Watch: RUSH’s Alex Lifeson Performs ‘Limelight’ with Tom Morello in Toronto

A Surprise on Stage in Toronto

On Thursday, July 17, RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson joined Tom Morello of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE on stage at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. The two performed RUSH’s hit song “Limelight,” exciting the crowd with their energy. Fans in the audience captured the moment on video, which quickly spread online.

This wasn’t the first time the two guitarists worked together. In 2021, Lifeson teamed up with Morello and METALLICA’s Kirk Hammett on the track “I Have Seen The Way,” which was featured on Morello’s album The Atlas Underground Flood.

Lifeson Reflects on His Love for Guitar

Even with decades of success, Lifeson remains humble. In an interview with The Rockman Power Hour in April, he spoke about how he views his music career. “You get a lot of celebrity thrown at you… But honestly, I’m just a guy who loves playing guitar, and I always have, since I was 11 years old,” he said.

He added, “I play guitar every day. I play usually for — I don’t know — three or four hours a day. I play for an hour before I go to bed every night. I like to have a little puff, and then I sit down… and I play for an hour, and I’m lost.” Lifeson shared that he doesn’t practice scales or follow routines. He simply plays because he loves it.

Ongoing Projects and Creative Work

Lifeson continues to work on new music. “I’m working on a project now with some of the guys from BARENAKED LADIES and the RHEOSTATICS on a Great Lakes documentary,” he said. The music is mostly made from jam sessions, which they are now editing. “Wow. What a great experience that is… It’s not about being a big shot. It’s there playing with other great players, making great music, and everybody’s contributing.”

He explained that playing with others and sharing ideas is what being a musician means to him.

Remembering Neil Peart and RUSH’s Legacy

RUSH drummer Neil Peart passed away in January 2020 after battling brain cancer. He was 67. The band waited three days before sharing the news, and fans around the world reacted with sadness.

Since Peart’s passing, Lifeson and Geddy Lee haven’t performed under the RUSH name. However, they mentioned that many drummers offered to step in after Peart’s death.

A Lifelong Musical Path

Lifeson is known for changing the way people think about guitar in progressive rock. His creative style earned him the nickname “The Musical Scientist” from his bandmates. In addition to his work with RUSH, he released a solo album, Victor, in 1996.

His current band, ENVY OF NONE, released their second album, Stygian Wavz, on March 14 through Kscope.