Alex Lifeson Interview
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2019
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Mitch Gallagher is joined by world-renowned guitarist Alex Lifeson for this special interview.
#Sweetwater #AlexLifeson #Lerxst
The Zoom F8N Multitrack Field Recorder was used to record the audio in this video, and can be purchased here: www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
the world truely was a better place because of Rush.
@Frank Dodich With out a doubt... In so many ways...
@Frank Dodich Because Rush. My new saying when something goes well. RIP Neil.
My world definitely was and is.
@@Carlos-xz3vi I was the weird drummer guy in high school cause they were my favorite band, wanted to play like Neil
Gossamer IS
Alex sounds like a twenty year old, his voice doesn't age.
Still looks good for his age gained some weight though.
@Luke Robinett so, Wah Wah?
minimal to zero drugs/cigs.
He still sounds like he did when he was like 19 telling his parents he didn’t want to finish school
@@srb-ef3zs minimal? he smoked all the time when he was starting in rush
I never thought i would miss these guys so much, getting old is a pisser.
You always knew what you were getting with them. Missing it!
Yep thankfully I got to see them a few times the first time being my very first concert ever so I hear ya
I got to see then on my 26th birthday...Alex is the reason I picked up guitar
Indeed. I still keep hoping after a while they'll come back and do something. Not a huge tour, but maybe a few new tunes and a show or two. So glad i went to R40!! Great show man. Great up until the end. The band i've seen the most times. 11
@ BubbaZen10 - I hope so to but would be surprised if it happened. Maybe a Lee Lifeson collaboration with another great drummer?
Alex looks like his heart was heavy, knowing his dear friend was battling cancer.
Absolutely, usually cracking jokes with his two friends..
So true Jed. The angst that both Alex and Getty must of been feeling during this time....so painful....
Alex looks like he's talking to his own reflection.
The tony stark of the guitar world.
He kind of does that in one of his entries in one of the tour books (T4E, I think) .... funny, funny man.
My childhood guitar hero. The fact that Alex doesn’t know the differences between power tubes after 50+ years of playing tells you a lot; not about his ignorance, but rather his instinctive priorities as an artist.
Of the three members of Rush, Alex’s arrangements and approach always felt the most ‘from the heart’. In a crowded landscape of classic rock heroes, Alex has more than earned his place in the “Name That Player In One Note Club”, alongside Hendrix, Santana and Gilmour.
A class act and warm human being. ❤️
Amen
I think your assessment on Alex's from the heart arrangements is exactly right. Ive heard interviews with all members saying Alex's playing usually is better when he first just let's it flow naturally. The more he refines, the more he loses.
whenever you feel low or miserable, load up the exit stage left live performance of Xanadu, the best medicine ever
Jacob's ladder from that album does it for me.🍻✌️
I'll never forget the day my best friend brought his Walkman on a trip and handed me the headphones and said "listen to this." Tom Sawyer at full volume and my life was never the same. Thanks Alex.
Same here
My introduction to Rush was 2112 on 8-track in my brother's car in '76. It was definitely a "What the ........?" moment.
My intro to RUSH was All the Worlds A Stage in 1978 (album released in 1976). After hearing 2112 live on headphones, I began buying the back catalog until PW was released. Yeah, I'm damn old now. Complete life changer and will forever y my favorite band. Luckily got to do the meet and greet on the R40 tour, a lifelong dream.
That made me smile.
@@laneeric same here, all the worlds a stage was an epiphany to me
Soundtrack of my life from around the age of 15....I’m 53 now. Born in Toronto & lived in Willowdale. Rush is basically a part of my DNA at this point. Alex has created & recorded an amazing amount of iconic guitar parts. Rush is a once in a lifetime magical miracle band🤘
rastadarrin I could have written your comment except im from Tennessee.
Yes, absolutely yes
2112 and Caress of Steel are the two most brilliantly written concept albums of all time next to pink floyds Animals. Iwas obsessed with rush as a kid. The old stuff has never lost it's edge.
As grey traces of dawn tinge the eastern sky,
the three travelers, men of Willowdale,
emerge from the forest shadow.
