The lead guitarist for the rock band Rush said his arrest at a New Year’s Eve party was unfair.
Alex Zivojinovich – known on stage as Alex Lifeson – was arrested for what police described as drunken, violent behavior at the Naples Ritz-Carlton hotel. He faces six charges, including four felonies, the most serious of which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.
“This gives new meaning to dinner at the Ritz,” Zivojinovich, 50, said as he left jail Friday on $14,500 bond, wearing the same black suit he wore to the New Year’s Eve bash.
Zivojinovich said he didn’t believe his arrest was fair. “They didn’t like the way we were dancing, apparently,” he said.
Also arrested were his son Justin Zivojinovich, 33, and his son’s wife, Michelle Zivojinovich, 30.
According to authorities, the scuffle began when Justin Zivojinovich refused to leave the stage where the house band was performing. His father spat blood on a deputy’s face and pushed a deputy down a hotel stairwell during the struggle, police said.
Justin Zivojinovich disputed that account and said deputies broke his father’s nose.
Charges against Alex Zivojinovich include aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and disorderly intoxication.
Arraignment is set for Jan. 26.
Rush’s hits include “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight” and “The Spirit of Radio.”
