Long Distance: Paul Calls Alex Lifeson | PRS Guitars

In this episode of Long Distance, Paul calls an old friend: Alex Lifeson. Paul asks Alex to recall RUSH's very first live gig, they talk about their hobbies outside of music, and they address RUSH's infamous Guitar World interview where the band was asked what 'P.R.S.' stood for. All this and more in this episode of Long Distance by PRS Guitars!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Why-Why-Zee]

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

[@Yes-gz9qs]

@@Why-Why-Zee 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 !

[@MckinleyDjents]

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

[@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

[@barkbustin]

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

[@Draugoth]

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

[@SluggerStark]

YES!!!!

[@budgetguitaristcom]

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

[@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.

[@patshep68]

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

[@CamiloVelandia]

Love Alex. What a class act.

[@tonymuse]

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

[@fa18superhornetpilotcessna75]

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

[@budgetguitaristcom]

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.

[@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.

[@adisonsmith4430]

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

[@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

[@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....

[@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!

[@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 🇬🇧

[@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!

[@memopinzon]

BIG AL' CHOKIN' LIFESON!!!

[@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.

[@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

[@megalodon8473]

I laugh even when Lerxst is being serious - just anticipating him blurting out something absolutely hilarious.

[@ehzracing]

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

[@load714]

Alex has it right, wine, food, and song. That's all you need besides good friends to share it with. Because the memory of it will last a lifetime.

[@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.

[@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!....

[@billspruce8368]

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

[@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.

[@1misfits]

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

[@dannywilliams9264]

Rush = humble legends 💜💙💚💛🧡❤

[@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.

[@robertpurdy4452]

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

[@MrG0vii]

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

[@Babyseal2002]

Thanks. Two genuinely nice guys: pure gents.

[@LucifersReactorChamber42]

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.

[@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.

[@Prolific2112]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@robert2948]

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

[@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.

[@viewoftheaskew]

this was really great, thanks!

[@michaelt2112]

That was awesome! Love 'em both . Thank you for sharing, Cheers!

[@thejuiceofearl6574]

Been waiting for this such a great conversation!

[@michaelloder5150]

To Alex. A Letter from a fan-Me along with the other 300 million fans too, but I have to say from a musicians standpoint with knowledge, Alex playing was far beyond anything i have ever heard. of course there was Jimmy page and Hendrix, but Alex was above that... to me its taking music of Beethoven, Bach rolled into one with a touch of Rock, that is how Great Alex is....He is number 1.. to play complex music like that in the early 70s when your that young is Genius....La Villa Strangiato, 2112, Xanadu, The Camera Eye, Cygnus x-1, you know where i am going with this, Between the writing, Arrangement, to think this music up, melodies, that is something that normally a person who has been playing music for 40 years to come up with, but early on in the careers when Rush first Started out!! AGAIN GENIUS,........AND THAT IS WHAT ALEX IS AND GEDDY AND NEIL WAS....RIP WE MISS YOU

[@arglebarglefoofara]

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

[@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.

[@ccasche5088]

So good! Thanks guys.

[@AaronWeissRocks]

This was a beautiful interview.

[@philhall4231]

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

[@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!

[@xocnibor]

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

[@williamshepley3923]

Really enjoyed that ,thanks 😁

[@CNCChazz]

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

[@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.

[@carlboswell986]

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

[@stonerjoe21]

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

[@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.

[@haydest]

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

[@stevendiblasio3573]

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

[@johnspina318]

This was such a nice video...Alex and Paul you are both some sweet people....Thank you!

[@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.

[@brownsfan7753]

Thank you for this Paul! Huge Alex fan!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.... 😁👍

[@vasspanowitz7304]

Thank you Aleko!! for everything!!

[@joem6859]

Alex's comic timing is on par with his guitar playing... funny, funny man

[@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.

[@markusaurelius777]

Loved this Paul and Alex !!!! I was freakin' howling LOL

[@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!

[@qnetx]

Awesome. A very insightful interview. Thank you for sharing.

[@jimmybyers4807]

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

[@pttrent123]

Thank you that was awesome!

[@luminousiris1087]

You never forget that unique first time. It may be very simple and primitive but it's magical and nothing can erase it. I see this in what Alex describes in that early gig. You never forget your first love either. Seems to go hand in hand.

[@danvertonSurfFishing]

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

[@LowCountryMack]

'Fries with gravy and a coke'... still a fantastic three piece..

[@edr5364]

I miss Alex, Geddy and Neil. So much. I am absolutely delighted to see that he's doing well.

[@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!

[@sunjaybedi4389]

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

[@stevenpressley5956]

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

[@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 !

[@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!

[@jasonmcdaniel1866]

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

[@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.

[@pedraw]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@Kafrifelle]

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

[@scottsdalemedicalmassage]

Great interview! So nice to see and hear Alex. I miss those guys terribly. Paul, as a South Jersey native, I recognize your Bawdeemore accent!

[@tomdavenportmusictuition7652]

how can anyone thumbs down this??

[@joeybusnardo5866]

Cuz it was too short. That's the only reason

[@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 :)

[@thedude-jb7wx]

My favorite Lifeson moment is when he plays the solo on Afterimage in his blue checkered shirt. I was a kid and i knew i was going to be a space man and then heard Gilmour and it was like oh man i gotta bet a guitar. The two things ive played the most are Sorrow and Afterimage. Whether its Afterimage or La Villa Lifeson is the most innovative and finds the best tone. La Villa showed if he wanted to he could go to the full on shred career and do it better than anyone. From Triad solos to blazing solos to tone Lifeson is the best ever. Gilmour gives me me Gilmour Alex invented himself 3 times. You want the best classical guiatar song ever BROONSBANE best long solo ever La Villa best 80s alternative so Afterimage. Some of the most beautiful like Closer to the Heart and Tears i mean its an encyclopedia