Jason Becker ABC2008

A 2008 Update on Jason Becker and his new released CD "The Collections"

Jason Becker, (born July 22, 1969) is an American neo-classical metal guitarist and composer. At the age of 16, he became part of the Mike Varney-produced duo Cacophony with his friend Marty Friedman. They released Speed Metal Symphony in 1987 and Go Off! in 1988.

At the age of 20, he joined David Lee Roth's band, replacing Steve Vai, who went on to join Whitesnake. While recording the A Little Ain't Enough album and preparing for the subsequent tour in 1990, Becker began to feel what he called a "lazy limp" on his left leg. He was soon diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and given three years to live. He could barely finish the recording, using low-gauge (thin) guitar strings and other techniques, which would make it easier to play with his weakening hands. Although he managed to finish the album he did not join the supporting tour due to his inability to perform on stage; former Lizzy Borden guitarist Joe Holmes took Becker's place on tour.

He eventually lost the ability to speak and now communicates with his eyes via a system developed by his father. Although his ALS gradually robbed him of his ability to play guitar, to walk, and eventually even to speak, he still remains mentally sharp and, with the aid of a computer, continues composing. In the back of the Perspective CD case, Becker states "I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind." Now in his 30s, his medical condition has remained stable since 1997. No recent updates pertaining to Jason's condition has been heard of aside from him stating that he has felt a little better and gained some weight, but this was in 2003.


On November 4, 2008, Shrapnel Records released a new Jason Becker album entitled "Collection". The album includes three new songs in addition to some older recordings (some never before released) and features Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Joe Satriani, Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai, and Steve Hunter.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jason
• Becker
• Cacophony
• Steve
• Vai
• Marshall
• Harrison
• Rusty
• Cooley
• Joe
• Satriani
• shred
• Paul
• Glibert
• Fast
• guitarist
• ALS
• Amyotrophic
• Lateral
• Sclerosis
• Lou
• Gehrig's
• Disease
• Marty
• Friedman
• Richie
• Kotzen
• Guthrie
• Govan

[frankpaws]

They found the cause of ALS. And for all three types.

the basis of ALS is a malfunctioning protein recycling system in the neurons of the brain and spinal cord.

This means they may be able to cure it.

"We can now test for drugs that would regulate this protein pathway or optimize it, so it functions as it should in a normal state."

There is Hope!!!!

[Phrygian12]

@frankpaws That's great news!

[M3t4lManiac]

SUPPORT STEM-CELL RESEARCH!!!!

[daljin1991]

Hurts to watch

[TVGandhi]

About 3 years ago I bought a shirt on his website, I never received it:(

Nonetheless, I still truly admire him, I just wish they sent me my shirt and not jacked my money:(

[Errorr4O4]

@frankpaws Can we fix him? :o

[Errorr4O4]

He writes better music with his mind, than I do with my whole life.

[nikeelitesquad123]

So true...if we want to help Jason Becker out we need to get his music the legal way. He works soo hard to compose his music for us to just steal it

[jcalzada7452]

Man.. brake mi soul in half he's such an inspiration

[JohnKulo]

@frankpaws Yes yes yes!! We want cure for Jason Becker!

[dmmc1043]

@jonesey5168 you wanna know what else is heartbreaking? his fans are ripping him off by pirating his music... and that's a fact... musicians deserve every money that can get from their art, especially jason... get his music the legal way, cd or itunes, but don't download it for free on illegal sites

[jonesey5168]

This is fucking heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time

[PicaNoBoga]

MY INSPIRATION!