The date for the battery trial of Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and his son has been delayed until September, reports Florida's Naples Daily News.

Lifeson, whose real name is Alex Zivojinovich, and his son Justin, are scheduled to be tried the week of Sept. 13 in Collier County Circuit Court.

The trial, which was to begin last Monday, was postponed after defence attorneys told the court they need more time to prepare.

The father and son duo were arrested after a drunken New Year's Eve clash with police at a posh Florida hotel.

Deputies claim that the guitarist pushed a deputy down a stairwell and spat blood in another's face when officers decided to escort a resisting Justin off the property following an incident with the Ritz house band.

They both pleaded innocent to the charges.

The case will most likely be settled by a plea agreement or face another delay as Rush are scheduled to play concert dates in England and Scotland during the week of the trial.

Rush kicked off their 30th anniversary tour last month. The tour will make stops at Montreal's Bell Centre on August 21, and Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre on August 22.