The National Guitar Museum has announced that Alex Lifeson, one of the most revered rock guitarists of the past 50 years, will receive its annual “Lifetime Achievement” Award for 2024. Lifeson is the 15th recipient of the award.

A founding member of the band Rush—known for its extraordinary level of musicianship and for crafting experimental and progressive rock epics—Lifeson has appeared on over 30 albums since 1974. “Alex’s playing has inspired countless guitarists to push the boundaries of what the guitar can do. And I am one of them,” says HP Newquist, the executive director of The National Guitar Museum. “It’s hard to even put his playing in a single category—calling him a 'rock guitarist' doesn’t begin to cover it. Catchy riffs, intricate instrumental passages, classical flourishes, jackhammer chords, brilliant tone... that’s just the start of what Alex does as a guitarist.”

“I'm honoured to be receiving this Lifetime Achievement award from the National Guitar Museum,” said Lifeson. “I fell in love with the guitar when I was 11 years old and continue my romantic affair to this day, 60 years later. It has been my voice, my lover and my partner on a lifelong journey, and we’ve never had a single argument. I’m grateful for this acknowledgement and fortunate to share the rewards that come with being a guitarist.”

Every year for more than a decade, The National Guitar Museum has given their “Lifetime Achievement” Award to a living guitarist who has contributed to the legacy of the guitar. The guidelines are straightforward: the person must have been a performing or recording artist whose talents had an effect on guitar playing—and whose career inspired and influenced other guitar players. The recipients to date are:

2010: David Honeyboy Edwards
2011: Roger McGuinn
2012: B.B. King
2013: Vic Flick
2014: Buddy Guy
2015: Tony Iommi
2016: Glen Campbell
2017: Bonnie Raitt
2018: Jose Feliciano. 
2019: Liona Boyd
2020: Eddie Van Halen
2021: Al DiMeola
2023: Tommy Emmanuel
2024: Alex Lifeson

The National Guitar Museum was founded to promote and preserve the legacy of the guitar. It is the world's first museum dedicated to the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the guitar.

The Museum's Board Of Advisors is comprised of guitar greats: Ritchie Blackmore, Liona Boyd, Steve Howe, Tony Iommi, Steve Vai, and Joe Bonamassa.

(Top photo - Reverb.com)