• Alex Lifeson is a musician best known as the founding member and guitarist of the rock band Rush
• He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and grew up playing classical and electric guitar
• With Rush, he released 19 studio albums, some of which achieved multiple platinum status in Canada and the US
• He was named 98th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time and was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2013
• His net worth is estimated to be around $35 million
Known for movies
Andromeda (2004)
as Music Department
I Love You, Man (2009)
as Himself – Rush
High Fidelity (2000)
as Soundtrack
Adventureland (2009)
as Soundtrack
Short Info
| Net Worth | $28 million dollars |
| Date Of Birth | August 27, 1953 |
| Spouse | Charlene Lifeson |
| Mark | Dynamic, complex guitar riffs |
| Fact | Alex, along with fellow members of Rush Geddy Lee and Neil Peart, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013. His acceptance speech consisted of a made-up language with only one word, “Blah”, that told the story of their wait to become inductees. |
Who is Alex Lifeson?
Born Alexandar Zivojinovich on the 27th August 1953, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is a musician, best known to the world as the founding member and guitarist of the rock band Rush. With Rush, he recorded 19 studio albums, some of which topped the Canadian chart, and achieved multiple platinum status in Canada and USA.
Early Life, Family, and Education
The son of Serbian immigrants, Melanija and Nenad Živojinović, Alex grew up in Toronto, and from an early age was introduced to music. He first played viola as a part of formal music training, then when he turned 12 years, his father Nenad got him his first guitar. A six string Kent classical acoustic guitar was a Christmas gift, but once he picked up knowledge and skills, Alex decided for an electric Japanese model. During his teenage years Alex was inspired by such artists as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Steve Hackett among many others. During his high school days, Alex met John Rutsey who was on the same page with Alex when it comes to music.
#TransformationTuesdayTop pic: pic:https://twitter.com/rush_freejacob
Posted by Alex Lifeson – Unofficial on Monday, June 1, 2015
Career Beginnings
It was in high school that Alex started thinking of music as a serious career and together with Rutsey formed the band The Projection, with the addition of Jeff Jones, The Projection became Rush, however, after only one gig, Jones left the band and was replaced by Geddy Lee, who had been at school with Alex. The band gradually built a fan base around the Ontario area, and after some time recorded their first single, “Not Fade Away”, a cover version of Buddy Holly’s original version. Soon after their original song followed, entitled “You Can’t Fight It”, but it song didn’t live up to band’s expectations, which led to parting from the record company, and the trio now decided to start their own label, Moon Records.
https://twitter.com/LifesonRush/status/513403711503089664
Debut Album and Success
Their first album came out in 1974, a self-titled album which while eventually achieving gold status in Canada and the US, the charting wasn’t quite as encouraging, as it landed in 86th place in Canada, and 105 on the US Billboard 200. However, their song “Working Man” got major playing time on WMMS radio station, and stuck with the public, resulting in the band being picked up by Mercury Records and their whole album re-released by the label. Unfortunately, Rutsey left the band due to his diabetes, and was replaced by Neil Peart. Until the end of the ‘70s, Rush dominated the Canadian rock scene, with such albums as “Fly By Night” (1975), which achieved platinum status in both Canada and USA, and reached No. 9 on the Canadian chart, then “Caress of Steel” also in 1975, “2112” (1976), which peaked at No. 5 on the Canadian chart, and achieved double platinum status in Canada and triple platinum in the US. It was in 1981 that Rush released their first No. 1 album – “Moving Pictures” – which achieved four times platinum status in both Canada and the US, also peaking at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and No. 3 on the UK chart, which certainly increased Alex’s net worth. The following year, Rush released their second No. 1 album “Signals”, and becoming one of the most successful rock bands of Canada.
Rise to Prominence
With Rush’s growing popularity, Alex became one of the most prominent guitarists too, scooping awards for himself, but more importantly for the band. With every new album, he tried something new, which turned out to be a good thing since Rush became more and more successful. Between 1980-2000, the band released nine albums in total, all of which achieved at least gold status in Canada and the US. “Grace Under Pressure” (1984), “Counterparts” (1993), and “Test for Echo” (1996), are just a few of the releases that made both the band and Alex more popular.
