Step into the Lerxst Limelight | AMS Alex Lifeson Interview

Russ and Ryan flew up to Canada just for the chance to sit down with Alex Lifeson at Godin’s showroom and talk about his cinematic songwriting, the seductive nature of playing the guitar, and the process of designing his brand new Lerxst Limelight guitar!
Get your Lerxst Limelight guitar here:
Lerxst Limelight Vega Trem Electric Guitar:
ter.li/AmericanMusical-Lerxst...
Lerxst Limelight Floyd Rose Electric Guitar:
ter.li/AmericanMusical-Lerxst...
Make sure to check out our blog post on the AMS Content Hub:
www.americanmusical.com/conte...
And go stream Alex Lifeson’s music here:
open.spotify.com/artist/4vC9k...
And check out his other project, Envy of None here:
open.spotify.com/artist/2wwAr...
And for all your gear needs head on over to AmericanMusical.com
#AmericanMusicalSupply #AlexLifeson #Guitar #Interview #MusicianInterview #Rush #GodinGuitars #Lerxst #Limelight #LerxstLimelight #LerxstGuitar #GeddyLee #NeilPert #Victor #envyofnone
Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Get your Jeff Beck on (demo)
1:30 - Intro
1:56 - Inspiration for Lerxst Limelight
5:30 - Songwriting process
7:00 - Exploring new tones
11:26 - Creation of the Hentor Sportscaster
13:32 - Designing the Lerxst Limelight
20:05 - Evolution of style
27:39 - The “Lifeson Chord”
28:26 - Recording Victor
30:54 - Envy of None
32:41 - Still find playing satisfying
35:40 - Stockroom of gear
37:31 - You gotta keep going
39:13 - Outro

[@paulbrighton3303]

Alex’s playing was life changing for me, and I’m a drummer. He’s a true guitar hero, not just in his expressive playing, but because his personality, joviality, humor is in his playing. His style and even his hair back in the 70s and 80s was cool and was the consummate guitar hero. He was always cool, and his smile and good heart are what makes him a rock and roll treasure. Nobody sounds like him, and no one ever will.

[@mwalker3547]

Amen Brother!

[@wandajames143]

Except for his flock of seagulls cut

[@thomastucker5686]

I'm a drummer with 10 guitars. It is next to impossible to write a song on drums. Rush was truly a motivating factor.

[@kenneth7197]

Drummer too. Love him!

[@Mike80528]

@@wandajames143 LOL. They were never really good with style, until they stopped trying.

[@lagpressure]

He is possibly the greatest rock guitar player of all time. Certainly a legitimate argument for it...

[@trevorjamesbradley3010]

Spent a day playing golf with Alex a couple of years ago. He's as nice a guy as you could imagine. Class act all the way. As a fan for 40 years, it was a dream come true.

[@Wileylikethehawk]

But who won?

[@OutOnTheTiles]

That’s awesome! Did you play a coarse in the Toronto area?

[@trevorjamesbradley3010]

@@OutOnTheTiles Yes, Coppinwood. Alex’s home course.

[@trevorjamesbradley3010]

@@Wileylikethehawk He got me by 1 stroke.

[@necromancer6897]

You lucky bastard

[@robtymec2045]

I love how he's not just a ridiculously-talented musician, but also gives an intensely-engaging interview every time.

[@robertpurdy4452]

Growing up Alex was and still is my favorite guitar player of all time.

[@candacereynolds1723]

Alexandar "Alex Lifeson" Zivojinovic is a GENIUS!!!

[@TheVermifuge]

Radio: “Yes hello we’re on the air with Randy, go ahead.” Randy Bobandy: “Yes the answer is Alexandar Zivojinovic” Radio: “That’s right Randy, son of life, Lifeson!” Bubbles: “That cheeseburger eatin’ BASTARD!!!” 🤣

[@markhartman1847]

Dirk told him, "To me, you're a genius, to O'Malley you're a genius, but to a genius, you're no genius" 🤣

[@karmicselling4252]

ALEKSANDAR not Alexander !!! No soup for you !!!

[@terrydonegan1622]

Such a lovely man. Love from Wales uk

[@trertdr]

Awesome

[@eugenehavens]

How many of us saw Alex as our guitar dad in the 80s. He’s why I play guitar.

[@brodieyake7735]

I was just having this conversation with my dad the other day. I saw the A Show Of Hands live video at a very young age back in the 90s, it changed my life, and Rush has been my favorite band of all time ever since. Immediately, I wanted to be a drummer. Flash forward nearly thirty years later, and my second ever professional gig starts tomorrow. I was fortunate enough to see Rush three times in my life, and their 2010 show in Saratoga, NY on the Time Machine tour still stands as the best show I've ever seen by any artist ever.

[@johnnolan4312]

I'm the Dad who grew up with these guys seeing them at small venues and learning all of the guitar parts, unfortunately my children were never interested in learning guitar 😢

[@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849]

Right here man. I took 6 guitar lessons in 8th grade, saw the Moving Pictures tour at Madison Square Garden in June '81 and was in full Rush mode. In freshman year my best friend showed me how to learn songs by ear with a Walkman. I started with Red Barchetta and could play every Rush song through Grace Under Pressure by the end of senior year. Still play guitar, still a Rush fanatic at 56.

[@DanVYouTube]

Me too!

[@MichaelMoore-nx5ue]

Agreed

[@mikerammel8731]

Rush is one of the most important hard rock bands that ever came out, Lifeson is truly a pioneer in progressive guitar. I thank the universe for him and Neil and Geddy.

[@Deguilbret17]

Alex is just how i like legendary musician. Humble and generous.

[@glencarson2635]

Best guitar solo in the history of rock music... Alex's solo in La Villa Strangiato.

[@Altosax449]

What about the guitar break on “The Analog Kid”?

[@joedecker3900]

@@Altosax449How about the 100 other ones??

[@dorian2112]

how does anyone pick!?

[@brianschraeder2832]

I always liked his solo in By Tor and the snow dog.

[@geddylee501]

Cut to the chase

[@TheErik249]

One of the biggest reasons why RUSH and Alex lasted so long in the music business is the fact that Alex, Geddy, and Neil were willing to and were driven to constantly evolve in their playing and then their writing. Farewell to kings, hemispheres, and permanent waves were slightly similar in their genre and style. That period in their career (1977 - 1980) was really where they cemented their foundation as an iconic concert band. They finished the period of "ridiculous robes," as Geddy referred to it, with Moving pictures. They had become the band that we all know and love. Then, they began to evolve and change as THEY pleased. Not as the industry would've wanted THEM to change and fit into a record company box. This is why THEY remained relevant. They are artists. Not tools of a record company. Record companies came to THEM and asked if they were ready to release material and then tour on the material. Independent... NOT dependent. RUSH fan since 1978. Erik J.

[@colinwallace5286]

I’m not going to get long-winded. I hope if I ever get to meet you, I will keep it to a hearty “Thank You”, for all of it. Thanks for just being a Canadian kid who grew (mostly gracefully) into our ambassador. Thanks to all of you.😌

[@pumpkinking5174]

Just a quality human being.

[@ToneGuy007]

And such a humble guy and true artist!!

[@TCU1]

Lerxst (best nickname ever LOL) is something else and I’m forever grateful my father too me to Grace Under Pressure when I was 14. It changed my life forever!

[@sspbrazil]

Never realized how huge Alex’s hands are. Crazy.

[@dominiccrimmings6925]

Amazing to think that after all the "angst" between Alex and Geddy during the Signals / Grace Under Pressure era of Geddy using more and more keyboards to Alex's dislike, he is now extolling the virtues of making his guitar sound like a keyboard !! The circle of life right there !!

[@Dobie_ByTor]

I remember him saying in an interview about that… “they (synths) aren’t even real instruments.” 😂 The big wheel spins.

[@Haywire-Alguire]

Alex is a living legend ! Cheers from Kelowna B.C. 🇨🇦

[@jamesaguilar4626]

His music was and still is a soundtrack of my life , a warm and cozy snowy day by the fire listening to Rush is always a good time …

[@bluesdude1194]

One of my favourite guitar players.

[@johnladdsmusic]

Although I stopped trying to sound like him a long time ago, Alex is the reason I play! He’s a true original in every sense ❤

[@ChrisCookPrime]

I just bought the Lerxst CHI and then these guitars dropped. "The only thing I'm splurging on this year...oh yea, but I need this too" Love you Alex, but you're killing me :)

[@craigkelm488]

Alex is such a down to earth guy. What a nerd lol. A true legend of guitar players

[@markdavies2115]

Greatest guitarist from the greatest band and my biggest influence. I haven't turned my chorus off in almost 45 years. lol.

[@davidfk2112]

I'm so glad someone interviewing Alex finally brought up Victor. It's an amazing album that doesn't get nearly enough attention.

