Alex Lifeson admits he’s “never been very confident as a player”: “I’ve always felt like I had to work hard”
Even your guitar heroes struggle with self-doubt sometimes – just ask Alex Lifeson.
Despite inspiring generations of players and earning a reputation as one of rock’s most inventive guitarists, the Rush legend admits he’s “never been very confident” in his skills, having spent much of his career quietly wrestling with insecurity.
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“I’ve never been very confident, to be honest with you, as a player,” Lifeson says in a candid conversation with Guitar World. “I’ve always felt like I had to work hard, and maybe I didn’t appreciate that I have a natural talent for playing guitar.”
Lifeson’s reflection comes nearly a decade after Rush’s final show at The Forum in Los Angeles. And in the years that followed, particularly after the death of drummer Neil Peart in 2020, the guitarist found himself drifting away from the instrument that defined his life.
But recently, thanks in part to his work with Envy of None – the experimental supergroup he formed with Alfio Annibalini, Andy Curran, and vocalist Maiah Wynne – he’s found his way back.
“I know where I came from, and I know what I was like as a player for the bulk of my main career,” he says. “Now, I’m more of a sensitive player.”
That change hasn’t come without its challenges though. After years away from the guitar, Lifeson had to recondition both his technique and mindset.
“My fingers feel better! But I’m 71,” he says. “I’m not going to play like I did when I was 21 – or 51, for that matter. It’s a long road when you’re at this age. I’m battling the things that come with advanced years, but my fingers feel so much better than they did six months ago. They’re grateful to me for doing this and getting them back into shape.”
Describing his current relationship with the guitar, Lifeson continues: “I feel confident. I feel happy. I feel reborn in terms of playing. It’s a good place for me right now.”
Envy Of None’s second album, Stygian Wavz, is now out. Listen to the title track below.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
