Who Is Alex Lifeson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on August 27, 1953, Alex Lifeson, a renowned Canadian guitarist, is celebrated for his innovative contributions to rock music as the guitarist of the legendary band Rush. With a career spanning over four decades, he has cemented his place in rock history through his exceptional guitar skills and songwriting prowess. By 2025, Lifeson will be celebrating his 72nd birthday, and his impact on the music industry continues to resonate with both fans and emerging artists alike.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1953 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Fernie, British Columbia, Canada |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Canada |
Popularity
Alex Lifeson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Alex Lifeson stands tall at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). While his specific weight is not publicly available, reports suggest he maintains a healthy physique that reflects his active lifestyle. His body statistics hint at a musician who values both health and performance on stage.
In 2011, Lifeson said that for the past few years he "used Gibson almost exclusively. There's nothing like having a low-slung Les Paul over my shoulder."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Alex Lifeson is married to his long-time partner, Charlene. The couple shares a strong bond and has supported each other's endeavors throughout their lives. Lifeson has two children, daughter Olivia and son Adrian. While there have been rumors in the past regarding personal relationships, Lifeson remains committed to his family, and his marriage continues to be a source of stability in his life.
His parents, Nenad and Melanija Živojinović, were Serb immigrants from Yugoslavia. He was raised in Toronto. His stage surname of "Lifeson" is a calque of his birth surname Živojinović, which can be literally translated into English as "son of life".
His formal musical education began on the viola, but he abandoned it in favor of the guitar at the age of 12. Lifeson recalls what inspired him to play guitar in a 2008 interview:
Net Worth and Salary
Alex Lifeson’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful music career, which includes album sales, concert tours, and royalties. Additionally, he has made savvy investments over the years, contributing to his impressive financial portfolio. His earnings from Rush and various solo projects have significantly bolstered his net worth.
Career, Business and Investments
Lifeson’s career skyrocketed with the formation of Rush in 1968, where he, along with Geddy Lee and Neil Peart, transformed the band into a rock powerhouse. Known for their complex compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, Rush garnered a massive following worldwide. After the band's hiatus, Lifeson delved into solo projects and collaborations, exploring new musical avenues.
In addition to his music career, Lifeson has engaged in various business ventures, including a wine venture and collaborations on music-related technology products. His keen sense of business has led him to invest in startups that align with his interests, further enhancing his financial success.
For effects, Lifeson is known to use chorus, phase shifting, delay and flanging. Throughout his career, he has used well-known pedals such as the Echoplex delay pedal, Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger, the BOSS CE-1 chorus and the Dunlop crybaby wah, among others.
Social Network
Alex Lifeson is relatively private but remains active on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. He shares glimpses of his personal life and professional endeavors, along with updates on his current projects. Fans can follow him to stay updated on his artistic journey and any new developments in his career.
In Rush's early career, Lifeson used a Gibson ES-335 for the first tour. In 1976, Lifeson bought a 1974 Gibson Les Paul. He used both guitars until the late 1970s.
He had a Fender Stratocaster with a Bill Lawrence humbucker and Floyd Rose vibrato bridge as backup "and for a different sound." For the A Farewell to Kings sessions, Lifeson began using a Gibson EDS-1275 for the song "Xanadu" and his main guitar became a white Gibson ES-355. During this period Lifeson used Hiwatt amplifiers.
He played a twelve-string Gibson B-45 on songs like "Closer to the Heart."
Education
Lifeson attended Kiwanis Boys’ School but is primarily self-taught in guitar, showcasing his natural talent and dedication. He honed his skills through practice and industry experience rather than formal music education. This unique blend of self-learning and practical experience has played a significant role in defining his iconic style.
Lifeson's neighbour John Rutsey began experimenting on a rented drum kit. In 1968, Lifeson and Rutsey formed The Projection, which disbanded a few months later. In August 1968, following the recruitment of original bassist and vocalist Jeff Jones, Lifeson and Rutsey founded Rush. Geddy Lee, a high school friend of Lifeson, assumed Jones's role soon after.
