Long Distance: Paul Calls Alex Lifeson | PRS Guitars

[@ryanaten-10pmad11]

Even to hear Alex say “After Neil passed...” it still doesn’t seem real that Neil is really gone. Man, I miss Neil and Rush.

[@gunsmoke6230]

Me too me too🙏🏻🇺🇸⚓️

[@aaronjanusch6090]

I cried off and on for two days, and I never met him in person. It was like I lost a close friend. Hell, they'd been in my life since January of 1980. It probably sounds silly, but it's just how life can be.

[@benredmond6636]

It's good to hear Alex is playing again. The world needs more Lifeson

[@Jonno2summit]

World, you need more life, son :-)

[@Jeff-o-Lee]

Very underrated guitarist.

[@j_freed]

J. Lee - he's a top tier guitarist that assumes so little public attention and visibility... it seems to be a Rush thing that the band is a unit.

[@MickLoud999]

It speaks volumes about how Alex was so influential with regards to innovation. Paul mentioning he owes Alex a "thank you" for using his stuff before anyone else did is mind blowing.

[@Yes-gz9qs]

Since Neils passing its so hard not to tear up when I watch anything related to RUSH. This video is no exception. Tears of happiness mixed with tears of sadness.

[@EarthAltar]

Yeah, it's a heartbreaking loss.

[@RRPerez]

My favorite musicians spoken by a profile name of a favorite album. Paradox! 🤘🤘

[@Yes-gz9qs]

@@RRPerez cheers.....👍

[@TheDevnul]

I m still not ready. Don’t if I will ever be.

[@blines799]

I know what you mean. Neil left us all so much and he'll always be in our hearts. Just wish he was still here. Just been listening to The Garden. Lump in my throat !

[@GMHG777]

Alex is the best, one of the most underrated and creative guitarists ever !!!!

[@michaelthompson9070]

Underrated?? By whom? He always did really well in the old Guitar Player mag best guitarists polls back in the 80's.

[@elmaiquillol]

Underrated? What???

[@GMHG777]

@@elmaiquillol he's underrated in more modern terms of playing where everyone looks at shredders as the be all end all. In the 70s and 80s he was well appreciated of course, but a year or so ago he was 98th on Rolling Stones Top 100 (almost as bad as Lindsey Buckingham being 100 wtf ??) that's what I meant by being underrated.

[@GMHG777]

@@michaelthompson9070 yeah in the late 70s and early 80s he was pretty highly regarded, I meant over all. He only got 98th on a Rolling Stones top 100 poll, so I was referencing more recent times from say the 90s on up.

[@micahc9509]

@@GMHG777 you cant put any value in those polls. they are just popularity contests

[@Draugoth]

Alex Lifeson Signature CE Model - Do it, do it, do it, do it.....

[@SluggerStark]

YES!!!!

[@budgetguitarist]

HELL YES

[@Sublight77]

omg yes he sounded soooooo much better on his prs's than his mushy signature gibson. notice half of neils drums were buried in the mixes once he went to the gibson. the prs's he played through the 90s were so clear and articulate i think much better for rush's music. his tone on the r30 dvd was awesome, his tone on r40 a bit too much, not as articulate and clear.

[@Draugoth]

@@Sublight77 Yeah, I like his PRS tones alot. I'm pretty sure he used his CE on Counterparts, and his tone on that record was great. I never thought of Lerxst as an LP player anyway, When I think of his iconic guitars, I think of his White Falcon and the Hentor before any Gibson stuff.

[@ricardorifane]

SE too!

[@billyhodges7194]

Bubbles wasn't wrong.... Alex IS the greatest guitarist who ever lived..... Period.

[@iandrain.7277]

Hell yea buddy 👍

[@harles5000]

Bubbles is a genius!

[@FreddysFrets]

@M T rich white guys? Racist.

[@stephenneville7841]

Yea none of them have not even close to the body of work he does, there’s that

[@billyhodges7194]

Hey, Mt, no offense but I am allowed to have my own personal opinion on my fav guitarist.... Yes i am aware of other guys brilliance but Lifeson is my man.... I turned 50 3 minutes ago and have seen and seen many greats.... But Alex is my favourite and he destroyed with Rush live

[@MckinleyDjents]

Made me smile the whole time. Alex is so great! RIP Neil.

