Rocker teams with Julien’s Auctions in May

Julien’s Auctions announces the “Property From the Archives of Alex Lifeson” auction on May 22nd at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York and online.

Part of the auction house’s “Music Icons” auction happening on May 20th, 21st and 22nd, “Property From The Archives of Alex Lifeson” will feature over 60 vintage guitars and other career memorabilia from the personal collection Lifeson, the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and co-founder of Rush. One of the greatest rock groups of all time, selling more than 40 million records worldwide during the band’s four-decade history.

Among the items is a 1976 custom-built Gibson ES-355TD, aka “Whitey,” played by Lifeson throughout most of his career with Rush. “Whitey” is featured on all albums from A Farewell to Kings to Test for Echo, and can be seen played by Lifeson on stage during all Rush tours from 1977 to 2015 as well as in many of the band’s music videos. This splendid guitar was part of Rush’s most explosive era of creativity.

“I purchased this guitar in 1976, it was custom-built in Kalamazoo just for me. It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar,” Lifeson shares.

A 1970 Gibson Les Paul acquired by Lifeson during Rush’s inaugural tour and played extensively on all Rush albums and tours from Fly By Night and 2112 to Hemispheres; a 1971 Jose Ramirez acoustic guitar used by Lifeson to record all classical-style tracks on the album Hemispheres; a 1976 Gibson Dove acoustic guitar played on numerous tours and used by Lifeson to write “Closer to the Heart” and other songs from the 1977 Rush album A Farewell to Kings; a 1976 Gibson J-55 acoustic guitar used by Lifeson to compose Rush’s platinum-selling album 2112 as well as A Farewell to Kings and served as the main acoustic guitar on “Natural Science” and “Camera Eye” from Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures.

Also up for grabs is a 1980 custom Hentor Sportscaster played by Lifeson on most Rush albums since Moving Pictures and was the main guitar used on the recording of the album Grace Under Pressure. This guitar was favored by Lifeson as his primary instrument for soloing – in particular the solo for the band’s hit single “Limelight,” and can be seen in the music videos for “Vital Signs,” “Countdown,” and “Enemy Within.” The Sportscaster’s heavy yet versatile sound embodies Rush’s bold sonic explorations of the 1980s and Lifeson’s growth as a soloist during this time.

Additional items on offer will include concert and tour ephemera, passes, and photographs as well as original lyric sheets.

The items will be on display during a free exhibition May 16th through May 20th from 11 am until 9 pm ET daily at the Hard Rock Cafe on Broadway in Times Square in New York City. The auction starts at on May 22nd at 10 am ET in person and online.

Fans can commemorate the auction with a limited edition catalogue through Julien’s Auctions.