Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson has been named this year’s recipient of The National Guitar Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Alex’s playing has inspired countless guitarists to push the boundaries of what the guitar can do,” HP Newquist, the executive director of The National Guitar Museum, shares. “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 is the 15th recipient of the award and says he’s honored to be recognized.
“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,” he shares. “I’m grateful for this acknowledgement and fortunate to share the rewards that come with being a guitarist.”
Previous Guitar Museum Lifetime Achievement Award winners include Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen, Buddy Guy, Tony Iommi, Bonnie Raitt and B.B.King.