[@ThomasCrowne]

He is why I play guitar. The first song I learned was Closer to the Heart. Then I learned Broons Bain. Love those guys.

[@RichFranks]

LOL, Alex making synth sounds on his guitar might be the most ironic thing I have head in a long time! Great interview!

[@affeneitrheim614]

Brilliant and unique musician, and such an amazing human being. Love Alex!

[@craigkelm488]

What a great guy...a true guitar legend.

[@fcamiola]

Beautiful interview with a beautiful man! Thanks for this guys - wonderful job.

[@mikejacobson14]

I love these Rush guys.

[@kimbarry4674]

1 of my favourite Canadians❤🇨🇦

[@jameshansen5281]

Alex is treasure. We're all so lucky to be alive in this small moment in time together, and be able to appreciate the exceptional people like Alex, Geddy, and Neil.

[@pagejackson3389]

Though he has received accolades, Alex may just be the most undersung, underappreciated guitar master ever. He really is the man. Love that he seems so humble.

[@gabriellalilliehook7979]

Huge fan of Lerxst been that since 2112 he is the scientist of Rush and one of the best players of all time

[@tornadorpower]

one of the best Serbian guitarists

[@DoctorKev-ps8ve]

One of the most if not best versatile guitarists of the last 50 years, so much progression over the years not sure any other band has been able to produce so many styles, speaks to what great musicians and human beings these guys are/ were. Always an inspiration when listening to them and nothing ever seems to get old, I still tear up a bit every time I see, hear anything NP. Such a big part of my life soundtrack from the late 70’s to current times. All the shows and memories, and playing music live and recording what a great influence to have , I’m turning my grandkids on to them now along with all the other greats❤

[@SpaTZz9]

Big Al is an awesome guy. He has always been one of my hero's.

[@thomasmorris2245]

Alex - and Rush have started Humble and worked themselves and their music as our lives sound track

[@rickycompton2610]

Wow, one of the greatest interviews of The Most underrated guitar players of all time,Long live Alex Lifeson ,I would like to thank you and Geddy and Neil for Some of the most Cutting edge music ever recorded!RIP Neil Peart! Congrats on the signature amps and new signature Godin Lersxt guitar.

[@intercommerce]

How is he "under-rated? He's HIGHLY rated! Always has been. He started in the 60's, FFS.

[@joedecker3900]

@@intercommerceSeriously

[@karmicselling4252]

@@intercommerce He is highly rated by those who are aware of him. Rush was known widely thoughout most of North America and Europe. But not so widely known here in Australia and in many parts of Asia. I had never heard of Rush until the mid 1980s when a Canadian friend put me onto their music. Here is Australia, Rush has always had a niche following. However, guys like Berry, Clapton, Harrison, Richards, McGuinn, Townshend, Hendrix, Page, Gilmour, Knopfler, Van Halen et al have always been widely known due to the popularity of their music and the universal success of the acts / bands they were associated with.

[@deathincorporatedfitnesstr1256]

Very first chord....... everyone on earth can hear every rush song in that instant. Lol cheers from Vancouver BC 🤘

[@flybynightgirl]

No music no life , no life no music. You can never replace music. It's a life force. He's my fave ❤ nice interview . I remember when I was a young teen after watching the limelight and mp on video that all the guys in rush lived in the ❄️😊 in some far away place only recording rush songs. So I just like to say that I would like to hear some acoustic arrangements from Al and he could do a few shows with special guests unplugged.. I think that would really work. Ciao baby

[@mattdelany6799]

Epic guitar player. Great guy.

[@daviddevilliers2828]

The great Alex Lifeson, the legendary

[@travis1572]

Some of his solos are my favorites

[@tonygee4]

It does not get better than this, he is a Maestro

[@luishenriqueteixeiraramos1675]

One of my favorite artists. Sir Alex.

[@alxbolt6225]

I would call Alex a legend but that would be an understatement.

[@commonman317]

"Power Windows" has been my go-to album in my later years. True, very synth heavy stuff. But, I couldn't imagine that album without Alex's guitar parts. His choice of tones and sounds, and how he fit them in, shows what a master he is on guitar!

[@christilehman-starr4428]

Huge rush fan and I just listened to power windows for the first time! There were some great songs!

[@commonman317]

@@christilehman-starr4428 Glad you liked them.

[@profoundsinger]

AMAZING interview!! Holy crap I never realized how HUGE Alex’s hands are!!!

