers guitar too and high school me will be very happy
Seems almost too nice to be a rock star/guitar god. But then again, he IS Canadian :-) Rush is my favorite band and I rank Alex up there with Page and Gilmour as my favorite guitar players. Thanks, Lee.
Such an incredible player and a huge influence on the bands that I love, which made me go back and discover Rush back in about 2000. I was a generation late but I'm so glad I caught up!! What a band, what a guy and what a great interview.
