In a recent interview, Lifeson updates us on his active life after Rush, sharing why he’s firmly against the idea of touring again.
Alex Lifeson, known for his decades-long commitment to Rush, considers his time with the band to be behind him, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing his musical journey. Currently, he’s busy in his home studio, recording guitar parts for the second album by his new band, Envy of None, which he co-founded in 2021. The band includes bassist Andy Curran, keyboardist/guitarist Alfio Annibalini, and vocalist Maiah Wynne. Lifeson has also launched his own custom equipment company, Lerxst, selling guitars, amps, and pedals designed to replicate his signature sound.
Additionally, Lifeson shares that he’s been jamming with his longtime friend and former bandmate, Geddy Lee, though he stresses this doesn’t mean they’re planning any tours, despite Lee’s enthusiasm.
Geddy mentioned you had some recent health issues. How are you feeling? Lifeson explains that he’s been dealing with stomach problems, stemming from a failed surgery for a hiatal hernia he underwent a decade ago, and a more complex follow-up surgery last July. He’s faced complications since then, including persistent nausea that lasted nine months. While it has been a challenging year, Lifeson says he’s gradually improving and learning to manage his condition. His diet has changed, and he’s given up alcohol and cigarettes, though he admits to occasionally enjoying a glass of wine, despite the consequences. He also notes that cannabis has been helpful in managing his nausea.
I know you’re a wine enthusiast. Giving that up must have been difficult. Lifeson acknowledges that as a long-time wine collector, it was tough to give it up, but he allows himself the occasional glass. Despite the challenges, he feels more clear-headed in the mornings.
Does cannabis help with the nausea? Lifeson confirms that it does, mentioning that it provides relief from the severe nausea he’s experienced. He prefers it over the strong medications typically prescribed for such symptoms, which come with their own side effects.
In 2020, you were also hospitalized with Covid, right? Lifeson recalls being hospitalized in the ICU for three days after contracting Covid, which developed into pneumonia. He describes it as the sickest he’s ever been, though he eventually recovered. He emphasizes the importance of being vaccinated, mentioning that he contracted Covid again over a year ago, but the symptoms were mild.
How has life been since Rush ended? It must have been a significant adjustment. Lifeson reflects on the transition from being a member of Rush to finding his identity afterward. He shares that after the band ended in 2015, he and Lee still felt they had more to give. However, Neil Peart’s illness a year later complicated things. Lifeson continued to play and write music but didn’t fully commit to it. It wasn’t until the opportunity to work on the Envy of None project came along that he felt revitalized. Now, he’s fully immersed in the band’s second album and is thrilled with how the material is shaping up.
You were hesitant to tour with Envy of None before. Is that still the case? Lifeson admits that while the idea of touring with Envy of None is appealing, he’s reluctant to start over at this stage in his life. He’s enjoying spending more time with his family and doesn’t want to take on the demands of touring again. Despite jamming with Lee and playing Rush songs for fun, he’s firm that there are no plans for a Rush reunion tour.
It seems like you and Geddy have different views on this. Lifeson acknowledges that while Lee is enthusiastic about the idea of doing something together, he’s more hesitant. Health issues and a desire to preserve Rush’s legacy are significant factors in his decision. Lifeson values the bond he shares with Lee but is clear that a full-scale return to touring isn’t something he’s interested in.
You’ve also started your own equipment company, Lerxst. What have you learned about your sound through this? Lifeson explains that working on his equipment line has deepened his understanding of his sound. He prefers the warmth and depth of tube amps over digital emulators, which he finds lack the dynamic response of analog equipment. His company’s products, including amps and pedals, aim to capture the essence of his classic sound.
Geddy’s book didn’t hold any big surprises for you, did it? Lifeson shares that he enjoyed reading Lee’s book, which evoked both laughter and tears. While they had different memories of some events, Lifeson appreciated the book’s flow and the opportunity to reminisce about their shared experiences.
There’s talk of you writing a book too. Would it be a funny one? Lifeson agrees that if he were to write a book, it would likely be humorous, reflecting his personality.
Some Rush songs have been on my mind lately, like “Xanadu,” which you recorded in one take. Lifeson recounts the recording process of “Xanadu,” emphasizing the band’s tight rehearsal schedule and the surprise of their engineer when they nailed the song in one take. He also reflects on “Jacob’s Ladder,” describing it as a unique and sculptural piece of music.