[@barkbustin]

Rush was made up of the three coolest cats ever in Rock-n-Roll! You can tell they are genuine and nice people.

[@dryoung3134]

Still broken over NP. His energy was explicitly in every Rush song. 2020. What a bummer. Good luck ALEX!!!

[@micahc9509]

yeah Neil Peart dying hurt soo bad...

[@nerfherder183]

"And since Neil passed.." omg gut kick

[@Cantor214]

Every time I used to see a BMW motorcycle I would get excited and think "maybe that's Neil Peart on another long road trip". Now I feel a twinge of loss.

[@fa18superhornetpilotcessna75]

Rush will always be sacred in the depths of my heart .

[@patshep68]

God, he is such a nice guy, I would chill with him any day.

[@budgetguitarist]

Alex has been a major influence on more players than anyone can count, from big name guys all the way down to guys like me. People can talk about his interesting guitar solos, but to me, it's all of those crazy cool riffs. Like the entire 2112 album, for example.

[@rogercardenas111]

I picked up the guitar because of him. Thanks Lerxst for being such a big influence. Rush rules. A very underated guitarist .👏🍺🍻🎸🎸🎸

[@RandSheets]

The first song I taught myself how to play was Rush "In the End"

[@rogercardenas111]

@@RandSheets I would like to learn stuff from caress of steel ,my personal favorite. Rush rocks.

[@Yes-gz9qs]

Underrated indeed. From all three, Alex's guitar playing seems to be the hardest to emmulate. Ive seen good drummers cover RUSH. Ive seen good bass players cover RUSH but very rarely have I seen guitarist play RUSH well especially his solos. that alone speaks volumes.CHEERS!

[@rogercardenas111]

@@Yes-gz9qs couldn't agree more. His use of effects alone doesn't even cover it. The way he plays certain chords and his unique way of soloing. Wow,😨👏👍🎸🎸🎸

[@markdovers5150]

When I heard 2112 for the first time in 76 , something in my mind screamed “you need a guitar!” I’ didn’t know why till I finally got one that would stay in tune and wow, the best feeling in the world....

[@CamiloVelandia]

Love Alex. What a class act.

[@nishimuraakio3048]

Alex looks good, happy to see him! God bless you, Rush! RIP Neil (drum legend) Peart

[@davidb5122]

Alex never lost his sense of humour over all the years. Great guy and great guitarist.

[@MikeMichaels1987]

Great actor too.

[@tonymuse]

Alex is such a great guy. What I wouldn't give to sit and just joke around with him.

[@ryanboshell6124]

Thank you Big Al, for doing this. It’s been an awful year. I wouldn’t have blamed you for never doing anything again. Much love from 🇬🇧

[@tipplers3417]

I love Alex's memory of their 1st gig. Then planning to take over the world. My band members & I were the same way, except Rush definitely did their part

[@adisonsmith4430]

Sweetest man in the whole world! So glad he’s doing good 🥰💖

[@petewoodroffemusic]

I had a bit of a moment when he referred to the passing of dear Neil!! Love the guys in Rush. Top musicians but more importantly top people!

[@RedCatRon]

Thank you - Rush has been the soundtrack to my life. Paul your creations are without parallel. It means so much to hear this relaxed and happy conversation between old friends, all the more so after Neil's passing.

[@michelleburkholder2547]

They were very important to me too. I didn't realize until Neil died that others had the Rush experience also

[@aliged8907]

So good to see Alex laugh!

[@JasonMcNamara]

That was magic. I got to meet Alex once and he was sooooo kind to me. He wandered into a guitar shop I used to work at here in Tokyo. He was a true gentleman. And Paul, he’s true genius and has been wonderful with me over the years. Seeing them chatting together like this was beautiful.

[@sbanville4761]

Wonderful interview! Alex has been an inspiration for me since Caress of Steel. Prayers to him and Geddy for the loss of their dear friend.

[@JF-kv1gm]

Enjoying this so much. Wonderful to see and hear Alex, humorous and humble as ever. Can quite believe that Neil's passing continues to be a HUGE loss to deal with and I'm looking forward to a time when Al and Geddy will be feeling ready to create music once again. It will be a happy day for all. Huge hugs from Italy xx

[@johnkru1295]

Alex is asked about his earliest memory of Rush playing together. He tells you about that here but he and Ged show you the church and take you inside in Rush's great first movie, 'Beyond The Lighted Stage'. RIP Neal. Thank you, all.

