Historical Figure
Alex Lifeson
b. 1953
Canadian guitarist (born 1953)
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Biography
Aleksandar Živojinović, known professionally as Alex Lifeson, is a Canadian musician, best known as the guitarist for the rock band Rush. In 1968, he co-founded a band with drummer John Rutsey and bassist and lead vocalist Jeff Jones. One month later, Jones was succeeded by Geddy Lee and in 1974, Rutsey was succeeded by Neil Peart, at which point the lineup remained unchanged until the band's initial dissolution in 2015; Lifeson and Lee eventually reformed Rush in 2025, with Anika Nilles as a live drummer. Lifeson is the only member of Rush to have stayed in the band throughout its entire existence and, alongside Lee, the only member to appear on all of the band's albums.
Timeline
The story of Alex Lifeson, told in moments.
Born Aleksandar Zivojinovic in Fernie, British Columbia, to Serbian immigrant parents. His family moved to Toronto when he was a toddler. Picked up guitar at 12.
Co-founded a band in a Toronto basement that became Rush. He was 15. Geddy Lee replaced the original bassist within the first month.
Released 2112 with Rush. The record label wanted a commercial pop record. The band recorded a 20-minute sci-fi suite based on Ayn Rand instead. It went platinum.
Rush played their final concert, the R40 tour closer in Los Angeles. Lifeson was the only member who'd been in the band for its entire 47-year existence.
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