[@kanesword9528]

Watch close ups of any of the videos, he does have large hands. Def helps with playing.

[@andyharman3022]

I shook Alex's hand at a meet and greet on their final tour in 2015. His hand was large, rough, and powerful.

[@MarkandSandieInMotion]

I assumed his hands were small with those long thin fingers. Crazy how he plays. It’s the love of music.

[@williamkerner]

Good to see that he is still passionate about music. I wonder if he misses playing with Geddy, they knew each other for such a long time.

[@chiefbrody75]

They're best friends and literally see other all the time. That never changed

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

Great to see Alex out and about again. HOPE YOUR FEELING BETTER ALEX !!!❤ 🙏🇺🇸

[@ToneGuy007]

This was my dream guitar in my teens when I first saw Alex play it on the Exit Stage Left video... so much so that I went looking for a white Strat with a black pickguard and a rosewood fretboard. Ended up with a black Strat, black pickguard and rosewood neck but always longing for the Hentor version. This is now the one I will have to own and play live as it has everything I need and want ... and so glad it is a Godin as the quality and workmanship is there... no question as this is a great guitar! Alex was the biggest influence on my early years of playing guitar and Rush being my favorite band ever this is as awesome as the Lerxst Amp line!

[@Lickmaker]

This guitar is nothing like the original Hentor Sportscaster. Different woods, pickups....totally not the same. There"s already a guy that's been making exact handmade replicas for 10 years after borrowing the Hentor from Alex and backwards engineering it.

[@Crunch104]

All hail the Alex Lifeson chord!

[@angusorvid8840]

Godin is not only one the biggest guitar builders in North America, so far as the sheer number of instruments they produce, but also one of the most consistently high quality. I love their guitars.

[@staylor537]

This just made me think of those great RUSH songs! Thanks for the open chords Alex!

[@athomeontwo]

I saw a Rush on every tour from hold your fire until the second to last tour. I would definitely describe myself as a Ged- banger… even back in the day, I had a Gallien Krueger 2100 SEL. I won’t lie a Les Paul with a Floyd rose makes me wince L O L, maybe it’s my age, but the only rush albums I really listen to still is grace under pressure, power windows or hold your fire. I still say those are the most lyrically. Incredible albums they ever did but I’m not sure I’m interested in that guitar L O L.!

[@rickmontgomery3037]

This is one of the best Alex L. interviews I've seen, very down to earth, informative and enjoyable. Doesn't get much better, thanks for posting!

[@kidgloves2]

I couldn’t afford this guitar if they gave me 50% off lol. But congrats to everyone that gets one.

[@WonkyHalo]

How much is it?

[@vincenzomigliore9749]

Best guitarist on earth to me. I haven’t even watched the video yet but I love it already

[@debilarge]

Such an inspiration! Love Lerxst!

[@batphink2655]

Al is in my Top 5 Rock guitarists he is so humble for such a brilliant player and I;ve always heard what a great guy he is from people I've known who have met him!

[@Eric_01]

After being a fan since the 80's, I FINALLY got to see them live on their R-40 tour. Man, was that one of the best moves I ever made! This was a great, casual and relaxing interview. It show that he also respects the interviewers and that always allows for more candid conversation. Really enjoyed this one.

[@HereXEG]

For a guitarist from the age of shredders, Mr. Lifeson seems to rest more on feeling and wisdom! After a lifetime of recording and playing in some of the most profound bands, it never get old. That should say much to young guitarist that strive to play fast nonsense. I loved how hed vocalize the lyrics and pronoced the feel of each song. The emotional phrasing he brought to iconic riffs is like no other!

[@btdes5868]

"There it is...that chord...". Awesome. I actually shivered a bit myself when he played it!

[@jimmypalavi]

Fantastic to hear Envy of None's coming out with album 2!! The first was amazing.

[@Charles53412]

Alex is most definitely the G.O.A.T. ! He also has the largest guitar solo catalog of any guitar player in rock music.

[@kevgamble]

Those are great-looking guitars! I own a Godin-made bass and acoustic guitar and they are superb. That is a brand I trust.

[@caseysniper308]

my favorite band and guitarist, and soon as I clicked on buy for the epi alex lp I get an email for this. I'll be buying another soon.

[@necromancer6897]

I grew up listening to rush there music means so much to me he is such a nice guy they all are that’s why they are so good and lasted so long. They did not have big egos like a lot of musicians have ! Long live Alice and geddy please make more music.

