Alex Lifeson: Guitar International interview

From the Vault: Rush Axeman Alex Lifeson
Over the course of its forty-year history, Rush has emerged from it’s beginnings as a rock band to becoming an institution of rock culture. They’re one of the few bands that have not only survived for over four decades, but have done so with the same line-up of band members. That feat is a true anomaly in the turbulent and ego-driven world of rock music. With over thirty-million records sold worldwide, award-winning videos and legions of hardcore fans, perhaps the most impressive thing about the band’s career is the manner in which they have navigated their own course. While other bands worried about mainstream success, Rush focused on mastering their instruments and musicality to make the best records possible.

Rather than focus on radio airplay, the group committed to making music that was, first and foremost, exciting to them, trusting that their fans would share their instincts and excitement. While other bands allowed themselves to be steered by the demands of record labels and business executives, Rush followed up a commercially failed “art rock” album with an even more artsy endeavor, and steadfastly refused to allow their management in their studio sessions.

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