Alex Lifeson - highly underrated

[cronker]

We all massively respect Ged and Neil amongst the very best on their respective instruments.
But Alex Lifeson, in my opinion, is so very underrated, he is so talented and musical. Again, in my opinion, one of the most underrated guitarists in the world.
What say you?

 

[Lammchop93]

Totally agree! Rush was a supergroup before that was even a thing.

 

[ElectroVibe]

Absolutely

 

[Hot Rats]

Yes. He is one of the most exceptional guitarists I've ever heard. Easily and equally a solid 1/3 of Rush.

 

[Krisfield]

His synth like, reverb washed rhythm parts are brilliant.

 

[themickster]

Totally agree! Rush was a supergroup before that was even a thing.

A supergroup is made up of folk that were already well-known, such The Travelling Wilburys. What were each of the Rushies in before Rush? I know I'm going to get hammered down for saying it; this is the Internet.

 

[MrB64]

A supergroup is made up of folk that were already well-known, such The Travelling Wilburys. What were each of the Rushies in before Rush? I know I'm going to get hammered down for saying it; this is the Internet.

Well, they were super, and they were a group, so.... yeah!

 

[ElectroVibe]

Better than average drummer. Decent bassist. Phenomenal guitarist.

That's always been my opinion. I just don't share it often.

 

[Michedelic]

Totally agree! Rush was a supergroup before that was even a thing.

A supergroup is made up of folk that were already well-known, such The Travelling Wilburys. What were each of the Rushies in before Rush? I know I'm going to get hammered down for saying it; this is the Internet.

Well, they were super, and they were a group, so.... yeah!

But did Rutsey rate? He was there first.

Cream was the first to be considered a ‘supergroup’, although while each of them had a certain noteriety of musical prowess, their reputations at large where restricted to their London scene until they started touring America, and only then started going off on the extended jam thing. In a couple of years, when Blind Faith rose from the ashes of that and Traffic, the term was specifically utilized in the promotion and reviews of the band, although many questioned Gretch’s status. At the same time, it was tossed at CSN as well.

 

[Michedelic]

Then there was the Masked Marauders.

 

[Spectrum]

The term "underrated" is used so often about him that it's kind of a self-defeating argument at this point. Alex Lifeson is well-known and respected amongst musicians, heavy rock and prog music fans, even those who don't particularly like Rush, but he is the least publicly known member of the band he started in his bedroom around age 14. I have non-Rush fan friends (mostly female) who at least know who Geddy Lee is but draw a blank stare when I mention Alex to them.

ETA: I would guess he is better known than Rik Emmett at least

 

[Element Zero]

I would’ve never thought he’d be “underrated”. He’s HIGHLY regarded among many pro geetar players. His clean tones are the stuff dreams are made of.

 

[Methaneman]

We all massively respect Ged and Neil amongst the very best on their respective instruments.
But Alex Lifeson, in my opinion, is so very underrated, he is so talented and musical. Again, in my opinion, one of the most underrated guitarists in the world.
What say you?

Maybe underrated or unknown to the general public. But I think among musicians he is well respected. Paul Gilbert would be another.

 

[jonathanhughes]

Underrated by who????

 

[Killing Floor]

Yep.

He’s absolutely one of the all time best power rock guitarist. Huge fan.

 

[Killing Floor]

Underrated by who????

Egg-zactly

All the times I saw them on arena tours and all the times I’ve heard them on the radio and all the times I go to football games and the team runs out to Tom Sawyer he doesn’t seem underrated.

 

[Altitude]

I’m at the point where zillion-note guitar solos all sound the same to me and not that great.

I appreciate people who make unique statements in their playing, and Alex Lifeson is high on that list.

 

[Spectrum]

I’m at the point where zillion-note guitar solos all sound the same to me and not that great.

I appreciate people who make unique statements in their playing, and Alex Lifeson is high on that list.

It's kind of like David Gilmour in that regard. Lifeson can shred when he wants, but some of his best solos are the slower ones, like Limelight , Between the Wheels, or Seven Cities of Gold, where he is basically projecting pure atmosphere.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Disagree 100%. Alex Lifeson is actually very highly rated. His band has sold some 40,000,000 albums, he has won numerous awards including "best rock talent" in Guitar for the Practicing Musician in 1983, "best rock guitarist" in Guitar Player Magazine in 1984 AND 2008 (runner up in 82, 83, 85 and 86). He was named Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996, had an asteroid named after him in 2007, and of course was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. He's a bona fide rock star and guitar hero.

 

[FRoss6788]

I’m at the point where zillion-note guitar solos all sound the same to me and not that great.

I appreciate people who make unique statements in their playing, and Alex Lifeson is high on that list.

Exactly, I've been at that point for years.

Alex and Mr. Gilmour are two of my favorites for their tasteful playing and overall lack of wankery.