[@dannywilliams9264]

Rush = humble legends 💜💙💚💛🧡❤

[@ehzracing]

Thank you, good to see a smile on his face.

[@Marteeenxurl]

How can you not love Alex lifeson super funny amazing player then maybe the nicest guy ever

[@pedraw]

I never realized Alex had such a sense of humor until I saw his RNRHoF induction speech.............my God that was hilarious.

[@memopinzon]

BIG AL' CHOKIN' LIFESON!!!

[@Babyseal2002]

Thanks. Two genuinely nice guys: pure gents.

[@FundamentalsUK]

Legend and gentleman

[@robertpurdy4452]

This is the one I've been waiting for, awesome.

[@drewcollins215]

Alex Lifeson and Rush period have been a really Big part of my life, playing music just tremendously inspired me to be the best guitarist I can possibly be! The Awesome different time signatures, just incredible musicians! I have followed these guys since I was 10yrs of age, Alex, Geddy I still long to meet you guys! The Best Progressive Rock band in the World! Rip Neil!.... The Best Drummer in the World! The-Professor..... 🥁🎸🎸🎹 Extremely Inspired Musician!....

[@MrG0vii]

One of the very few likable, down to earth and excellent musicians out there in the land of showbusiness. Many Thanks Alex.

[@mikejacobson14]

I'm so grateful for the careers of Alex, Geddy, Niel, & John. Their music is always with me. And they all seem like such genuinely good people. How can you not love Rush? By the way, a new generation and people who've never listened to them are discovering their greatness.

[@mpactdesignmedia]

Absolutely LOVE Alex! He's the reason I play guitar. Can't tell you how many times the 14 year old me (56 now) had "All the World's a Stage" blasting through his headphones and air guitaring my heart out. I've seen Rush in concert more than any other band, the attendance increasing with Snakes & Arrows since. Can't describe how thankful I am now to have made those extra 3-4 concerts every tour. THANK YOU Alex (and Paul). Please don't either of you ever stop doing what you're doing.

[@billspruce8368]

Lifelong Rush fan... this made me laugh and smile... great to see Alex; he has such a great sense of humor.

[@Vigilant_Guardian]

GLAD TO SEE A SMILE...... From Alex..... encouraging to hear he is beginning to play music again.... it is what it is and forever time is still the infinite jest........... see you soon i hope Alex....... from you fans and friends in Virginia ...... with great love and joy we hope you and your be well A.gooday

[@stevendiblasio3573]

True gentleman .Beast of a guitar player.And most importantly true to his music family and friends.

[@Prolific2112]

What great friendships Alex has had in his life. It is good to see him smile.

[@TheBrightSounds]

Son of a Bang.....thank you for this.....the heart is fuller, the creativity is recharged, the desire is in 4th gear.

[@vedicastrologyteacher]

Paul, this is great. Some fantastic memories working at PRS .. one of the best memories was meeting Alex with Bonnie, Mark and Dave Wadsworth and Karl Gustafson in 1990 to give him the Black PRS. So funny to hear Paul talk about Alex's accent, when Paul is dripping with that Maryland accent!,.. Love it.

[@haydest]

One of my all time favourite guitarists! Glad you interviewed Alex

[@xocnibor]

Beautiful, put a big smile on my face. Thanks Paul and Alex.

[@eduardorajabally28]

Alex is a pioneer, a creator and an inventor. That's why his guitar playing is so different, so unique and beautiful. Always looking for the right part, the right sound for the music. No ego here... RIP Neil.

[@CL_Audio_Tuning]

It is so wonderful to see Alex again! Thank you Paul for this! Keep going! And keep enjoying the enormous success of PRS! Ever since i can remember, way back when, anybody who was anybody wanted to have those birds!! I know you have done A LOT of work to get the guitars to be the best they can be, but man o man, you cannot get past the birds! And its such a lovely reason for their being! THANK YOU!

[@robert2948]

Alex is my hero. I play guitar because of him.

