Battery Charges Against Rush Guitarist Diminished — But He's Not Off The Hook

MTV News ^ | 3.22.2004 | Jon Wiederhorn

[NYC GOP Chick]

A circuit court in Collier County, Florida, has charged Alex Lifeson (a.k.a. Alex Zivojinovich), the guitarist for Canadian power trio Rush, with two third-degree felony counts of battery against a law-enforcement officer.

The charges stem from a New Year's Eve incident in which Lifeson became enraged after security personnel at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel restaurant in Naples, Florida, prevented Lifeson's son Justin from joining the house band onstage to sing to his wife. Police became involved and Lifeson allegedly elbowed one in the face, pushed a female officer down a staircase, and ripped an officer's radio from his uniform (see "Rush Guitarist Considers Suit Alleging Police Brutality").

The third-degree battery charges were knocked down from two first-degree charges of aggravated battery against a law-enforcement officer. Four additional charges against Lifeson were dropped: resisting/obstructing an officer with violence, resisting/obstructing an officer without violence, disorderly intoxication and depriving an officer of the protection of a communication device.

The rocker will appear before a judge of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court in Naples on May 17. If convicted, Lifeson could face a fine of $500 or more and/or jail time. In the New Year's Eve fight, cops allegedly broke Lifeson's nose and zapped him four times with a stun gun to restrain him. The guitarist spent two nights in jail before he was released.

[Wrigley]

I missed a couple opportunites to see them in Chicago, which is something that bugs me from time to time. Entirely too loud and a small club is the best way to see a band.

I was already a Christian when I first heard the Gretchen album, and knew something was up with them, but the FHL really showed it. Great couple records. I didn't think too much of Dogman though. It may be time to revisit that record.

[avg_freeper]

"You forgot Journey."
... and Kansas.

I had a thing for Kansas back in the day. But I'm better now.

[Clemenza]

Not many people appreciate or like Joe Jackson. I have all of his stuff.

"Breaking Us In Two" and "Stepping Out" are on Clemenza's Top 10 List for greatest songs ever written. Although not my favorite artist/composer, he's the only person who makes the list twice.

[Clemenza]

"Pretty women out walkin' with gorillas down my street"

OK, but why should a guy who wrote a song like "Real Men" CARE about pretty women anyway?

[-YYZ-]

I still like Rush after all these years. I don't even want to know what kind of crap YOU listen to.

[Charles Martel]

And the Springsteen I like is not the 1990s leftist stuff, but rather the 1970s gearhead stuff. Darkness and Born to Run and The River....stuff like that.

Gotta agree with that - Springsteen's early stuff was gritty but worthwhile. His more recent recordings just don't seem appropriate alongside the likes of Big Mama Thornton.

[NYC GOP Chick]

What's the album title: The Who Sell Out (Again)? ;) Seriously, how many greatest hits albums can they release? Or live albums? Gosh, I don't think I've heard quite enough live versions of Baba O'Reilly and Behind Blue Eyes!

Ha! Actually, it's called "Then and Now." And, yes, I think they've now put out more "best of" albums than new stuff -- but there is a new one on the way! :)

[NYC GOP Chick]

Kewl story, but who the heck is Shawn Townsend?

[FreedomPoster]

Now that I look at some Pete biographies - dang good question. I thought it was Pete's son (yes, I know I missed an "h"), but now, I don't know who the heck it was.

[FreedomPoster]

Ah, the Internet is a wonderous thing. Simon Townshend, this tour:

http://www.kathyszaksite.com/dst3.html
Sep 17, 1994 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheater

Dang, it was 10 years ago. Time flies.

From that page:
"In reality, it was a very strong rocking set, that seemed to surprise and delight almost every reviewer."

I can personally verify that it was a "very strong rocking set".

[NYC GOP Chick]

Well, Pete's son is now about 15 y.o., and I see that you've already found it was his kid brother, Simon. :)

[Fledermaus]

Yeah, that was it. Thanks!