Alex Lifeson Interview: His Complete Gear Setup For Rush's "Time Machine Tour 2011"

[@MissionaryInMexico]

I heard Geddy Lee say "When we come back off vacation, we sound lile a garage band. 2 weeks in, we sound like a Rush tribute band. It takes a full month to sound like us.

[@spiritualcramp8000]

intense

[@neurom.d.6587]

Not every “Rock Superstar” is {so} honest and humble. RUSH have shown us how to be BRILLIANT as well as MEEK...what a combo....and they did it for 4+ decades. (....”and the meek shall inherit the earth”...) Thank you Neil for everything you gave, always at 💯%. Alex and Geddy: wishing you will find peace and strength with your brother’s passing.

[@billyrouse4813]

Play a Rush song just starting out on guitar. I've been playing for 21 years and still can't play a Rush song properly. Then again, I'm not playing a ton of covers.

[@MissionaryInMexico]

@@billyrouse4813 I started on guitar developing my own style, then ran across Michael Hedges in the mid-90's. I was going to meet him then got tragic news that he died in a car accident. His style influenced my music greatly, and I was able to play many of his songs exactly as he had played them. That's not easy to do. Same as Neal Peart, I played drums from age 13 and because of my brother who learned Neal's drumming from age 10... I became seriously interested in learning how to play drums to Rush. I was very good at it, but my brother sounded exactly like Neal.

[@sunlion8866]

''I really consider myself more of a rhythm guitarist than a soloist''. -- Alex Lifeson I always thought of you as both and criminally underrated. More importantly, an outstanding human being!

[@paleshelter4002]

Alex actually is so good that his rhythm is like an extended solo.. quite unique

[@billyrouse4813]

Alex is an extremely proficient guitarist, yet he's humble as Jesus Christ himself.

[@Kidgloves1984]

Alex is the complete package!

[@hellasforever6242]

Alex Lifeson- one of the best players of all time in one and he doesn't feel the need to take himself too seriously, unlike others.. a breath of fresh air.

[@DamienDrake]

I'm quite sure that's why Rush never self-destructed. Unlike so many other bands, they realize that they're living the dream and just have fun.

[@ryanbeck9106]

And yet he has a massively complicated setup

[@babayaga1767]

the best rule in life. take the work seriously. don't take yourself seriously. far too few people understand this

[@craigjillson6050]

my favorite guitarist of all time. I was born in '62. if you could play Rush you could play anything.

[@Chrsdxn]

Super underrated too.... in my opinion

[@stevenstainbrook1064]

Seeing Neil's kit covered up behind him brings a tear to my eye. RIP Professor.....😔....We will always miss you.

[@billyrouse4813]

Neil will be missed. I was actually at work when I got a text that said he had passed.

[@Hornsfan64]

Uncle Jesse and the Rippers ... RIP Uncle Jesse

[@HighPower762]

What an asshole-ish attitude you have toward Neil's death! Clearly, you're not a real fan or you wouldn't say such a thing.😋

[@marktegeder2455]

Yes, so true. RIP Professor, my drum guide in all of my learning over so many years of playing the drums. Gosh how you influenced all of my drumming whether I knew it or not...

[@johannjohann6523]

Oh he's not Resting in Peace. He's a bloody drummer. "THE" Bloody Drummer!No he's shaking the heavens with the thunder of his drums, and showing everyone in heaven: "John Bonham who?" lol!

[@ArtisanSmithy61]

Been a huge Rush fan since the late 70's. To this day, I don't think Alex gets the recognition he deserves...especially in Guitarist polls. He is one of the most versatile & imaginative players on the planet, as well as being incredibly humble, and VERY funny.

[@leannel6495]

...his work..his imagination and general creative spirit literally poops on the fleet of whom many consider as guitar hero's...he's of the era that digested the best and actually DID something with it..It's obviously hard to see past the kaleidoscope of Rush songs and their power...but when it all shakes out individually this guy's second to none...like Miles, FZ and Jimi..same with Geddy...there all just as nutso..and as creatively brilliant..as Neil...

[@a2ndopynyn]

@@leannel6495 No one except Alex could have been in a band with Geddy & Neil and made it work like that. I've always thought that what Primus was missing was an Alex on guitar. Les is amazing, the drummer is also really good, but that guitar player simply isn't the equal of the other two. What makes Alex "the most underrated guitarist in Rock' is that he IS the equal of Geddy & Neil, but very few people ever realize it.

[@paulya1269]

Humble Canadians. Took their music seriously, but never themselves. IMO the best band ever to come out of Canada.🇨🇦 RIP Neil.