[@georgetitshaw4377]

Two real gentlemen. So modest to be such icons. Rush has always been my favorite band. Stay strong you two. Love both of you guys. Thx for the video.

[@AudiophileTubes]

RUSH fan since 1976. Thanks for this fantastic interview, Paul and Alex! It was interesting to hear what hobbies many of these world class musicians gravitate to. Just a few months ago, quite randomly, I was tuning across an Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) band, and I heard Joe Walsh on the air, who is an avid Ham Radio hobbyist when he's not jamming with The Eagles! I made a quick contact with him, and he was the nicest guy!

[@enriquemora9272]

Thank you Paul for this episode, From an Alex and Rush fan. Hope you could come again to our country for fishing and relaxing when this thing passes. Greetings from Costa Rica.

[@billyhodges7194]

My total hero...... Thank you for bringing the world and esp here in Britain so much joy over the years.... Big Al, Ged and of course, Neil....... We will never see their like again.... Alex has so much joie de vivre still....I wish him and Geddy all the best and enjoy your friends and family.... 😁👍

[@paulbrighton3303]

I met Alex at the Lighted Stage premiere in NYC. He spent 4 minutes talking to just me. Such a real person who could have been an asshole because of what fame does. Somehow he escaped all those trappings and is genuine and kind to the bone. And, the most unique, expressive, brilliant guitarist ever on this earth.

[@Jennifercountry]

what a super nice and outrageously talented guy. RUsh is my all time favorite

[@corinnewebb6424]

@@davidandrew477 Hello David Andrew just seen your comment! What makes you think I'm a 'lady'? and I don't ' chime in ' . Im a 63 yr old Rush devoted woman. I'm certain you mean well but please don't patronise female Rush fans there are many of us out here ok? Eternal Rush fan. RIP Neil. ✌️

[@Jennifercountry]

@@corinnewebb6424 wohoo glad yall got this covered! Rush rocks.

[@corinnewebb6424]

@@Jennifercountry Too right Jennifer Rush certainly do rock!!! ✌️💖X

[@mentalrentareactorfactorl-42]

I am thrilled to see a smile on Alex's face. I hope Geddy is smiling, too. Rush has been such a huge part of my life and has made me laugh/feel happy for 40+ years now, that their happiness/well-being matters to me.

[@eduluke2010]

I love AL. ❤️

[@prsguitars]

So do we.

[@arglebarglefoofara]

It's just great to hear from Alex. Thanks for putting this together!

[@dadadruma]

This is the absolute first time Ive heard a single word from Lerxst in well over a year, this interview was like watching a reunion of a life long friend.

[@hrlarson]

Even though Alex is one of the greats of guitar I can’t imagine being intimidated if I ever met him. He seems to be the sweetest guy in history.

[@thepalmpilot3g]

my PRS A15AL is one of if not THE best sounding guitar in my small and humble collection. Been a fan of Rush since YYZ and my only regret is never getting to see them live. Great video and amazing sound :)

[@troygier991]

Alex You are a very special person. I've been listening to you for years. I wish you the best in everything you do and you can come to Texas anytime. Even though I'm moving back to Detroit. I will never forget Rush and all the music and guitaring that came from your blessed mind. CANADA ROCKS!!

[@squeedum4893]

Good to see Alex smiling after the loss of Neil just a few months ago. An incredible musician and great human being. Rush forever.

[@stephenneville7841]

Great to hear from Alex , such a down to earth person, my heart goes out to him and Geddy. Such a huge part of my life for a long friggin time, speaking of time where the hell did it go.

[@stevenpressley5956]

Wow! Two of the worlds greatest minds on 1 screen... Thanks guys 😀

[@MichaelBrown-ys6tj]

Alex and Geddy must be among the very nicest most down to Earth guys in Rock. I just recently decided to purchase a PRS guitar for two reasons, great quality and Paul's attitude.

[@michelleburkholder2547]

Just glad to see Alwx is doing okey. Love RUSH forever. Thanks guys.

[@CNCChazz]

Wow this was the interview I didn’t know I needed. So much cool tidbits and friendly banter, thank you!

[@AaronWeissRocks]

This was a beautiful interview.

[@riveralph3687]

Thank you Alex. It warms my heart to hear you again during what has been a pretty lousy year for all. Great conversation between pals! Rush Forever!!! King Lerxst rules!