Read Related Also: John Lennon’s Aunt Was so Appalled by George Harrison That She ‘Threw Him out’ the Moment She Saw Him
Hiatus and Comeback
Rush went on hiatus in 1997 when Neil Pert heard the news of his daughters passing in a car crash, and things got worse when Neil’s wife died from cancer 10 months later. Despite tragedies, Alex wanted to continue Rush, and got into the studio in the early 2000s to start working on the new material. Soon he was joined by Peart and Lee, and in 14 months they recorded and released “Vapor Trails”. The long-expected album peaked at No. 3 on the Canadian chart,and at No. 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Since their reunion, Rush have recorded two studio albums- “Snakes & Arrows” in 2007, which again reached No. 3 on the Canadian chart, and “Clockwork Angels” (2012), which topped the chart. However, as of 2015, Alex disbanded Rush, feeling that he had nothing more to give to the band, and stating also that his psoriatic arthritis and Peart’s chronic tendinitis has contributed in large to the disbandment of the group.
during a concert
Posted by Alex Lifeson on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Side Work
In addition to Rush, Alex released one solo album – “Victor” – in 1996, on which his son Adrian and wife Charlene showcased their musical ability. He spoke about a second album, but that didn’t materialize, but he collaborated with a number of other artists, including Lawrence Gowan, Porcupine Tree, Jason Plumb and John Wesley among others.
Posted by Alex Lifeson – Unofficial on Friday, June 26, 2015
Bar Owner
Besides music, Alex is also a successful businessman; he is one of the owners of the bar and restaurant The Orbit Room, located in Toronto, which has also contributed to his net worth.
Alex Lifeson Net Worth
Over 40 years in music, Alex has built a name for himself, but what is most important he has earned a massive net worth. So, have you ever wondered how rich Alex Lifeson is? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Lifeson’s net worth is as high as $35 million. Pretty impressive, don’t you think?
Alex Lifeson Awards
Thanks to his proficiency, Alex has received a number of honors and awards, including being named 98th on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, and third, behind Eddie Van Halen and Brian May in a Guitar World readers’ poll also listing the 100 greatest guitarists. Furthermore, he was named the Best Rock Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine in 1984 and May 2008, while in 2013 he was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame alongside two other Rush members. Also, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada back in 1996.
Life Behind the Scene
His stage name is a semi-translated birth name from Serbian to English, as his last name means Life of Son; he chose the name as a reference to his roots. When it comes to his family life, he has been married to Charlene since 1975, and the couple has two children together.
Troubles in Naples
Back in 2003, he had legal problems while dwelling at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Naples, Florida; he and his son were caught up in a brawl with police, for which he got 12 months probation.
General Info
| Full Name | Alex Lifeson |
| Net Worth | $28 million dollars |
| Date Of Birth | August 27, 1953 |
| Height | 1.83 m |
| Profession | Record producer, Film Score Composer, Guitarist, Actor, Songwriter, Limelight, Tom Sawyer, Time Stand Still |
| Nationality | Canadian |
Family
| Spouse | Charlene Lifeson |
| Children | Adrian Lifeson, Justin Lifeson, Limelight, Tom Sawyer, Time Stand Still |
| Parents | Nenad Zivojinovich, Melanija Zivojinovich, Limelight, Tom Sawyer, Time Stand Still |
Accomplishments
| Music Groups | Rush |
| Nominations | Juno Award for Songwriter of the Year, Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award, Gemini Award for Best Performance or Host in a Variety Program or Series, Limelight, Tom Sawyer, Time Stand Still |
| Movies | Trailer Park Boys: The Movie, Suck, Come on Children, Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy, Rush: Grace Under Pressure, Classic Albums: Rush: 2112 & Moving Pictures, Rush: A Show of Hands, Rush: Working Men |
| TV Shows | The Drunk and On Drugs Happy Funtime Hour |
Social profile links
Marks
| # | Marks / Signs |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gibson Guitars |
| 2 | Subtle humorous antics while on stage |
| 3 | Dynamic, complex guitar riffs |
Quotes
| # | Quote |
|---|---|
| 1 | For the first few weeks of rehearsal, we tend to sound like a really, really bad Rush tribute band. |
| 2 | I’m not that fluid when it comes to scales and modes. I just pick up the guitar and play. It’s all about exploration: just tune the guitar any way you want and start playing. |
| 3 | I really consider myself more of a rhythm guitarist than a soloist. |
