20-07-2025
'80s Prog Rock Icon ‘Sounded Terrible' During Tom Morello Performance
'80s Prog Rock Icon 'Sounded Terrible' During Tom Morello Performance originally appeared on Parade.
Iconic guitarists Alex Lifeson and Tom Morello brought rock fans to their feet during an unforgettable performance — though one is taking the heat.
On Thursday, July 17 during a Toronto performance, the Rush guitarist joined Rage Against the Machine's Morello for a performance of Rush's classic hit 'Limelight.' Fans caught the unexpected moment on video, with the iconic '80s group sharing a clip on their YouTube page.
While many people praised the duo, some were quick to critique, particularly 71-year-old Lifeson's performance.
'How great to see Alex on stage celebrating this song with Tom and his band, wonderful job!!' one fan gushed in the comments.
'Something is "off" during the solo,' one noted, while another said bluntly, 'Can't sing.'
Apparently, something actually was off. According to other commenters and attendees at the show, Lifeson's string broke during the performance.
'E string unfortunately broke.. but everything was there... thanks Alex,' one said.
One praised how Lifeson handled the unfortunate situation. 'Alex, the legend, the consummate pro, somehow manages to get through the song with the guitar he was given out of tune and/or pedals not performing right,' they said.
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Another elaborated, 'I feel bad for him. Obviously, he can still play, but having the string break on him at the beginning of his solo really threw him, and that just sounded terrible.'
Lifeson's collaboration with Morello, 61, isn't a one-off; in 2021, the two guitarists, along with Metallica's Kirk Hammett, teamed up for the track "I Have Seen The Way," featured on Morello's album The Atlas Underground Flood.
Since the passing of Rush's legendary drummer, Neil Peart, in January 2020, Lifeson and bassist Geddy Lee have not performed under the band's name but have maintained an active relationship with their fanbase.
'80s Prog Rock Icon 'Sounded Terrible' During Tom Morello Performance first appeared on Parade on Jul 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
