Legendary Rush guitarist’s signature Les Paul gets the Custom treatment
Created through extensive consultation between Alex Lifeson and Gibson™, Epiphone’s Alex Lifeson Les Paul™ Custom Axcess follows in the wake of the Epiphone Standard model and similarly redefines the boundaries of the classic Les Paul in an accessible, versatile package.
This new-for-2023 design carries all of the traditional tones that have made the Les Paul legendary, along with unprecedented levels of sonic and performance agility. The Alex Lifeson Les Paul Custom Axcess Standard carries powerful Epiphone Ceramic Pro™ neck and ProBucker™ 3 bridge pickups with push/pull coil splitting on the volume controls, along with a Floyd Rose® 1000 Series tremolo—the world’s most efficient vibrato tailpiece.
Along with all this, the Alex Lifeson Les Paul Custom Axcess still presents that timeless Les Paul look that has remained a classic for more than 60 years. And for peace of mind, a hardshell case is included. Head over the official Epiphone website to find out more about the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Custom Axcess [insert product page link] and order yours today.
Who is Alex Lifeson?
For the uninitiated, Aleksandar Živojinović, known professionally as Alex Lifeson, was the lead guitarist of Rush. Born on August 27, 1953, in Fernie, British Columbia, Lifeson grew up in Toronto, Ontario. Showing an early interest in music, Lifeson co-founded Rush in the summer of 1968, and his extraordinary guitar skills became integral to the band’s sound.
Throughout his career with Rush, Lifeson helped steer the band’s ever-evolving sound, contributing not only his guitar work but also key songwriting efforts, including solos that stand tall in their creativity. He became known for his ability to create a wide spectrum of tones, styles, and textures, contributing significantly to the band’s reputation for musical complexity.
Lifeson’s work is characterized by inventive chord voicings, innovative uses of effects, and masterful command of the instrument in both live performances and studio recordings. Some of his most acclaimed performances can be heard on tracks such as “La Villa Strangiato,” “Xanadu,” “Tom Sawyer,” and “2112.”
Aside from his work with Rush, Lifeson has made significant contributions to music as a solo artist and as a guest performer with several other bands. He released his first solo album, “Victor,” in 1996. He has also contributed to a number of charitable causes, often using his status in the music world to raise awareness and funds. Despite the official disbandment of Rush in 2018, Lifeson’s influence on rock guitar playing remains profound, and he is often cited as an inspiration by many musicians.
Encapsulating excellence throughout their career, Rush blossomed into a legendary Canadian rock band, formed in 1968 in Toronto, Ontario. The longstanding and most beloved lineup of the band consisted of three core members: guitarist and backup vocalist Alex Lifeson; bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee; and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
During their career, Rush established a unique sound by blending hard rock, progressive rock, synthesizers, and elements of heavy metal. They were particularly recognized for their complex song structures, intricate instrumentation, odd-time signatures, and thought-provoking lyrics inspired by literature and philosophy.
Rush’s breakthrough album, “2112,” was released in 1976 and featured a 20-minute title track divided into seven sections—a defiant act of creative bravery that cemented their reputation as a groundbreaking band. Much of this creativity was fueled by various Gibson guitars, both six-string, doublenecks, and a Gibson Dove acoustic guitar which was used for one of Rush’s signature tunes, “Closer to the Heart.”
Over more than four decades, Rush released 19 studio albums and was ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America® as the third best-selling band behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones—no small feat in the information age. They are recipients of numerous awards and honors, including several Juno Awards and many Grammy nominations. Rush was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Despite commercial success and critical acclaim, they were often noted for their dedication to artistic integrity over mainstream appeal.
After Peart’s retirement in 2015, the band officially disbanded in 2018. Neil Peart passed away at age 67 in 2020, marking an end to a significant chapter in rock music history. The legacy of Rush continues to influence countless musicians and resonate with fans worldwide.
Envy of None is Alex Lifeson’s newest musical project, launched following the disbandment of Rush. Formed with Canadian singer-songwriter Maiah Wynne and bassist Andy Curran, who formerly played with the band Coney Hatch, Envy of None represents a new phase in Lifeson’s legendary career.
The band’s sound incorporates elements of ethereal soundscapes, rock grit, and melodic pop sensibility, offering a distinct departure from Lifeson’s earlier work. Envy of None’s self-titled debut album, featuring Lifeson’s signature guitar work alongside Wynne’s haunting vocals, highlights the group’s versatility and innovation in pushing the boundaries of rock music while maintaining a deep respect for the band members’ individual musical roots.
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