Musical Interlude: Perpetual Burn

The Incomparable Jason Becker

But First Wiki:

"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. In 2003, Jason posted on his website that he was feeling better and had gained some weight. There have been no updates since then.How Long has ALS been afflicting people? And How Much Longer are we going to keep Researching, Poisoning, Crippling and Killing People who Think and Speak in 'Strange/Unacceptably Creative' fashions? And how much of that Wasted Money could have been spent curing a Real, Physical Pathology, ...... since At Least Lou Gehrig in 1939?

Jason Becker: Perpetual Burn



Godspeed Jason.