Rush’s Alex Lifeson Presented With ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ By National Guitar Museum

The National Guitar Museum announced that Rush‘s Alex Lifeson will receive its annual “Lifetime Achievement” Award for ’24!

Lifeson is the fifteenth recipient of the prestigious award.

As you know, Lifeson is a founding member of Rush – and has appeared on over 30 albums since 1974.

“Alex’s playing has inspired countless guitarists to push the boundaries of what the guitar can do. And I am one of them,” says HP Newquist, the executive director of the National Guitar Museum. “It’s hard to even put his playing in a single category — calling him a ‘rock guitarist’ doesn’t begin to cover it. Catchy riffs, intricate instrumental passages, classical flourishes, jackhammer chords, brilliant tone . . . that’s just the start of what Alex does as a guitarist.”

Lifeson says, “I’m honoured to be receiving this Lifetime Achievement award from the National Guitar Museum. I fell in love with the guitar when I was eleven years old and continue my romantic affair to this day, sixty years later. It has been my voice, my lover and my partner on a lifelong journey, and we’ve never had a single argument. I’m grateful for this acknowledgement and fortunate to share the rewards that come with being a guitarist.”

Lifeson has kept busy since Rush’s last tour in 2015. He created a line of signature Lerxst gear with renowned amp manufacturer Mojotone and guitar maker Godin, and check out his new band, Envy Of None!

The National Guitar Museum (NGM) is the first museum dedicated to the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the guitar.

Alex Lifeson joins previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients:

2010: David Honeyboy Edwards
2011: Roger McGuinn
2012: B.B. King
2013: Vic Flick
2014: Buddy Guy
2015: Tony Iommi
2016: Glen Campbell
2017: Bonnie Raitt
2018: Liona Boyd
2019: Jose Feliciano
2020: Eddie Van Halen (in memoriam)
2021: Al Di Meola
2022: Jeff Beck
2023: Tommy Emmanuel
2024: Alex Lifeson

The Museum’s Board Of Advisors is comprised of guitar greats Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Howe, Steve Vai, Liona Boyd, Tony Iommi and Al Di Meola.

Is Alex Lifeson Canada’s top rock guitarist? If not, who is?

Written by Todd Hancock