Alex Lifeson, the legendary guitarist of Rush, shared his challenging journey of recovery after experiencing severe nausea for a year following a significant stomach surgery in 2023. His health has significantly improved since he began treatment at a specialized clinic in Austria in January 2025. However, Lifeson has had to adopt a strict dietary regimen for the rest of his life, which includes giving up alcohol and smoking.

In an enlightening interview with AllMusic, Lifeson explained, “They have many cancer patients there, and they provide so many different therapies. It’s very calm and quiet – no phones, no music. It’s about almost zenning out… drinking a lot of water, tea; there’s no coffee, and obviously, no alcohol.”

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He elaborated, “I went to the clinic due to my stomach surgery in 2023, which resulted in gastroparesis. This condition means that food stays in my stomach for 10 or 12 hours, rather than the usual two or three hours, which has forced me to be extremely cautious about my diet.” Gastroparesis complicates his eating habits, making it essential for him to be selective about what and how he consumes food.

“One mistake can cost me two or three days of discomfort,” he added, emphasizing the gravity of his situation. At the age of 71, he reflected, “I was nauseous for a year. I was miserable for pretty much a year and a half.” His experience at the clinic taught him how to regain control over his eating habits, which he described as “remarkable.”

Describing himself as someone who tends to be lazy and avoids hard work unless he is truly motivated, Lifeson noted that adhering to the clinic’s guidelines has drastically changed his life for the better. “I’ve lost about 23 pounds, and I lost another I think 15 or 20 pounds before that. So I’m down close to 40 pounds in a year and a half,” he proudly stated.

Discovering a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle Post-Rush

Lifeson shared insights into his transformed lifestyle: “If I’m careful and I eat properly, I can live a happy, relatively normal life. If I don’t, then I suffer. I don’t drink anymore; I don’t smoke. I avoid junk food… I’m on a gluten-free and lactose-free diet. This is not a choice but a necessity to maintain a decent, comfortable life.”

When asked about a typical day in his new routine, he explained, “I’m usually up between 5:30 and 6:30. I hit the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. By 9:00, I return home to my studio in my apartment, which I consider my sanctuary. I never get bored in here, as it’s where I create and find my peace.”

He also mentioned, “I play a little bit of golf, and I occasionally enjoy some tennis. I take pride in making my own meals, and about once a week, I meet up with Ged for coffee to catch up. I also cherish spending time with my grandkids. That’s my life these days.”