[@chiefbrody75]

That first run on sentence needs some punctuation dude. Or actually, it should be broken down into 4 probably

[@northernengland]

Amp reminds me of moving pictures,Rush are good guys, hello to Alex, i use those open chords because of you.

[@susanhutchinson6023]

Alex hugged me and took a photo with me in a parking lot , He is the nicest guy one earth, Unlike the other members of RUSH, Looking good Big Al,

[@liorauf]

Such a kind and good person Alex is! A true legend! Congrats on this historic release! Great interview! ❤️🤘

[@Jeff-o-Lee]

Veneman's Music was music store that had 2 locations right outside of Washington, DC. 1 in Rockville, MD & 1 in Springfield, VA. Great store. The Rockville store had a few framed pictures of Alex, Geddy & Neil. The good ol' days. Now, the Rockville store turned into a GC. Sad when Veneman sold their store

[@sca1871]

Used to spend a lot of time at Venemens, and Victor Litz in Gaithersburg, in my late teens and early twenties/late 80s early 90s. Got my Les Paul Custom at Victor Litz in 1986. If you knew Venemens, you probably remember Victor Litz too. Cool to have heard them talk about Venemens.

[@wooliegeek]

I couldn’t even finish the video before ordering the Godin Limelight. ❤️❤️❤️

[@kanesword9528]

Tone = gear Sound = hands/fingers/personality etc

[@nkmcfrln]

Oh! Interviewer to the right is so very clever. Alex’s signature is on the amplifier.

[@williamb2845]

The Strat with a bridge humbucker (especially shite!) is an awesome setup. This guitar will be a new goal of mine! Long Live Alex!!

[@darrinjamieson161]

I'm a drummer first and guitarist second. The music of Rush has been my guidepost. Neil's precision drumming and inspiring lyrics... just wow. Alex's open F# is so deep for me. To this day, I still get goosebumps when I start playing Hemispheres. All that aside, this interview was so visceral and honest. Even if you aren't a guitarist you'd appreciate it. Thanks for doing this and sharing - time to check out "Enemy of None"!

[@darrinjamieson161]

I meant Envy of None!

[@Dumballa]

Thanks Alex ☺

[@RequiemDead]

A wonderful interview with one of my fav guitarists of all time!

[@mvunit3]

I'd have to say though . . . I would be soo tempted to buy the guitar, and paint it Candy Apple Red and put a Mirror Pick Guard on it :D. It was a GORGEOUS guitar during the circa Grace Under Pressure Tour (The Hentor "Sportscaster").

[@davep8221]

Neil would say, "the show must go on."

[@davidcraig1930]

OUTPUT jack ;) Thank God he is human like the rest of us. As a lifelong fan, I sometimes wonder.

[@haskell535]

This is VERY exciting. As a Fender person, I've been hoping for a long time he would do a 'Sportscaster' project. I gotta get me one!! :) :) Thanks Lerxst!

[@jonathancarmichael1578]

Good questions.

[@MarkandSandieInMotion]

I just watched a video where Alex spent a month or two with other kids in a farmhouse when he was 17. It’s called ‘Come on Children’ (weird title) but crazy to watch a young Alex pondering his desire to be a musician.

[@brial05]

For all his talk of love for Les Paul, he comes back to the SportsCaster again and again.

[@denislatulippe8997]

What a great dude. Loved ''The Garden'' solo

[@ensignofindustry1033]

Seeing Rush as a kid was mind blowing. Of course they were amazing players, but as a teenager at a live show I was really able to focus just on the music since there were no girls in the audience 😅

[@timothyfoley240]

Shameless plugs by Alex - and only Alex can pull it off. Love you man.

[@user-qg1cz5ie9j]

Alex is god!🎸

[@cachockey]

Holdsworth love !! Sweet

[@jfo3000]

All the greats know.

[@LearnWithStephen]

The irony that Alex has embraced the synth sounds after suffering with synths 30 years ago is interesting.

[@jimwatson5977]

Derry Grehan paint job hanging back there. Canadian guys representing!

[@darrelde8160]

Came here to say this! DG is a badass

[@brownsfan7753]

Love this!!!!!

[@jagerking7020]

"let's find furniture with the tiniest toothpick legs we can find."

[@alexandregingras6004]

Amazing interview!

[@nickmastro6870]

LOL cool Jeff Beckish sounds at the beginning Always love hearing him play, would love to see him in concert again someday

[@ericarseneau1904]

Great Interview