The Canadian rock band Rush formed in 1968, influencing progressive rock and comfortably remaining in the charts throughout the next several decades as one of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest success stories. With a solid run of 24 gold albums and 14 platinum albums, and over 42 million albums sold, only The Beatles and the Rolling Stones sold more consecutive gold rock albums.
Rush co-founder Alex Lifeson’s wizardry with the guitar shines on songs like “Closer to the Heart” on the group’s 1977 album A Farewell to the Kings or the slow buildup on “La Villa Strangiato” on 1978’s Hemispheres. Others cite “Kid Gloves” from 1984’s Grace Under Pressure as a favorite guitar solo.
Bands such as Queensrÿche, Dream Theater, Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, and Iron Maiden, and the progressive rock movement were deeply inspired by the influence and style of Lifeson’s guitar solos. He’s the kind of rock idol that would undoubtedly prompt Wayne’s World hosts Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar to drop to their knees, shouting “We’re not worthy!”
Rush’s feverish fandom reached the High Times crew as well. Former High Times editor David Bienenstock, for instance, interviewed Lifeson in 2012, recalling how cultivation reporter Kyle Kushman used to blast Rush—his favorite band—in the office daily.
Rush drummer Neil Peart tragically passed away in 2020, which later prompted
