Jason Becker

Jason Becker is an American musician, composer, and guitarist renowned for his technical proficiency and the emotional depth of his compositions. Born on July 22, 1969, in Richmond, California, Becker's career was dramatically altered by his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in the early 1990s. Despite the significant physical limitations imposed by the disease, Becker has continued to compose music using computer software that tracks his eye movements.

Early Life and Career

Jason Becker began playing guitar at the age of five, showing early signs of his prodigious talent. He was part of the duo Cacophony with fellow guitarist Marty Friedman in the late 1980s. Cacophony released two albums, Speed Metal Symphony (1987) and Go Off! (1988), which are considered classics in the shred guitar genre. Becker's solo album, Perpetual Burn (1988), further showcased his extraordinary guitar skills and compositional prowess.

Diagnosis and Adaptation

At the peak of his rising career, just after joining David Lee Roth's band for the album A Little Ain't Enough (1991), Becker was diagnosed with ALS. Initially given only a few years to live, he has defied expectations, living with the disease for over three decades. As ALS progressed, Becker lost the ability to play guitar, speak, and move independently. However, his passion for music remained undiminished. Utilizing technology that allows him to communicate and compose music through eye movements, Becker has continued to create and release music, inspiring many with his resilience and creativity.

Legacy and Influence

Jason Becker's story is not just one of musical talent but also of incredible determination and adaptability in the face of adversity. His ability to compose music despite severe physical limitations has made him a symbol of hope and perseverance. Becker's influence extends beyond guitarists; he is admired by musicians across genres for his technical skill, emotional expression, and compositional depth. His life and work have been the subject of documentaries and numerous articles, highlighting his contributions to music and his extraordinary spirit.

Discography

• Perpetual Burn (1988)
• Speed Metal Symphony (with Cacophony, 1987)
• Go Off! (with Cacophony, 1988)
• Perspective (1996)
• Additional albums and collaborations featuring Becker's compositions and guitar work have been released post-diagnosis, showcasing his ongoing creativity and influence in music.

See Also

• Marty Friedman
• David Lee Roth
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Music therapy