Fording the River Dawn, they turn south, journeying
into the dark and forbidding lands of the Necromancer.
@@robert2948 i love that these guys are such bloody nerds. Those lyrics sound like l.a.r.p.ers on their way to some boring suburban park. Foam swords and shit. Lol
Impossible not to love Alex Lifeson. So unpretentious. Will miss that trio.
That was a long minute. Heh. Loved it. Alex is my favorite guitarist, and has been for decades. Such a class act, too.
Oh yeah Lerxst is the best!!
I just read that Jimmy Johnson - Alex’s long time guitar tech passed away while out on the road with Styx (in late July)--Jimmy was there with Alex from the beginning through the 90s -he needed work when Rush took a long hiatus in the late 90s and wound up on other tours including Styx. Jimmy is from my area of Northern Ky near Cincinnati- RIP Jimmy!
RIP... Jimmy.
Sorry to hear that. We used to chat on AOL messenger during 96-97 quite a bit. Really a nice guy and answered every question I ever asked him without bugging him to much.
I’m from Somerset. Sad to hear. It’d be cool if Neil did a new interview sometime soon. With Geddy’s Big Book of Bass and Alex talking here, maybe we’ll get something from Neil.
Rip man.. I saw the headline and tried to read up on it but it it disappeared before I can find the read the rest of the article. glad I got some more confirmation
God bless.
I know you all know this, but I have to say it. Alex Lifeson is one of the all time, mind blowingly GREATEST, world class rock guitarists to ever grace this galaxy!!!
PREACH 🙏🏾
Thanks Alex for all of the memories you gave the fans along with Geddy and Neil!!!
Well said peter. Sure is great to hear these guys getting to just enjoy life after they gave us so much to enjoy, for me everyday. LOL Sure miss them though.
Well said peter, Nice they are getting to really just enjoy life after they gave us so much to enjoy. Sure miss them though!!!!!
Three of the worlds greatest musicians; other-worldly players.
Could not have said that better, Peter.
It's great to keep up with the ongoing journey of Alex's hair.
Party Van! He was! He fixed it! 😉
@@edgecenter no he wasn't ... It's thinning...He's almost 70
The Executioner sorry man...saw a poster from the late 80s, and Alex had those early doll hair transplants. He’s improved on that but then he had the big bald spot (in a couple concert vids, but also look at the Strombo show, hair in the back’s gone). Then the last few years kinda an ok hair system for the back, but whatever’s he’s doing here to cover up the back of his head finally looks really natural. Plus, look at his dad in the doc, as bald as it gets 😉
I think it's the reason behind their song and top hit right behind Limelight and Tom Sawyer, “I Think I’m Going Bald”.
They should send him to Trump's guy.
lifeson rocks, and is such a gentleman, starting listening to rush in 76, and im still listening, rock on rush fans
I'm with you bro 6th grade it's been my favorite trio ever since then God gave me a Les Paul and a bass that's when I realized how good they really are
Alex is the most under rated guitar player, one of the best ever!!
Underated?....He's the best!
Richard Alon underrated guitar players don’t get their own amp
Under rated?
Wake up man
According to Rolling Stone, Alex is rated 98 of the top 100. Does that sound like an appropriate rating to you who say he's NOT under rated? Do you even know what UNDER RATED means? He is absolutely the most under rated guitar player of our time.
I think he means his people aren't talking about Alex too often.
Alot of people I know,mostly the ones outta my circle,are like Alex who?
I just shake my head.lol.
Alex is a dear friend, and completely unfazed by his stature in the pantheon of guitarists. An awesome guy.
If there’s one word I can use to describe Rush, it’s “pure”. Pure artistry, pure musicianship. Technically demanding music that never sounded self indulgent, and that cut straight through to the heart every time.
Alex’s style was all at once thoughtful, frenetic, and soulful. He is the undisputed master of the whammy bar, and my favorite work of his was performed on the Hentor Sportscaster.
Well said
Great interview! You know you've finally arrived when you're watching your bearded, silver-haired guitar hero being interviewed by a bearded, silver haired guy and it dawns on you: you look exactly the same as them... but could care less ... Much love and thanks to you, Alex! Rock on. 🤘
Daryl Cozzens you are right! I am a silver-haired, bearded, middle-aged man watching every minute of this interview! :) “The more the things change, the more they stay the same.”
Listen to Alex's solo in the song "Chemistry" off the album "Signals".
Quick, concise, and to the point….one of my all time favourite solos.
It's great. Rock on Alex…..You're the best !
I love that solo as well. Mission solo is right up there with Chemistry solo for me. Both are hair standing solos.
@@Darrin.Crawford Thank you! So many people crap on Hold your Fire and that era of Rush albums, but there are some real gems in there. My favourite three albums of the entire Rush discography are: Moving Pictures, Signals and Grace Under Pressure. GUP also sadly gets overlooked by guitar purests that don't like synth's taking centre stage, but my god there is some *amazing* guitar in that entire album. The song Afterimage has some of my favourite riffs and one amazing solo from Alex. It's a very emotional album and IMO it's as good as Moving Pictures and Signals...it's just different.
Alex's solos always pack a ton of emotion, I love his solos on La Villa Strangiato, Free Will and Marathon, they never fail to make my hair stand up.
It is a great solo, I too love it. Doesn't get any air time but should.
Chemistry is so underrated
Glad you're well Mr. Živojinović
Ive been a fan of Lifeson for 40 yrs his enthusiasm is contagious.
Mr. Lifeson..you are one of the finest human beings God has made..thank you so much for helping me find my way..
My favorite guitarist of all time is a class act. Funny, charming, insightful, and humble. Thanks for a great interview.
Boy -- these guys look like they could be brothers...great interview. Here's to middle-aged, black-dressed, white-haired, silver-goateed guitar dudes!
He is so honest and unpretentious its amazing.
God, I miss the thrill of buying a new Rush album.
Omg you just killed me wow
Yeah, never thought about that, been buying them for 43 out of my 53 years.
I miss the tours even more.
Oh absolutely!
I miss Rush guys
I love how humble Alex always is, you wouldn't guess he's such a legend just by talking to him
Alex Lifeson. Legendary guitar god and down to earth nicest guy ever in one package.
Lars Wallin Like May, Page, Gilmour, Hackett and so on
A real Canadian legend. Not only is he a incredible musician but a great human being. If we had more people like this the world would be a better place
impressive how articulate and intelligent all the members are
This guy always puts a smile on my face.
The best part of being a Rush fan is that Alex , Geddy and , Neil were always very humble, gracious, down to earth, absolutely wonderful role models
I don’t know if it was before or after he did the interview but I did Sweetwater’s Rock camp the week he was there. He kindly came in and spoke to us for a good half hour or so. Alex has always been a huge influence and hero to me and the fact that he took the time to speak with us spoke volumes about his character to me. Will never forget it! Thank you Alex and Sweetwater that moment will stick with me for the rest of my life.
😉👍
He’s an awesome human being and no massive ego like a lot of celebrities tend to have
"The Necromaner! And all those crazy songs." I don't know why, but that made me chuckle.....
Class song
@@brucedickinson12 too right........
@ bansheebot2 - His acting in those Rush concert films make me chuckle! Funny guy... 😂
LIVING. LEGEND. He is a living legend this man. What a great time to be alive to go back 40 years to hear his mastery on the 6 string.
I remember seeing Alex as a surly teenager arguing with his dad about wanting to be a guitar player. Glad dad lost that one.
J Stenberg Hats off to the person who had the idea to film that argument and then the foresight to keep it for posterity.
That scene is part of a Canadian documentary. You can find it here on UA-cam.
I saw that documentary. He was about 21. Alex was the cook in the house. It reminded me of people on MTV living in a house. He was pissed that people were such slobs not picking up after themselves, he was refusing to cook anymore. It was really interesting. A lot of lost teenagers smoking pot. His dad and mom visited and were so concerned in how he was going to make a living as a musician. He kept telling his parents he wasn’t looking to make tons of money. Shows him playing some loud rock riffs on his guitar and the group in the house were all chuckling at him. Just a couple of years later he co created the iconic band RUSH, and the rest is history.
A true guitar legend and gentleman! Ironically, Alex mentions Page and Gilmour, my two other all time favorite rock guitarists! Zep, Floyd, and Rush forever! Thanks for the great music and memories, Alex!
@ AudiophileTubes - That’s it the top 3!!! 👍
I borrowed 2112 from a friend in 1978, since then RUSH has been my favourite band(seen them live 4 times in Sweden) and Alex my favourite guitar player.
I know what you mean rastadarrin I feel the same way love Rush for decades now I'm 54.
In my book Rush was the greatest band there ever was or ever will be.
Alex-Wan Kenobi: guitarist/producer by day, jedi master at night.
My thoughts exactly!!
One of the most underrated guitarists. His tone and unique phrasing was/is so damn good!
RIP Neil, you are missed.
Fantastic interview. Used to play in a Rush tribute band and at one point we had almost 5 hours worth or material together. Think of that, writing all that stuff, getting it recorded... just a mind boggling amount of work. They've brought a lot of joy to a ton of people over generations.
It's amazing when such a successful musician is so grounded, honest, and open. A class act
As awesome as Alex is, Mitch Gallagher is a class act interviewer. He made Alex's interview even better. Hats off to both Alex and Mitch!
Ever since I was a kid in the 60's I've loved all kinds of music. I heard the pop hits on the radio, my sisters records, stuff like The Beatles, The Monkees, Neil Diamond, Gordon Lightfoot, ect . . . In the mid 70's I started liking the harder rock sound, and started playing drums. So, what I'm getting at here is, I liked all kinds of music, and lots of bands, but what was it about Rush that made me feel this is MY band? that made me care more about this band than anyone else? and to feel that way from 1978 until now. I saw them in 1978, and I got a feeling that this band cared about being good, I felt they had integrity and pride in what they were doing, that night they became my favourite band, and I saw one show from every single tour since then, and I could talk all day about them !
So glad to see Alex is doing well. Want nothing but the best for all of them :)
I love that Lifeson says "Mojotones" after working with them for however long, and after Mitch saying "Mojotone" 70 times. If I was Mojotone, I'd add the "s." Hey, if Lifeson says it, it should be so.
One of the best Alex Lifeson interviews I’ve seen in a while. The info about the monitor mixes was great inside info I’ve never heard discussed. Sweetwater, please get Alex in to do one of your recording workshops!
Thank you Alex ( Geddy and the late Neil Peart) for your lifelong dedication to music. From our preteens, to teenagers, as adults and now into our retirement years. You brought us hope in times of challenges and despair and made us music lovers survivors. Thank you so much for taking a chance and allowing us fans to touch the reality of your dreams
Have worshipped Rush from afar [Melbourne,Aus.] since 1979. I wholeheartedly echo all the sentiments that have gone before me in these comments. Rush forever!
Mitch sounds more excited than usual because he’s talking to one of the BEST guitarists and songwriters ever from the greatest band RUSH ( these guys look like brothers)
After the passing of Neil I was reflecting on all the great music these guys made over the years and how it touched soooo many lives. Every corner of the earth. And to be totally honest I never got the chance to see them live. My big regret but I am still happy that I have their music to listen to. Every morning now since Neil died I have Rush playing getting my mind into a good space. And I have realized that it is the whole of the band that made these guys great..Each one had a mastery of their instrument and each one was unique at what they did. Their personalities drove the uniqueness that much further. They weren't just another band. They seemed each to strive to be better with each record. That is something I don't think a lot of bands do. Too many get complacent.. Don't believe Rush ever did...
The “In Ears” conversation was amazing, I loved the insight of each members mix was enlightening
I agree. I never once thought about those things as a purely (pedestrian) home musician.
So true!!! Incredible stuff, great questions from Mitch
Alex plays in a way that breaks my heart and makes me feel so excited at the same time. Thank you for so much Alex . .
The upside of now being an old guy. Got to see Rush several times in their prime. Amazing what a 3 person band can make. Just awesome.
Alex, i know this was months ago but you're the reason i picked up a guitar. Thank you so much for every tune, concert and speech youve ever done. You're a legend
must have been hard for Alex knowing when this interview was recorded his band mate Neil had cancer
I was thinking the same thing...brings me to tears
it must have been hard for Alex to do a lot of things. The brilliant thing is Geddy & Alex kept doing interviews and we never even had the faintest idea until 3 days after he died
Totally agree.
Neil passed doing what he loved for a living, despite the tragedies of his late wife and daughter. He toured and rode motorcycles around the globe, wrote poetic lyrics for millions of dollars, and became the greatest drummer on Earth! He passed too early at only 67, but lived the life of 1000 ordinary men.
Third Herd - no offense, but "passed doing what he loved for a living" couldn't be further from the truth. He had to live with glioblastoma for three and a half years before he passed away. He barely had a year after the end of Rush before he was diagnosed with it.
cant think of a person in the world who seemed to enjoy thier job more than alex. every video of them live, he is laughing, engaging and overall enjoying life.
Absolutely Miss Lerxst, Dirk, and the Professor as All RUSH FANS Do.....but really love what The Boys are doing after they left The Stage......We Fans will always be interested in their "Projects"!!
Could never afford such a beautiful amp. But Alex Lifeson has been my biggest influence since my first listen in 1975. The G.O.A.T. IMO!
LOVE Alex’ response to the last question (“What makes a great musician?”)… “Passion, dedication, perseverance, and smarts”… NOT “pure talent” as RUSH and other greats are often accused in UA-cam comments. The difference between those who wish to seem, and those who wish to be.
Alex Lifeson reminds me of Harrison Ford if he wasn't grumpy all the time
@Pete is never wrong Harrison
SpinalAlloy fortunately lerxst plays much better than Ford flies....
This is the best interview with Alex I've seen in years. Maybe ever. Well done!
It's a lot better than his "Hall of Fame" speech.
What interview? The whole thing is an advert for amplifiers he is the paid spokesman for.
Alex is one in a million. Great interview Mitch. Good questions about his fabulous tone, the EL6’s. ;)
Speaking as a Rush fanatic who is also a total gear nerd, this interview is literally Gold.
Enjoy your retirement, Lerxst. You earned it. Thanks for all of the great guitar.
jvb
Alex is so very humble. A true kind and compassionate human being. I am really going to miss going to their concerts. Very sad how all great things must come to an end.
Iain, 53, UK.
Alex and co had so much positive influence on my life and have brought thousands great joy and excitement. I think he has had enough of Rush now ( my brothers best friend plays golf with him). He deserves retirement but we are all missing him and his great music. Thanks Al, for everything
Soooo. I don't think he would ever get enough of Tush. Peart passed they are getting older different life season.
*Noooo. *Rush
Thank you Alex for all of the music you gave us over the years. Rush has been the soundtrack of my life.
Such a great and thoughtful interview, well done Mitch! I love hearing Alex go into such detail on his sound, crazy to think that he must have known Neil’s health was failing and his time was short at the time this was recorded. RIP Professor.
Alex is one cool guy. It must have been such a great pleasure to sit across from him in that interview. It was great to listen to him speak in such an informative and articulate fashion.
Alex is just a superbly nice human being!!!!
He is really in his element when discussing the technical side of music. Geddy and Neil were always better at those personal type interview questions, but Alex can go on forever about his trade.
D K Alex was always the “musical scientist” of the band
Mr. Alex , Your so right about not describing the way you play. You create with your fingers. You have awsome creat-ability skills that most of us don't have. That's what makes you a special guitar player. You are admired by millions. We love you bro. You rock !!!
12:18 agree with alex on recording with effects. Capture the sound you want.
I am a rush/ rash fan for life I came out as a fan and I'm going to die a fan. And I believe Alexon is the biggest reason why they sound bigger than they are. That's what he brings to his music. That is the difference between him and the other Legends to me he was like an orchestrator. Love you forever lifeson
Love seeing Mitch in conversation and especially with Alex - they must have both laughed when they arrived wearing almost the exact same thing, goatees and grey hair included! Both gentlemen not competing.
As i read your comment, l looked down and realized i could have been sitting with them, blue jeans, black sweater and silver in my beard... The uniform of the aged musician.
My favorite guitar player, thanks Sweetwater!!
What an awesome down to earth guy! Sorry for your loss mate. Lots of love!
Thank You Mitch.
Thanx Alex Geddy and Neil for some great music and concerts.
It really truly hurts knowing Neil and Rush is gone and we will never see another album or show. I also feel so sorry for his wife and daughter, his daughter is so young and is terrible her father has passed.
Just love this guy. Thxs for so much great music,Alex! 🎸✌️❤️
Alex, with Rush you all left a huge musical legacy that I will enjoy nearly every day for the rest of my life. I'm happy to see you are continuing to bring your creativity to the world. I can't wait to hear your latest. And thanks, Sweetwater, for bringing us this interview!
It's just so nice to hear Alex's voice talking about amps, guitars, music etc...
Fascinating to listen to him speak about the different mixes each band member had in their ears. Great stuff!
One of the most important takeaways from this interview happens in the first minute. There is a reason that Alex brought sand to the beach. (He brought his own Guitar and speaker Cable!)
Alex is a mensch, love him, and Rush is a family affair for us, took the whole clan.
Props to Mitch and Chuck at Sweetwater for the vision to develop this Pro-Am lane for gearheads.
What a cool guy Alex is. Just seems real genuine. It cracks me up that he doesn’t know or care what tubes are in it.
Chosen By Fate guitarist Eric spent many hours in his youth learning Lerxsts Rush guitar parts.
Thank you, Lerxst and Rush!
People are definitely feeling this new "Consciousness on this Planet". We need a new hobby or a new way to find our way. Interviews like this are just so fitting and so cool being a 40+ year old growing up with amazing music and new times ahead. Great job Alex Lifeson. We hear ya. I use to play on the circuit in a local setting and did fairly well at the time. We need more of this in this society to bring us together. Rock and Roll is a big deal in these times. I recorded at the Egyptian Room in New Orleans while you you were working with 3 Doors Down if my memory serves me around 2000. Kai Shoorman did our little EP to get us on our feet in a local setting in NOLA. Great interview. Again, society needs more of this So positive for the younger generations and that is what it is all about right.
You get it Alex L. The real Truth Consciousness in the future will not worship the leftist ideologies. That is a thing from the past. However, really great people recognize real people and real hard working people or groups like yourself or RUSH. Other colleagues of yours and contemporaries. This type of history will be amazing and cherished. People will filter out the fake music industry just like any thing else in life. We are definitely going through a paradigm chance in historical proportions. You are an amazing talent as well as most from your generation. Certain individuals sold their souls in a way and this will get sorted out. I will do what I can to help in this process. Many great individuals may get the wrong treatment and I will do my best to help out with that
I love seeing two men here well into middle age that share such a passion for something!!! Doesn't matter what it is, a passion for anything is a passion for life!!!!!!
I watched the whole 38 minutes waiting to hear Alex play thru those amps... didn't happen but I didn't care because it was 38 minutes of Alex talking guitars and music. Awesome interview.
He's such a calm and collected guy, seems super down to earth!
Just dont harass his family at a new years eve party
@@yrmthr why would I?
Mitch, with you being a great guitarist yourself, you really know how to get to the meat in interviewing such greats as Alex. Bravo, man! Hands down one of the best interviews to date with the inimitable Mr. Lifeson.
Mr Lifeson.....I thank you for all your contribution....Major influence
Great, great Questions!
Since learning to play Working Man at age 13, I've enjoyed 40+ years of Alex's technique, theory and compositions; more than any other guitarist.
Thanks to Sweetwater for making this insight possible! Now where's my Sweetwater credit card?
Mitch is a skilled interviewer, if you know about that stuff