What is ALS? Guitarist Jason Becker has Lived With it for Nearly 4 Decades
Legendary guitarist Jason Becker has just released “Crip Tone Night,” a powerful new track from his forthcoming collection of songs “The Strawberry Jams.” This particular song represents more than just another musical achievement – it clearly demonstrates human strength and resilience in the face of ALS, one of medicine’s most devastating diseases. We just lost actor Eric Dane from the same illness.
Jason Becker’s Journey With ALS
Guitarist Becker was sadly diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1990, at just 20 years old. He was given only three to five years to live. That was over 35 years ago.
ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that attacks the body’s motor neurons. These are the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. As neurons die, the brain loses its ability to control muscle movement. Patients gradually lose the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe on their own.
The disease typically progresses rapidly. According to the Mayo Clinic, half of those diagnosed with ALS die within 14 to 18 months. Most patients don’t survive beyond five years. Yet somehow Becker has managed to defy every statistical prediction. He’s lived more than three decades with a debilitating condition that has claimed countless lives far sooner.
The Reality of Living With ALS
The physical toll of ALS is profound and unrelenting. For Becker, the disease first manifested as a “lazy limp” and pain in his left leg in 1989, just as he was joining David Lee Roth’s band following in the footsteps of guitar legends Eddie Van Halen and the phenomenal Steve Vai.
By 1996, Becker had lost his ability to speak. Currently he communicates exclusively through eye movements, using a system his father Gary developed specifically for him. Despite complete paralysis and inability to speak, his mind remains sharp – a cruel characteristic of ALS that leaves patients fully aware as their bodies fail them.
How “Crip Tone Night” Came to Life
The creation of “Crip Tone Night” reveals both Becker’s determination and the support system that makes his music possible. After finishing his 2018 album Triumphant Hearts, Becker became seriously ill. For five years, his complete focus was simply staying alive. During this period, he felt no inspiration for new music – a painful reality for someone whose entire identity revolved around creating.
Friends Dave Lopez and Reto Peter asked for his old demos to work on, breathing new life into recordings Becker had nearly forgotten. Among them was “Crip Tone Night” (originally titled “Hen Tricks”), which existed in five different versions. (Guitarists, ya know…) The beautiful video, created by Navin Dorai of OD Studios, features Becker’s cat, Rose.
Arion Salazar of Third Eye Blind added bass to the track, transforming what was originally a clean guitar part into a fuller arrangement. Grammy Award-winning Green Day producer Chris Dugan contributed drums and handled the mixing. The result is a collaborative masterpiece that allowed Becker to feel excited about music again – a gift that’s beyond measure for someone who had lost hope of creating.
The Strawberry Jams: A Gift to Fans
It is looking like next week, “The Strawberry Jams” – described as “a collection of songs, demos, and musical ideas straight from the man himself” – will be released on Bandcamp as free downloads. This generous gesture reflects Team Becker’s gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years.
Becker’s team explained: “We’re sharing it this way as a heartfelt thank-you, out of deep gratitude for the incredible love, kindness, and generosity you’ve shown Jason and all of us at Team Becker over the years.”
For fans who want to support Becker, donations can be made directly to his medical trust fund. Every contribution helps cover his ongoing care and provides vital resources for him to continue living his best life, creating amazing music, and inspiring others facing similar battles.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Prior to his ALS diagnosis, Becker was a guitar prodigy who achieved what most musicians only dream of. At 16, he formed the technical guitar duo Cacophony with guitarist extraordinaire Marty Friedman. By age 19, he was playing alongside David Lee Roth and poised for superstardom.
Becker’s 1988 album Perpetual Burn showcased his virtuosic techniques – sweep picking, alternate picking, artificial harmonics, and tapping – which influenced countless guitarists who followed. Players like Nita Strauss, Guthrie Govan, and Herman Li all cite Becker as an influence.
However, his real legacy extends far beyond technical prowess. Becker has shown the world what’s possible when determination meets adversity. Using eye-tracking technology, he composes music painstakingly note by note. He then communicates his vision to a team who translates it into reality. His 2018 album Triumphant Hearts featured guitar work from the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, and Joe Bonamassa. This is a true testament to the respect he commands in the music community.
The 2012 documentary “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet” captured his journey, offering an intimate look at someone who refuses to let a devastating and fatal disease define him. In the liner notes of his Perspective album, Becker wrote:
“I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind.”
Moving Onward and Forward
“Crip Tone Night” represents much more than a new song. This is proof that creativity and the human spirit can transcend even the most severe physical limitations. For someone who lost the ability to physically play guitar decades ago, Becker continues to create music that both moves and inspires.
The guitarist’s story carries particular weight as we remember another recent ALS loss. Beloved actor Eric Dane, who was known for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” passed away at 53 after his own battle with the disease. These tragic losses underscore the urgent need for continued ALS research and awareness.
Jason Becker has now lived with ALS for nearly four decades. This is much longer than his initial prognosis. Every day he lives, every note he composes, every song he releases represents a huge victory against impossible odds. “Crip Tone Night” isn’t just music – it’s a declaration that life, creativity, and hope still persist even in the bleakest of circumstances.
