Alex Lifeson of Rush recently appeared on Gibson TV and described what he and his former colleagues Geddy Lee and Neil Peart bought with their first money after landing a record deal. The guitarist recalled their early days in the music industry, saying: “That was my main guitar when we were doing bar gigs in the early to mid ’70s when we got our first record deal.” I had a backup guitar, but I found myself reaching for the 335 more than anything else.”
Then he showed what they each received with their first earnings: “Of course, once we got our record deal advance, we went shopping at Long and McQuade’s.” Neil purchased a set of drums, Geddy purchased an amp, and I believe he purchased a bass or a couple of basses, and I purchased my first Les Paul, a Les Paul Deluxe. It was amazing; it was like a dream come true for any young musician, I believe.”
During the same interview, Lifeson discussed why he opted to play the guitar: “I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old.” I wanted to learn to play the guitar because I felt it was such a cool instrument. It sounded extremely nice to me. When I listened to songs with guitar music in it, especially the Beach Boys in the mid-’60s, it was just the driving force of the music, and it just kinda called to me.”
You can see the musician’s entire interview below.