| 4 | [in response to the question posed by a fan in a guitar magazine, asking if he felt, as a Canadian, he should apologize for Bryan Adams] Bryan Adams might not be what I want to put on, but he’s a pop singer with a great voice and great guitar tone. Plus, he’s done more for Canada than Rush have, because he works all the time. I envy him for that. |
Facts
| # | Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Played bass on fellow Canadian band Platinum Blonde’s follow up album Alien Shores. |
| 2 | With Rush, released “Feedback”, an EP containing 8 cover songs. This marks the first Rush release wherein the band performs songs other than their own. After “Feedback”, Rush embarked on a highly successful Thirtieth Anniversary Tour (“R30” for short). On this tour, the band performed some of the cover songs live — also a first for them. [June 2004] |
| 3 | Los Angeles, CA, USA: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band Rush. [April 2013] |
| 4 | Alex, Geddy and Neil are back in the recording studio working on Rush’s new album to be released early 2007. [November 2006] |
| 5 | “Contents Under Pressure: 30 Years of Rush at Home and Away” is released. It is an authorized biography of the band, written by Martin Popoff. [June 2004] |
| 6 | Hot on the heels of their triumphant 2002 tour, 2003 DVD, and benefit performance for 450,000 at the 2003 SARS benefit, Rush has announced plans to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their current lineup with a celebratory tour. Planned shows include their first visits to Europe since 1992. [December 2003] |
| 7 | Performed with Rush for 450,000 people as part of the Toronto SARStock relief benefit, alongside major bands including AC/DC and The Rolling Stones. Rush was one of the few native Toronto bands to perform at this historic event to herald Toronto’s graceful endurance of the SARS scare. [July 2003] |
| 8 | Alex, along with fellow members of Rush Geddy Lee and Neil Peart, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013. His acceptance speech consisted of a made-up language with only one word, “Blah”, that told the story of their wait to become inductees. |
| 9 | His birthday (August 27) is also the anniversary of the death of Stevie Ray Vaughan. |
| 10 | On February 26, 1997, he and his bandmates Geddy Lee and Neil Peart became the first rock musicians to be inducted into the prestigious position of Officers of the Order of Canada. This is the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian by the Canadian government. According to the Ottawa Sun, “The award was given as much for their community service as for their contribution to the arts. They have raised over $1 million for food banks and the United Way.” |
| 11 | He uses “Lifeson” as a stage name. It’s a semi-literal translation of his surname “Zivojinovich” which is a Serbian name meaning roughly “son of life.” He has not, however, changed his name legally. |
| 12 | Children: Justin and Adrian. |
| 13 | Member of the rock music group Rush (with Geddy Lee and Neil Peart). Plays lead guitar, with Lee on Bass/Vocals/Synth and Peart on Drums/Percussion/SongWriting. |
Pictures
Movies
Soundtrack
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Infiltrator | 2016 | writer: “Tom Sawyer” | |
| Togetherness | 2015 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Scott Ian: Swearing Words in Glasgow | 2014 | writer: “Anthem” | |
| The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | 2014 | TV Series music – 1 episode | |
| The Bridge | 2014 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| The Comix Scrutinizer | 2014 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Independent Lens | 2013 | TV Series documentary writer – 1 episode | |
| American Dad! | 2012 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Transporter: The Series | TV Series 2 episodes, 2012 writer – 3 episodes, 2012 | ||
| The Lords of Salem | 2012 | writer: “The Spirit of Radio” | |
| That’s My Boy | 2012 | writer: “Limelight” | |
| Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey | 2012 | Documentary writer: “Tom Sawyer” – as Alex Zivojinovich | |
| Metal Evolution | 2012 | TV Series documentary writer – 1 episode | |
| The Double | 2011/I | performer: “Don’t Look Back” / writer: “Don’t Look Back” | |
| Hunky Dory | 2011 | writer: “A Passage To Bangkok” | |
| Goon | 2011 | writer: “Working Man” | |
| Score: A Hockey Musical | 2010 | writer: “Time Stand Still” | |
| Fringe | 2010 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Rise Up: Canadian Pop Music in the 1980s | 2009 | TV Movie documentary writer: “Tom Sawyer” | |
| Guitar Hero 5 | 2009 | Video Game writer: “The Spirit of Radio Live, 2008” | |
| This Beat Goes On: Canadian Pop Music in the 1970s | 2009 | TV Movie documentary music: “Closer to the Heart” | |
| I Love You, Man | 2009 | writer: “Tom Sawyer”, “Limelight” | |
| Fanboys | 2009 | writer: “Limelight”, “Tom Sawyer” | |
| Adventureland | 2009 | writer: “Limelight” | |
| Chuck | 2008 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Por Toda Minha Vida | 2008 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Adventures of Power | 2008 | writer: “Tom Sawyer” | |
