Þetta er snillingurinn Jason Becker.

At the age of 20, he joined David Lee Roth's band, which was considered an excellent gig for an up and coming guitarist (e.g., Steve Vai, whom Becker replaced). Whilst recording the album A Little Ain't Enough and preparing for the respective tour, he began to feel what he called a “lazy limp” on his left leg. He was soon diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS - aka 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 to make it easier to play with his weakened hand. No one knew of his illness at the time except for his friend Steve Hunter. Although he managed to finish the album (which later went gold), he was forced to depart from the tour due to his inability to perform on stage.

He eventually lost the ability to speak (since he could not move his mouth) 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, Jason states “I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease). It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind.” In his 30s, his medical condition has remained stable since 1997, which is rare for ALS.

Future Prospects

Jason and his friend, actor Matt Schulze are planning a movie about his life, titled End of the Beginning. According to Jason's official website, Fender and Charvel are going to make guitars for the movie and are planning to release a number of them to the public.

Shrapnel Records will be releasing a Best of Jason Becker album. Jason is currently in the studio working on two new songs for the album which will feature Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Joe Satriani, and Steve Hunter. The album will also feature older, never-heard songs/recordings.