[@BoogyWoogyCreep]

I agree. Neil, however, was a Californian.

[@blue-tb2fd]

BoogyWoogyCreep - No. Not true. He moved to California sometime within the past 15 years or so, but he's just as Canadian as the other two.

[@joebloggs2822]

​@@BoogyWoogyCreepHe was from St Catherines . Canada

[@dankydiecast5686]

I’ve always loved Alex’s humor and fun spirit that shines through in every piece of video he’s ever done. What a gift to us all he is.

[@sunlion8866]

Geddy Lee has always said; Alex is genuinely one of the funniest people you would ever meet in your life. Would love to meet Alex one day and Geddy. Tell them personally, how much their music has meant to us. Deepest condolences to them both. RIP Neil.

[@bladerunner6032]

BigCat9966 I have know understanding of any guitar equipment, yet I want it all because Lerxst uses it.

[@bishlap]

Quite an understated guy. Respect a man that's achieved what Alex has and is still humble.

[@markbeatlesyeah]

God if all people were as humble, respectful and genuinely happy as Alex the world would be a better place. He comes across as your best friend you haven;t seen in awhile. Thank you Alex. I always hear how nice the whole band is from their peers to their fans. So refreshing.

[@guitarwhores753]

Alex is such an unassuming guitar god. He's a dude. An incredibly brilliant dude. Seems like fun to hang with.

[@wdarylt1]

How refreshing for the artist to do his own rig rundown. Especially a guitar legend like Alex Lifeson.

[@deucesolo1910]

saw their Permanent Waves Tour in Houston, ears are still ringing!

[@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961]

Deuce//Solo saw them front row that tour in Corpus Christi. I think 2 days before Houston show.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961 My first concert... in Phoenix, March 4, 1980 with .38 Special opening. Saw them on the Moving Pictures tour in Phoenix in 1981. I was 13 and 14 respectively. Great memories.

[@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961]

@@scottdunn2178 cool!!! yeah my first was 1979 Hemispheres. April Wine opening. the 1st of 39 total Rush concerts. Last one Pepsi Center Denver July 2015.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961 Saw Ozzy with Randy Rhoads a couple of months after Moving Pictures, in June '81. Motorhead opened.

[@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961]

@@scottdunn2178 Same here on February 1982, 2 weeks before Randy died.

[@susanyoung6632]

Good lord. I had no idea playing guitar could get so technical, intricate, electronic, etc. there aren’t enough words!

[@onetime504]

"You know how much I like keyboards..." Classic

[@anthonysclafani3963]

Not super into Rush, but Lifeson seems really cool. Very down to earth without any ego. Very cool that he personally did this interview

[@wc319]

I am a drummer so this is Japanese to me... HUGE Lifetime Rush Fan. All 3 are virtuoso's. RIP Neil. YTou are SOOO Missed.. Your Music will live on forever

[@charleshutton284]

Digging the "Camera Eye" and "The Spirit of Radio" background music through the vid. What a great humble dude Alex is. RiP Neil Peart.

[@davidmohr1920]

As a guitar player this is so cool to hear about his gear and he tells you everything which is rare Thanks Alex you guys Rock Brother :-)

[@johnlohman8311]

Yes indeed he is a rare cat

[@369dusty]

You made a young man's day that he will treasure the rest of his life. Giving that away tells me what kind of person Alex is. I am impressed !!

[@horacehoofhead8469]

He's done some of my favourite solos ever

[@thomasmccullough2719]

Alex...saw rush in the late 70's and you were unreal ....thanks for talking shop about your equipment it was interesting...thanks for so many years of great music....your a true guitar legend !

[@mwyatt222]

Rush was something really special in their early days. Like many my first tour show was 2112 but I never will forget the Hemisphere show in Dallas. For a while in the early 80's we would watch the DFW shows and then catch them in Austin. Even saw a couple of show with sound problems but still glad i was there. RIP Neal.

[@billfrater1948]

Love Alex, A real Gentleman and great guitarist.

[@Deathshuck]

Those amps are the most glorious thing I've ever seen.

[@andymelendez9757]

Love you Alex and that Geddy guy too. Its awesome to get the inside scoop on Rush tech. You guys were innovating gear way back and us nerds love it. In fact a history of all the instruments, sound and light gear would be appreciated. Please have it out soon!! R.I.P. Professor❤

[@paulelliott3220]

Alex is brilliant on stage He plays great every night, and some of the towering sonics coming out of his speakers are awesome Very interesting run through and adore his guitar; the Gibson Les Paul always looks so damn cool. I want one Great guy, always fascinating to hear play on records or live and he's in the BEST BAND EVER Keep it 2⃣1⃣1⃣2⃣

[@MiSambra]

Probably the best power trio of all time. Love me some RUSH.

