From mid-’70s hard rock through the band’s more progressive tendencies, into the beating heart of the ’80s, and finding a (relatively) leaner approach by the turn of the century, Lifeson—aka Lerxst—always found a new way to add space and dimension to Rush’s dense sound. Lifeson’s unique lead and rhythm playing has been celebrated with a range of signature gear that speaks to his broad sonic palette.
The Always Evolving Alex Lifeson

By Jason Shadrick,
Jason Shadrick
Since attending a Dave Matthews Band concert as a teenager, Jason has been into all things guitar. An Iowa native, Jason has degrees in Music Business from Minnesota State-Mankato and Jazz Pedagogy from the University of Northern Iowa. Since then, he has spent time doing everything from promotion at an indie music label to organizing guitar workshops all over the country. Currently, Jason lives with his wife, son, and daughter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Nick Millevoi
Nick Millevoi is Premier Guitar’s senior editor and co-host of the 100 Guitarists podcast. His work as a journalist and musician reflects his curiosity for the ever-expanding possibilities of guitar music. Nick has recorded punk-jazz-doo-wop, psychedelic surf, brutal prog, extreme noise, and much more for labels such as Tzadik, Cuneiform, The Flenser, and Ropeadope, and he has worked alongside artists including Nels Cline, John Zorn, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, and many others.