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Alex Lifeson

Alex Lifeson is a Canadian musician best known as the guitarist and co-founder of the progressive rock band Rush.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alex Lifeson is a Canadian musician best known as the guitarist and co-founder of the progressive rock band Rush. Born Aleksandar Živojinović in Fernie, British Columbia, he has also worked on solo and side projects, including the album *Victor* and the band Envy of None.

Early life

Alex Lifeson was born Aleksandar Živojinović on August 27, 1953, in Fernie, British Columbia. He is of Serbian origin, as reflected in his birth name, and is a Canadian citizen.

Rush

Lifeson co-founded Rush in 1968 with drummer John Rutsey and bassist/vocalist Jeff Jones (soon replaced by Geddy Lee). He remained the band's guitarist throughout its career and is widely identified as one of its defining musical voices, contributing to its progressive rock sound.

Solo and side projects

Beyond Rush, Lifeson released a solo album, *Victor*, in 1996. After the death of drummer Neil Peart in 2020, he formed the band Envy of None, continuing to create music outside the core Rush catalogue.

Other work and interests

Biographical profiles also describe Lifeson as a painter, a licensed aircraft pilot, and a former co-owner of a Toronto venue. These activities are secondary to his music career.

Key facts

  • Alex Lifeson co-founded Rush in 1968 and served as its guitarist throughout the band's career.
  • He was born Aleksandar Živojinović on August 27, 1953, in Fernie, British Columbia, and is of Serbian origin.
  • Lifeson released a solo album, *Victor*, in 1996.
  • After Neil Peart's death, he formed the band Envy of None.
  • Outside music, he is also a painter and a licensed aircraft pilot.
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Canadian context

Alex Lifeson is a major figure in Canadian rock music and one of the best-known Canadian guitarists internationally. He was born in British Columbia and helped make Rush one of Canada’s most successful rock bands.[4][9][17]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alex Lifeson?
He is a Canadian guitarist and musician best known as a co-founder of Rush.
What is Alex Lifeson’s birth name?
His birth name is Aleksandar Živojinović.
When was Alex Lifeson born?
He was born on August 27, 1953.
What band is Alex Lifeson most associated with?
He is most associated with the rock band Rush, which he co-founded in 1968.
Did Alex Lifeson release solo music?
Yes. He released the solo album *Victor* in 1996.
Is Alex Lifeson still active musically?
Yes. Biographical sources list him as active and note his work with Envy of None.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Lifeson
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, Rush co-founding, solo album Victor, Envy of None, non-musical interests
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Lifeson
    Supports: Rush origins and Lifeson’s role as guitarist
  3. Alex Lifeson official website — https://alexlifeson.com/
    Supports: Canadian musician, guitarist and co-founder of Rush
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0509820/
    Supports: Birth date/place, marriage, acting/composing credits, Rush membership
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/es/name/nm0509820/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, family details, Rush membership
  6. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/alex-lifeson
    Supports: General biographical context