Even with a place among Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, ranked at number eight, Alex Lifeson admits that confidence was never something that came naturally to him.
“I’ve never been very confident, to be honest with you, as a player,” he tells Guitar World. “I’ve always felt like I had to work hard, and maybe I didn’t appreciate that I have a natural talent for playing guitar.”
That level of honesty comes nearly a decade after Rush’s final show at The Forum in California. Following the 2020 passing of bandmate Neil Peart, Lifeson found himself disconnected from the guitar altogether.
Fortunately, the spark has returned. Now, Lifeson describes himself as feeling “reborn” as a player, rediscovering his passion and embracing new creative directions.
Part of this rebirth involves exploring new approaches: fresh digital tones, collaborations with his supergroup Envy Of None, and most importantly, a new sense of self-assurance.
“I know where I came from, and I know what I was like as a player for the bulk of my main career,” he observes. “Now, I’m more of a sensitive player.”
However, the road back to the guitar wasn’t an immediate one. After years of stepping away from regular practice, Lifeson faced the realities of returning to his instrument at the age of 71.
“My fingers feel better!” he comments. “But I’m 71; I’m not going to play like I did when I was 21–or 51, for that matter. It’s a long road when you’re at this age. I’m battling the things that come with advanced years, but my fingers feel so much better than they did six months ago. They’re grateful to me for doing this and getting them back into shape.”
In many ways, Lifeson’s journey reflects an artist who refuses to be defined solely by past achievements. He may always be celebrated for his decades with Rush and albums like Moving Pictures or 2112, but today’s Alex Lifeson is embracing growth, curiosity, and the joy of simply making music again.