[@gianthills]

they stopped being a power trio in the 80s

[@geronimosynthmusic]

I cannot properly hold a guitar, let alone playing it.. yet I always enjoy videos of Alex and Geddy talking about their gear...

[@adanacman666]

thing bout RUSH is they being Canadian, are just plain nice guys, willing to share their craft, knowing how important it is to some kid stuck in his room plunking away and dreaming... and they are humble and respectful enough to share that....

[@Jeff-o-Lee]

Been a RUSH fan since '77 @ the age of 7. My older bro would turn me on to music. Saw you guys countless times from GUP To R40. Condolences to you, Geddy & yours. Neil will be thoroughly missed.

[@EDOGG62]

They always seemed like such nice guys... that dinner video with the three of them is priceless.

[@horacehoofhead8469]

Adore Alex ..he made me play guitar aged 12 in the late 70s ...my favourite player ...he can play anything ...not a one trick pony ...fantastic ..arpeggios are seamless ..and a nice guy to boot

[@jrzy49]

Alex Lifeson is like your nextdoor neighbor who just happens to be a fuckin amazing guitar wizard.

[@marcusamyotte5672]

What a good guy.

[@timanderson9466]

What s cool guy. Great musician that refuses to take things too serious.

[@kevinyates2117]

Every time I see anything that involves Rush, it just makes me love music even more and makes me so proud to say they are Canadian.. What a amazing band and they are true gentlemen.

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

Each member of Rush is such a unique musician in their own right. Alex is one of the best around, Geddy has a style and presence that is iconic, and of course Neal. If there is a better drummer in rock, please let me know so I can check them out. Magic!

[@neurom.d.6587]

Well said👍🇨🇦

[@RysBwl]

What a cool guy. Rush has been my favorite band since childhood and these guys seem like the kind of guys you really wish could stay around forever.

[@st3ngah]

As a bass player I have to say Alex is probably my favourite guitar player.

[@georgeharvey3062]

Thanx Alex. I really appreciate your time explaining everything. It’s nice that you took the time. Looking forward to any and all of your future music.

[@VeryHornyToad]

He has such a graceful, kind voice. Always loved his guitar playing one of my favs

[@jeremycardenas5965]

did anyone see the "no idiot stop" label?

[@the6ig6adwolf]

jeremy cardenas I was about to comment on that lol

[@vladlashing]

I was wondering why he stamped his foot and security thru me out

[@willw1375]

RUSH - Thank you for ALL the music, joy and love! Your music will live FOREVER!!!!!!

[@XxStonedKillerxX]

What was the "NO IDIOT STOP" setting on his pedal board? harhar

[@XxStonedKillerxX]

Fuck all 31 of you for not telling me what it does, the fuck is wrong with you people.

[@Ryan5259m8]

+XxStonedKillerxX probably cuz we don't know

[@famitory]

+XxStonedKillerxX it says COPY near it, so i assume its related to the routing of the switcher.

[@theothertroll]

+XxStonedKillerxX back to his clean amp

[@alexm2623]

No. No. No. It goes back to standard dirty electric guitar with no effects. The sound he uses 80%+ of the time. He can hit that to straight back to it in case he accidently steps on something else. It shuts off all his extra effects and gizmos and goes to default overdriven sound. Plain jane electric guitar. Not clean, not chorusey, not any of that crap.

[@sydnick6696]

Thanks Alex for the rig run down. You are an amazing musician, from an amazing group, and a true Canadian.

[@Guitar387]

That’s an incredible set up never seen anything like it , those amps are sooooo cool.

[@aoz823]

what a gracious and nice guy, and an amazing guitarist to boot! we love you rush!

[@kingkong98270]

He not only is a fantastic musician, but also an engineer!!! WOW. How do you keep all that stuff straight???

[@alexmurphy5289]

He’s had his 1210 TC electronics spatial expander since moving pictures. Favorite player ever

[@mikeloder8411]

from the 1970s rush was all about the music and less of a stage show. that is why they are great....and in the HOF....Alex is by far one of the best guitar players of all time. yet so down to earth along with his partners Geddy and Neil....thank you for the video really cool stuff and equipment...

[@renouncedequation3923]

Biggest thing that turned me off about being a musician, and continuing my career in a traditional sense, was how douchey musicians/artists are... I appreciate and hold Rush to a higher degree than any bands I love, they're not only amazing creators, but wonderful people that are trustworthy.