[@joehdiron1620]

Thank you for posting this. Needed a little Alex today. Very humble man, Alex. You are a very humble man as well it appears. I will be subscribing to your channel. Thank you. Stay well.

[@jimmybyers4807]

"He had a knife?" Lmao....Classic Lifeson. Priceless...

[@StratMaster77]

My 2 favorite music pioneers...this was pure gold! Thanks Paul!

[@thedarkness97]

It's sad for me, to hear of my favourite band now in the past tense. and their last concert night, was still just under 4 years ago 😢

[@grey-friar]

Their last concert was on August 1st, 2015! Next week it's been 5 years. Just sayin'

[@thedarkness97]

@@grey-friar 😢

[@Kafrifelle]

Alex is one of the nicest person on any interviews. So generous and true

[@martydickinson2011]

My fav guitar player and my fav guitar builder in the same interview. It's a good night! So happy to hear Lerxt is tinkering again. He has so much to offer post-rush that it would be a shame if he just quarantined his guitars.

[@philhall4231]

That was great to see! Alex is an inspiration to all guitarist and a kind soul. Thanks for sharing this Paul!

[@ianbarcelos]

Huge influence for me! One of the best and most underrated guitarist of the whole world. Thanks Alex!

[@vasspanowitz7304]

Thank you Aleko!! for everything!!

[@TheDeecue]

Alex's smile is magical...real happiness...

[@catguy64]

God bless Alex and his infectious smile and good naturedness. Man how I, we all, miss these three guys on stage.

[@gunarsbrants8429]

Great video guys !.... Born and raizes in Richmond Hill .... lol Rush fan for life , great influence in my recordings. Tons of gear , but still havent bought my first PRS (acoustic ) lol .... All. The best guys !

[@MichaelBazik]

All I do is play guitar and golf. I loved Alex and now I love him even more.

[@gregtimpany4183]

Alex, so grateful to hear that you are playing again!

[@TheRealDanVerton]

I just bought my first PRS - arrives in 2 weeks. Soooooo excited!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Alex, glad to hear you're drifting back towards music! Both of these guys are at the top of their respective ladders, much respect!

[@TheChef470]

My God how I miss Rush......love,love,love those guys.

[@phil1pd]

Favorite guitarist and favorite guitar.

[@Thompsongs]

I think it's hilarious (and unintentional, I'm sure) that there's a Les Paul shown prominently behind Alex through the whole PRS interview.

[@WhaleBluePRS]

I was thinking it might be one of his Les Pauls from the early days. Maybe "Caress of Steel" era or so. But there is at least a PRS headstock poking up above Alex's hat, so there's that! :)

[@mattlarsen1661]

Saw that 😂

[@deanladue3151]

Looks like the '58 reissue that the Gibson Custom Shop gave him a few years back.

[@scottosborn3097]

That's the first thing I noticed...

[@j_freed]

That's just where it is when he turns his camera on. That high wall had several guitars all over it to the ceiling, many vintage instruments spanning his career, and clearly this is one LP he needs within close reach.

[@stonerjoe21]

Loved every minute of it! Two huge inspirations for me as a guitarist

[@TheMaxPower82]

Great to see he’s doing fine. I’ve been listening to Rush quite a lot over the last couple of years and even more so after the Professor’s untimely passing. What an inspiration. Amazing band.

[@sunjaybedi4389]

Great interview, nice to see your history and the warmth you share.

[@carlboswell986]

Enjoyed this! I found it to be an interesting conversation. Plus, I enjoyed the moments of humor!

[@batperez700]

I love hearing Alex is getting back into music.

[@thejuiceofearl6574]

Been waiting for this such a great conversation!

[@louiscarrillo5873]

that was awesome! blessem both. all my buddies play PRS and all my fav players do too.

[@tylerdurden8849]

Alex Lifeson is my favorite human being. Period. :)

[@mattlarsen1661]

Greatest guitarist and greatest guitar maker! RIP greatest drummer Neil....

[@paulkiel5613]

24 gold records. And lots of people don't know him Very underrated guitarist.

[@AudiophileTubes]

On the other hand, he is a very well known and respected world class guitarist, if you're into rock music! 'Moving Pictures' made him well known.