TIME STAND STILL

IT HAD BEEN months since any of us had been able to speak with Alex Lifeson, and we all knew why. At a time when most musicians had been sidelined by the pandemic and were happily available to discuss their current endeavors and future plans, Lifeson spent much of the past year and a half privately mourning his longtime friend and bandmate Neil Peart. The former Rush drummer passed away on January 7, 2020, shortly before the global shutdown, having lost his long battle with brain cancer.

So it was a welcome relief when we were told Alex was back in action and eager to talk about his latest projects, including his group, Envy of None, and his new Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard, a beautifully crafted and budget-friendly take on his earlier Gibson custom model. As one of rock’s most inventive, dynamic and emotionally melodic guitarists, Alex remains a compelling figure long after Rush have called it a day. In an engaging and wide-ranging interview with contributing writer Joe Bosso, Alex reveals that, after a year away from the guitar, he’s back in full force and ready to drop some new tunes on the world as he pursues the next chapter of his life after Rush.

But our interview with Alex is just one of many great entries in this issue, which also includes an excerpt from Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van

Halen, Brad Tolinski and Chris GIll’s epic new EVH bio. Brad and Chris shed new light on every corner of Van Halen’s life and prodigious artistry, delivering a long-awaited and vital read about the most important and influential guitarist of the modern age.

The bonanza continues as we sit down for new interviews with Robben Ford, Yngwie Malmsteen, Phil Collen and Earl Slick. There’s no shortage of great reading in this issue. I hope you enjoy it.