[@joet840]

Der Verschollene Same with me, I started getting good and then started socializing with music people and holy fuck are they ever fucking assholes, even the people at guitar stores think they're big shit when they're nobodies. Turned me off completely from being a serious musician.

[@thorinbane]

Same here. Too many musicians and (singers!!) are just delusional. The RNR hall of fame is massive joke. They waited far to long for some and way to early on others. Alex had the most perfect speech ever for their induction. It encapsulates how much they care about that empty award and how long it took for them to get in. Even if you don't like Geddy's voice, there is no denying how good they all are at their craft. It is literally a supergroup that never needed other groups before performing. Geddy top 5 all time for bass players Neil top 5 all time for non jazz drummers. Alex for some reason doesn't make many lists but the guy should be in a top 10 somewhere. He uses effect but is so much better than the edge, he can play soulfull, he has great acoustic performances, and all from about their 2nd album on(after their Zep stage) I know I rank them higher than others might but they really do belong in the top of their class. Lets not forget geddy playing amazing synth WHILE playing bass. So happy I got to see them finally on their snakes and arrows performance. Though I wish I could have seen them in the late 70s

[@AceOfHeart2012]

So gracious. Alex Lifeson has always been in my Top 5 favorites guitar players.

[@richardchard7316]

Incredible guitarist. Mind blowing!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Alex is so humble and down-to-earth. He is the epitome of: the non-douche-bag Rock Star. He is such a Phenomenal guitarist and is Laser-Accurate during a live performance. Huge influence and inspiration to me as a musician.

[@tomwhittaker9461]

Definitely seems like a nice and proper dude. And yeah, great guitarist!

[@leftymadrid]

I would go muts with sooo many buttons, and step switching. But I will say this RUSH is my favorite band since I can remember. It is amazing to see them live, and their recorded music is just amazing... so moving, so progressive, tops in my opinion.

[@jjs3287]

Always comes across as being a really genuine guy.

[@JW-zs1pz]

Purely one of the best rock guitarist in the world. Bar none. LOVE RUSH!!!

[@Thismaninyourdreams]

0:50 "No idiot stop"

[@rafro007]

I saw that too--I think they definitely wanted to get that one into the shot!

[@garyspiegel2355]

Alex you're a very cool guy very humble and very informative

[@penguinjoe1961]

Love Alex taking the time and effort to get into the tech side of his work. He's always been one of my top 5 guitarists so it is really great to see him getting into a lot of this kind of thing.

[@dale8809]

Alex was one of the reasons I got an H and K triamp. It is so versatile and sounds awesome

[@JF-kv1gm]

Those amps were really something beautiful!!

[@mason99ut]

That man is outstanding.

[@phillipsantana2633]

Alex is great and most gracious to give us the time of day while doing The Time Machine Tour.Thanks for the upload.

[@TheTayedrums]

alex you are such a classy guy....i seen you guys in Detroit years ago on caress of steel-2112-etc. and you have always appeared as a hip classy guy....you explained your rig where any amateur could understand you...nice that you still use old school effects that still work for you...stay blessed...

[@DrummingMoose]

The history of his guitars is awesome.

[@LesGrossman69]

I bought two Gibson Axcess model guitars because of this man.

[@squidly2112]

So awesome, I could watch these guys forever. Alex Lifeson is such a super super nice guy. I just love his attitude and funniness .. just a joy to watch.

[@OswaldoLafee]

The nicest guy. Long live Rush!

[@aarondavis4341]

ONE rehearsal before a show,that's fricken talent

[@scottwaszak698]

Such a great guy, and SO underrated.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

My all time favorite guitar player, Barr none!!! I first sW Rush live at the "accoustically perfect' Chrysler Hall, Norfolk, Va.,1978. I was stunned at how perfectly they played each song. Then they played X a n a d u and that nailed it for me! No performance by any band ever came close to that. EVER! Been a fan since74, but since then - a loyal, rabid fan!

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

You are a great human being! Thanks for sharing.

[@pepeanza6187]

Rock star is not the word for you, you are much more

[@gregoryprice7223]

Alex lifeson is a huge influence to me!!!! It's amazing how rush sound has evolved all throughout their career...each album is better than the next !!! I'm going to miss not getting another studio album or tour ...there will never be earnest and sincere music ever again after these fine musicians...long live RUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@diaphanoux]

He reeks of humbleness!!!... Great guy!!!

[@barkbustin]

One of the best guitarists ever!

[@ryanm4689]

Criminally underrated guitarist.

[@steveb796]

One of the most under rated guitarists. Such a great band. Their humor and not taking themselves seriously is awesome. Chicken roasters or washer/ dryer on stage. How great is that.

[@TheCentralScrutinizerAgain]

saw this tour in Manchester. absolutely incredible!!

[@davidheadley98]

Alex: We love you and we thank you.

[@Kidgloves1984]

I play guitar and Rush is my favorite band since I was 15 and Alex is one of my top favorite guitar players.

[@grantk932]

I'll take Alex lifeson over Eddie Van Halen any day.

[@grantk932]

I have no idea, certainly in the top 3 though in terms of guitar skills, IMO

[@keithjohnston8629]

No competition.

[@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961]

Eddie is great but Alex is great at the many styles he plays

[@carsonmichael6926]

Eddie's is one of my heroes, but Alex is one of the greats. Yeah, Eddie isn't easy to get along with from what I hear.

[@markchidester6239]

@@carsonmichael6926 if you ask Sammy, he would agree. Bummer!

[@STSGuitar16]

I could easily listen to another two hours of Lerxst going in deep about his gear, his stage sound (as he hears it, which I guess would include his preferred monitor mix), the overall loudness of the group, and what it's actually like to play in front of stacks of unfathomably loud amps on such a massive stage for sold out arenas. He seems like probably the only guitarist of his calibre (playing sold-out arenas night after night) who would be able to actually give an honest, down-to-earth description of what every guitarist's dream (playing massive stacks to massive arenas) is actually like. His humbleness is unmatched in any guitarist imo; he just seems like such a normal guy. Love it.

[@grimblegromblethegnome]

That guitar is beautiful I want it

[@21Cayque12]

"Here's a keyboard and you know how I love keyboards" The 80's is a proof of that love

[@MattSmith-iq1ld]

He's spoken out of both sides of his mouth on that subject. Big Al actually loves the 1982-1988 synth era, but it was hard for him as a guitarist because synths occupy the same frequency as electric guitars. I think Alex did an awesome job of accompanying the synths on "Grace Under Pressure", my favorite Rush record. By the time of "Hold Your Fire," however, I think he was ready to go back to being a 3 piece hard rock group, which was more in tune with the times anyway. One of the biggest myths that gets spread about Rush is that the 1982-1988 era was a artistic and commercial failure. Nonsense. Those albums sold more copies than any of the 70's albums besides "2112," and Geddy Lee feels "Power Windows" is the greatest Rush album ever (see the book Contents Under Pressure). Neil feels that PW and HYF are two of Rush's best albums as well. They sold out 17,000 venues every night during that period as well.

[@ryanboshell6124]

@@MattSmith-iq1ld sold out 17'000 venues every night?!?

[@gwensciora8516]

it was my pleasure to meet him at the ROCK AND ROLL HALL Of Fame !!!!!!!!!!!! thank you universe!! fan since I was 13

[@Sandler41882]

JB is an unreal venue! Enjoy man! Going in Hamilton on July 6 for about the 1 billionth time. Rush are an expensive show but so worth it.

[@bartsantorelli3301]

Great guys...they let us in the dressing room and we talked tone and how they wrote songs...we were kids...unbelievable !

[@montmn]

Real, likeable guy.

[@markmarsh27]

well ... I guess that's it then .... I'm throwin' MY RIG in the garbage! .... what a CREAM DREAM for any guitarist to watch .... GREAT VIDEO!

[@cdeccles]

This guy was my boyhood hero. Keep rockin' Alex!

[@thedarksiderebel]

"you know how much i like keyboards" :'D

[@pineapplepeanuts]

The first thing that occurred to me is the apprehension that must go through Alex and the sound crew, hoping all these different effects, routers, etc etc etc works right. And then of course, Alex has to coordinate it all with perfect timing. And then, of course, he has to play the damn guitar! Just gives you an idea of how great these guys are, real professionals.

[@b9bot148]

Amazing thanks Alex!

[@beatsdddx]

All I could say is WOW! The sound of Alex is legendary!

[@tseekr379]

this was the COOLEST thing i've seen in a long time. I drool over a simple webpage describing his gear - this was a real treat. thanks uploader!

[@geraldhartley]

One of my biggest influences. What a great player. Such a sweet guy. Very humble. Totally entertaining. I want that guitar.

[@markpetersen8652]

I have a Gibson 2014 L.P. Alex Lifeson Axcess in burst. It's the best L.P. I've ever seen and I own one.

[@Rayburn58]

People have said Alex Lifeson never gets the recognition he deserves and is severely underated. That is only true with the dumb morons in pop music media, rolling stone, etc. The great guitarists and other rock artists , and his peers know exactly how great of a guitar player he is. Most importantly, most rock fans know how great he is.

[@kwakester]

That rig is simply, Fabulous!!!!