| Halloween | 2007 | writer: “Tom Sawyer” | |
| The Sopranos | 2007 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| White Noise 2: The Light | 2007 | writer: “The Spirit of Radio” – as Lifeson | |
| Rock Band | 2007 | Video Game writer: “Tom Sawyer” | |
| Family Guy | 2006 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Trailer Park Boys: The Movie | 2006 | writer: “The Spirit of Radio” | |
| Rush: R30 | 2005 | Video documentary performer: “Bittersweet Bundle of Misery” / writer: “Tom Sawyer”, “Working Man”, “Finding My Way”, “Bittersweet Bundle of Misery”, “Bastille Day”, “Anthem”, “A Passage to Bangkok”, “Cygnus X-1”, “Hemispheres”, “The Spirit of Radio”, “Force Ten”, “Animate”, “Subdivisions”, “Earthshine”, “Red Barchetta”, “Roll the Bones”, “Dreamline”, “Between the Wheels”, “Mystic Rhythms” | |
| Futurama | 2002 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Andromeda | TV Series performer – 1 episode, 2001 writer – 1 episode, 2001 | ||
| Top Ten | 2001 | TV Series documentary writer – 1 episode | |
| Freaks and Geeks | 2000 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| High Fidelity | 2000 | writer: “Jacob’s Ladder” – as Alex Zivojinovich | |
| The Waterboy | 1998 | writer: “Tom Sawyer” | |
| SLC Punk! | 1998 | writer: “The Trees” – as Lifeson | |
| Whatever | 1998 | writer: “Tom Sawyer” | |
| Beavis and Butt-Head | 1994 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Future War 198X | 1982 | writer: “Witch Hunt” – uncredited | |
| Top of the Pops | 1980 | TV Series writer – 1 episode |
Actor
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecstasy | 2011/II | Dr. Figg | |
| Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day | 2009 | Undercover Prostitute #1 | |
| Suck | 2009 | Border Guard | |
| Trailer Park Boys 101 | 2007 | TV Short | Narrator |
| Trailer Park Boys: The Movie | 2006 | Cop 2 |
Composer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clockwork Angels | music by announced | ||
| Darkstar: The Interactive Movie | 2010 | Video Game | |
| Rush in Rio | 2003 | Video documentary | |
| The Body Electric | 1985 | TV Movie as Lifeson |
Music Department
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Double | 2011/I | musician: featured guitarist | |
| Andromeda | 2004 | TV Series composer – 1 episode | |
| South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut | 1999 | musician: score | |
| The Body Electric | 1985 | TV Movie musician – as Rush |
Sound Department
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rush: R30 | 2005 | Video documentary sound mixer: 5.1 audio | |
| Rush in Rio | 2003 | Video documentary sound mixer: 5.1 surround / sound supervisor |
Thanks
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur | 1997 | Video Game special thanks – as Rush |
Self
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rush: Time Stand Still | 2016 | Documentary | Himself |
| The Red Booth | 2016 | TV Series | Himself |
| Rush: R40 Live | 2015 | Video documentary | Himself – Guitar & Backing Vocals |
| Chicago Fire | 2015 | TV Series | Himself |
| Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour | 2013 | Video | Himself – Guitar |
| The 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony | 2013 | TV Movie | Himself – Honoree / Performer |
| Big Morning Buzz Live | 2013 | TV Series | Himself |
| Inner Rush | 2012 | Documentary short | Himself |
| Metal Evolution | 2012 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| Rush: Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland | 2011 | Documentary | Himself – Guitar / Backing Vocals (as Rush) |
| Juno Awards 2011 | 2011 | TV Special | Himself |
| Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage | 2010 | Documentary | Himself |
| I Love You, Man | 2009 | Himself – Rush | |
| That Metal Show | 2008 | TV Series | Himself – Guest |
| Rush: Snakes & Arrows – Live in Holland | 2008 | Video | Himself – Guitar / Backing Vocals (as Rush) |
| The Colbert Report | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| Rush: R30 | 2005 | Video documentary | Himself – Guitar & Backing Vocals |
| The Boys in Brazil | 2003 | Video documentary | Himself |
| Toronto Rocks | 2003 | TV Movie documentary | Performer (as Rush) |
| Trailer Park Boys | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| Rush in Rio | 2003 | Video documentary | Himself – Guitars & Vocals |
| Top Ten | 2001 | TV Series documentary | Himself – Interviewee |
| Rush: Chronicles | 1990 | Video | Himself |
| Rush: A Show of Hands | 1989 | Video | Himself (guitars, synthesizers, backing vocals) (as Rush) |
| Rush: Grace Under Pressure Tour 1984 | 1985 | Video | Himself – Lead Guitars / Synthesizers (as Rush) |
| Rush: Exit… Stage Left | 1981 | Video | Himself – Electric & Acoustic Guitars / Bass Pedal Synthesizer (as Rush) |
| Come on Children | 1973 | Documentary | Himself (as Alex Zivojinovich) |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia
