Behind The Vinyl - "Limelight" with Alex Lifeson from Rush

Alex Lifeson of Rush came by the boom 97.3 studios again to share a story about their song "Limelight" on vinyl! Alex reminiscences about recording in a cold winter in Quebec, recording his guitar solo for the song and more! Watch as Alex goes Behind The Vinyl!
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[@orange70383]

At the end of the solo that note that keeps on ringing out is genius.

[@terrencedeagle4429]

It does. You said it..timeless.

[@roballen6449]

My guess has been that is a digital delay, possibly a Lexicon Primetime, in latch mode. And yes, it is perfect.

[@ILikeStyx]

Alex is a breath of fresh air... not a bit of 'rockstar' personality to him... humble and genuine!

[@rnrpeg1]

Lifeson always made me the most nervous, Interviewing him. Precisely because he's so warm, and intelligent. He stares into your eyes and hangs on your every word. Rob Halford is the same. No falling back on, "Who did your tats, man?" Bwahahahaha Awesomeness. 🤘💘💥

[@artheriford]

They all are/were. Just normal dudes that happen to be some of the most brilliant rock musicians ever.

[@lennomenno]

Alex's solo has been taking my spirit to a whole other place for almost 40 years now. Limelight is timeless.

[@michaeljones9316]

And his description of it is so perfect and true, and exactly how it feels to us listeners, but of course it would be since he did it!

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

It's a perfect song IMHO.

[@RobGravelle]

That whole album is perfection.

[@gibsonphillips6347]

Eh. Definitely not perfection.

[@TheGreenpig1]

Rob Gravelle Think you’re talking about Hemispheres

[@gibsonphillips6347]

*Permanent Waves

[@RobGravelle]

@@TheGreenpig1 Might as well be. ;-)

[@RobGravelle]

@@gibsonphillips6347 Those are my 3 favorites: Moving Pictures, Permanent Waves, and Hemispheres.

[@GuitarMan22]

Picked up moving pictures - Feb 1981 from Cloverdale Mall - Sam the Record Man in Etobicoke. Walked home in the snow and put it on the stereo. No one home - cranked.. Totally blew me away.. Of course - an analog LP on a vintage stereo 100watts with 15" woofers. -- Killer sound

[@Jelsick]

JEFF ANGEL 16 My first exposure to Rush was this album. My brother had it, and I was blown away as well. This was around 1981 or 82. I've been a fan ever since. Now I'm working on building my collection of 200 gram reissues, listening to Rush on vinyl like it is meant to be.

[@johnmorris2170]

JEFF ANGEL 16 Those were the days. Life was better then along with the music.

[@imannonymous7707]

Love ur story bud....that's what dreams were made of then....I remember too....peace yall

[@soulstice99]

Great memories....miss those days.... Can never replicate them... Alas!

[@yoshshmenge294]

Sam the record man Oshawa Centre 1982, I was 12.

[@OldSlowCat]

When he looks up in the camera while he's listening to the song, the nostalgia in his eyes so heavy in them it's crazy.

[@dadgad68]

One of Alex's best solos for sure. Great tune.

[@drumsandcymbals1968]

Watching Alex speak always makes me feel calm and peaceful and of course captivated.

[@SALESPRODUCTIONS]

One of my favorite guitar solos of all time. Haunting. Lonely. Sad. Incredible.

[@nba2kchannel490]

I love AL. I could listen to him all day. You can obviously tell he really is nostalgic about his time recording RUSH songs with Geddy and Neil. RIP the late great Neil Peart.

[@takamushinagamoto5086]

So kind guy, Alex you're so human and so great while so humble...

[@michaelmarkowski204]

Best Rush song ever - by far.

[@tonydardi332]

That solo is pure genius. It’s absolutely 100% perfect.

[@dyrphotography]

What a Masterpiece. RUSH truly are one of the greatest Rock n Roll bands of all time, and Limelight is one of the best songs that has ever been played on the daily rotation of the airwaves. The time signatures, the chords, the riff, the underlying beat and bass, it's got it all. Truly talented musicians.

[@loveagainstgods5116]

MOST Underrated guitarist in music history lurks is a God

[@JayPeek]

A historic guitar solo from a heroic man. Rush Rules!

[@joesatchton212]

Pretty much without question, Limelight stands as a true eternal masterpiece, not just from the Rush repertoire, but in music in general. In just 4mins and 20 seconds, we have insightful, brilliantly piercing lyrics combined with a pulsing, multi-layered sonic landscape that only Rush can really achieve. 40+ years of listening to music from nearly all genres and to me, Alex's solo in Limelight still remains one of the most incredibly sublime, liquid and emotionally resonant 40 seconds of guitar work I have ever heard. THAT was music. Do take note, all of you youngsters. :) cheers!

[@r4blanks]

Joe Satchton amen. Not to mention the alternating pattern of time signature in that one is head and shoulders above so many bands abilities.✅👍🤘🥇🥁

[@URKillingme100]

Alex, it was 38 years ago. I remember because it was the last new song my cover band learned and played in 1981. We were a 3-piece and were going nowhere, so the guitarist and myself (drummer) decided to move on to a more established band and the bassist didn’t know it was our last gig. Anyway, we saved Limelight for the last tune at this tiny club on a hill in Worcester, MA. We were getting blank stares from the slack-jawed crowd of about 50 and I just couldn’t wait to finish and go home because, obviously we weren’t doing the song justice. We go into the ending and I manage not to fuck up the machine gun drum outro, and then…silence. I started to chuckle to myself but was then interrupted but what sounded like a waterfall. Everyone was on their feet, roaring and cheering and clapping! I didn’t know 50 people could make that much noise! So I guess we sounded pretty good. It was a great way to end my cover band career.

[@debclassyfied9723]

Oh man this takes me back to a special time in my life, graduating from high school, getting first real job, lots of money and a 45 minute drive to work this was my soundtrack to drive!

[@BeeKay5150]

That solo makes me nostalgic for a time I wasn’t even alive for.

[@jasonkeith9317]

Long live Rush!!!

[@orange70383]

The most unique guitarist I've ever heard. How he can come up with those magic riffs are beyond me, musical perfection.

[@andybroer651]

I joined the RUSH mob with Moving Pictures in High School on the border of Ontario and Quebec in the 1980s, this is one of my favorites then bought all the albums that came before. Thanks Alex and RUSH for all the positive influences in my life. You are the best!

[@AudiophileTubes]

Alex is a brilliant guitar player.... one of the all time best in terms of fluidity, technicality, and emotiveness... absolute PERFECTION! He didn't just play guitar... he painted pictures and sonic soundscapes! A maestro!

[@critr41]

One of the greatest guitar solos in rock.

[@Jren-qw4ew]

I'm a black American and I can't see past rush what an amazing group the 80s was the best

[@geddyleesowlnose]

J. ren who care your black dude.. that doesn't work here

[@fgs2732]

Nothing to do with race. I’m a Bronx Born Blackman that just happened to be a Bass player that knows who to listen to. Rush is a musician’s band. Remember, music is tone. Not color.

[@stevejohnson1577]

i first bought fly by night when i was 10 and moving pictures during a hockey tourney a few years later. Music has no color 199% correct. keep slappin that bass@@fgs2732

[@taotuhao5969]

@@fgs2732 Remember, music is tone, Not color. Thank you for that gift of awesomeness. I will remember that saying.

[@rogerhickson7256]

@@taotuhao5969 Couldn't agree more. That line deserves to go viral!

[@SpotWorksLNC]

I love his sense of humour. His rock n roll hall of fame speech is hilarious.

[@dhowser2008]

This is one of my fav songs too.

[@CrimsonKarl]

Probably THE best Lifeson solo. Runner-ups: Between the Wheels and La Villa...

[@Weshopwizard]

Freewill.

[@jgweems]

I love the Between The Wheels solo also!

[@corycastleman6351]

Between the wheels solo is absolutely amazing

[@slowneutron6163]

Ummm.....Analog Kid.

[@charliejamz.]

Xanadu?

[@edwardmigliore6484]

This guitar solo, as with so many of Alex’s solos, truly has a life of its own. It’s such an emotional expression. I really love the bit towards the end as he’s working up the scale...the tone he has along with the chunk as his pick strikes the string is mind blowing. So many great solos from such a humble person.

[@blue-tb2fd]

It's one of those songs with a very unique energy and a very unique feeling; there's nothing like it

[@iansnyder274]

Yes , Alex...that solo is perfection.. it moves me deeply EVERY TIME i hear it. It still has the same effect on my emotions as the first time I heard it...It is for me, one the all time great solos ever recorded in rock....so moving...it just all came together in every aspect....it's one of those solos that if you covered it in a band, you would HAVE TO PLAY IT NOTE FOR NOTE, or at least try....if not you would be committing musical heresy....a criminal offense in my book.!

[@terrencedeagle4429]

Absolutely. I love the way Lifeson played this song....especially the solo.

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

There isn't a solo out there I play with more effort than this one.

[@l.t.w8985]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 he is hysterical. He's always cracking everybody up.

[@mikehygj9221]

Alex say you play this live in Montreal 1981!!! Such a beautiful guitar solo, love how it blends in on the end!!! Soooo cool!!! Montreal March 81 bud!!! I was there with my senior classmates from CVU highschool in VERMONT!!!!BEST CONCERT EVER!!!!! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!!

[@starling11]

Alex is super man,guitarist..i love you Rush

[@jxstr]

What a great idea to post videos of the artist reflecting on the songs as they play. Great channel!

[@timmoore8773]

That is one of the GREATEST riffs I've ever heard.

[@franciscob.deoliveira8904]

I have lived Rush all my life. Everyone in Winnipeg knows my absolute devotion to the music of Rush. The music of Rush will never end, in concluding my post I thank the members for their dedication and saving us Portuguese kids growing up in the the working end of North Winnipeg.

[@hawkwind8468]

Moving pictures and permanent waves are so epic !!!

[@bill2527]

And Signals and of course the albums that came before them

[@paulelliott3220]

This ends one of the best sides of music ever recorded (original vinyl) Wonderful band, and Alex a genius guitarist and a very funny guy Keep it 2️⃣1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣

[@davibrass]

Thank you for saying that. That brings back a forgotten memory of how that side ended and how it did have that lonely feel to it to which I didnt know why at the time.

[@rockymini625]

Alex is truly a living guitarist legend. We are privileged to be in time to see this gifted musician play. Music will forever be referenced by his playing and unbelievable playing abilities.

[@glengamble526]

‘I’m really proud of this solo’ As you damn well should be. It’s one of your finest and a classic that completely and totally fits the theme and mood of this epic. Not to mention the incredible opening riff. Alex, if you ever read this...sincere thanks.

[@Omega-Ignition]

This is my favorite song EVER.

[@TheRealThomasPaine1776]

Fantastic album,. Came out just after i graduated from high school, I played the bass, my little brother on drums and out best friend on guitar, we had a little Rush cover band. SOOOOO much fun! Playing all those songs over those summers out in my brother's barn. Amazing times. Amazing songs. Playing those songs are not like playing bluesy jams or most every other song you know. When you're "inside" a Rush songs, playing it, it's so tight, so well constructed, so tightly arranged, that it's like you're being "pulled" along, like being inside a whirlwind. Every note you play is wound with another player, every triplet is tagged to Neil's ever changing fills, each one precise and needed as the time stamps are unforgiving and coming at you so fast. If you love Rush, try learning some of their songs!

[@bill2527]

Alex is the greatest, a top notch guitarist and a hell of a guy...the best!!

[@davidbuswa9425]

"LImelight" is Rush's greatest song. Alex Lifeson reminds of another Canadian icon, Bobby Orr. I love how Alex explain the solo and the good vibe to record the song. I must subconsciously pick that positive vibe when I hear this song every time. Thanks for sharing your story, Alex.

[@brentpeterson5526]

Such a cool..down to Earth guy.

[@Avetorro]

One of my favourite ever solos

[@pazz6708]

First you make the music then you do the comedy then you become one of the most underrated guitar players to ever play the instrument. Thanks to all three for there musical chemistry. Limelight, Red Barchetta, two of my favorite songs on this album. It's a privilege to have seen them and listened to their music live. What a RUSH.......

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

Couldn't agree more about the solo.

[@kractass]

Not only a great guitar solo, but THE best outro to any rock song ever!!!

[@knutnskar6796]

Gotta love Alex, funny, nice and of course a brilliant guitar player 👍

[@MasterRichardBrian]

This got me through a lot of cold winters... God Speed!

[@earljohnson7745]

My very very favorite Rush song of all time! Kudos Alex for giving insights to this great song!!!

[@trr9230]

What a great song in every way. And what a nice bloke Alex is!

[@MrROTD]

How does this man be so great and so humble as well, thats real greatness, his guitar is among my favorite music ever.

[@Sanson101]

Da bassline is probably one of my Gedd´s favs....I wish he´d make a video like this on that song.......good for Alex being so connected with RUSH....

[@daveharris4032]

An absolute hero. The solo is just perfect.

[@RICKROCKERTHEORIGIONAL]

I love how Humble and Giving Lerxt is.

[@mikehygj9221]

Amazing SOLO ALEX!!!!!!!!!! We love you !!! Rock on!!!

[@arturovelarde7560]

I always liked how they could use the effect of an instrument to convey a mood with in a song. That's what high-lighs Rush's Sounds across the board.

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

What a superb few minutes with alex.... awesome alex !!!!❤🙏

[@realcygnus]

awesome !....Alex really was a Top King of Cool on guitar(quality & quantity)........such a great band.......my all-time favorite......still.

[@gaiaquinton9489]

Bro , I love how humble you are ~ Your music was the soundtrack of my life

[@victimology7761]

The best thing about Limelight for me is the fact that Rush takes a complex and challenging piece of music, combine it with thought provoking poetry, and produce a catchy and melodic piece of pop rock that sounds exciting and timeless, all without sounding pretentious. It not only appeals to your average Johnny Timeclock, but to Rock Snobs and Guitar Geeks as well. And they make it look easy.

[@Matthew-ez4ze]

Alex really should be proud of the solo like he states at 2:50 The Limelight solo is beautiful, timeless and absolute perfection. Can you imagine asking someone to lay down a solo and this is what they produce? This whole album is brilliant.

[@gavinvalentino6002]

So much snow, that December outside LeStudio... and lots of snow inside, too, and to great effect. The perfect combination of talent and toot...

[@vcp93]

That is definitely one of his most brilliant solos, of which there are many. Such a great song.

[@Dirtywater1999]

Limelight was a masterpiece, especially with all the time changes. A must play every day 🙌

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

And Rush is so smooth you barely notice them. Wait, what? I'm in 3/4? Are you sure?

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

Or is it 6/8?

[@notramesses4790]

My most favorite rush song ever!

[@trivet1970]

that song is awesome! love it love it

[@kyliepollert8341]

I'm not a big Rush fan, but I do like this one. I believe the lyrics are about being in the spotlight and famous, and all the publicity one gets, hence the title.

[@MattKittredge2112]

Yep! Neil Peart was never fond of all the fame and time spent away from home that went along with being part of a touring rock band. He always appreciated and respected his fans - he just wasn’t keen on the “celebrity” aspect of that lifestyle.

[@DannyBoi2112]

@@MattKittredge2112 then outta nowhere, when they finished playing the last track, of the last stop, of the last tour (R40), Neil jumped out from behind the drums and took a bow, which stunned Ged and Alex. No one expected it. R.I.P Neil, almost a year gone now

[@AudiophileTubes]

Legend and maestro!

[@futureshock7425]

we love your stories, thank you, Alex

[@frankmiller7721]

RUSH became my favorite band since 1975...I saw every tour until they retired.

[@pizzaboy399]

Did he ever get his clothes and dope back from Ricky?

[@alexm2623]

Check out TTPB in America recent season! In the Memphis episode Alex is now broke financially post-Rush and resorts to stealing with the boys, hahaha!

[@alexmurphy5289]

Pure goosebumps, one of Rush's best songs. I discovered them 11 years ago when I was 15 (no..my dad did not show me this band) and I have now seen them on every tour, own every album, and have a Rush tattoo. No regrats, probably the greatest progressive rock band of all time (more consistent than Floyd without a doubt). I just want one more album...

[@0Imtheslime0]

35 years Alex.. Now 40 years as of today :) I was born in July that year. Sad what happened with Le Studio in Quebec. Much history that studio had since many great artist recorded there. Almost a year after this video was made, someone set fire to the building.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Alex Lifeson is so good. Lazer precision = live. Just a fantastic guitar player. His choice-of-notes, is really special & he seems-like a genuinely nice guy. Alex has certainly Influenced & Inspired me. oNe LovE from NYC.

[@matte6352]

I had always hoped the boys would have bought LeStudio

[@doctordogtoffee3832]

Same here mate...have you seen the the bass,guitar and drumsticks that someone made for the band using wood from Le studio?

[@matte6352]

No, I haven’t.

[@doctordogtoffee3832]

@@matte6352 There's a piece in Geddys bass book about it ,nice looking instruments as well.

[@boston7704]

I used to beg my parents to drive by Le Studio when we were in Morin Heights

[@matte6352]

Triumph or April Wine would have been acceptable alternatives to Rush, as well.

[@WhisperVoyeur]

a great song on a fantastic album by one of the best bands in the universe 🎸🌠👍 thank you RUSH (and sorry it took me 30 years to get around to seeing you live!)

[@terrencedeagle4429]

I saw the Rush concert in Austin, Texas in 1987. Alex played this solo and the guy next to me asked what I thought of the solo? I said " that solo was sensational." I never forgot that.

[@drkronenbongsoddities4969]

Love how he seems so down to earth

[@unkorichie2029]

The solo, to this day is one of the most comforting sounds in my life; especially the climax..it hits me hard every single time! Such a beautiful, melancholy expression..anyways, its like an old friend's shoulder for me..

[@evhbombastic]

Thank you Alex!! My life and love of all things musical could not have been more complete without this solo. Also, RIP Professor!

[@DCMcNeilJr]

I keep coming back to this video to listen to how authentic and genuine Alex is. He gets me every time when he says 'that was Limelight'.

[@barronvonschneider2834]

This solo is transcendent! And it's difficult to replicate

[@uwreckme9]

Saw them in Saskatoon open with Limelight, blew my mind!!! Loved them since my first show in ‘76!!! 🤘🏻🔊🤘🏻

[@macsnafu]

Definitely a favorite song on the album. But then all the songs on this album are great!

[@TheMoonchild1969]

"Memories have no substance."🌹

[@vassa1972]

If this song came out in 1980, then as of this year 2019, 39 years old wow God I'm old too lol I'm Peter from Hamilton Ontario Canada I'm 47 years old

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Limelight is sort of the Canuck version of CCR's Fortunate Son. It's hard to believe how long ago it was released, because it sounds so completely, effortlessly modern... Utterly timeless, stuff like this is truly today's "classical" music :)

[@evianx1]

I'm a bassist,been playing since 1980, and that guitar solo has always been my favorite since then. It still blows me away

[@AndyAction]

Thank you, Alex

[@davecody5997]

Vastly underatted guitarist !!!

[@jliz6435]

Greatest band in the whole world 🌎🔥😎

[@gdub454]

I once read some years ago that "Limelight" & "Chemistry" are Alex's all time favorite solos..

[@chrisyaz9417]

gdub454 chemistry... in so proud to see & know how high it is on his list. it is fantastic & fresh & gears me like im a rocket aiming & soaring

[@bill2527]

Love Signals and Countdown and Losing It

[@sneifert1968]

Heard 2112 when I was 8 years old, cranked on my Dad’s killer stereo. Was a fan immediately. Went to the local used record store with my older brother and used my paper route money to pick up their first 3 albums at once and a lifetime Rush fan was off and running.

[@mentalrentareactorfactorl-42]

I absolutely love Rush. You guys are the kids I wish I got to grow up with. My kind of nerds. You're the best!

[@Paul-Mac]

This song took me from not being a Rush fan to being a Rush fan in less than 30 seconds.

[@rickp3753]

We LOVED Rush in Ohio. They blessed us many times, and I saw them 6 times myself. The first cost me $6.50. That was most of my money then. "Exit Stage Left" is one of the best records of all time. Even when Rush was a little bit down we always backed them in Ohio. Terribly sad we'll never see them again.

[@genius-no5sl]

Everything rush does is incredible