Jason Becker’s mother, Pat, posted on social media that the condition of the guitarist – who has been suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for 30 years, also known as Lou Goering Disease, was admitted to hospital.
In recent days, Jason has been having difficulty breathing and palpitations, and has been urging his fans via Facebook to pray for him. His doctor felt it was best to admit him to the hospital.
“Hey everyone, Jason is aware of, and overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers and love coming his way. He was feeling better for a while, but the annoying shortness of breath and rapid heart rate kept coming and going. The doctor felt it was best to admit him to the hospital, which is what we are doing.
Right now, Gary and Serrana are on the way. I will spend the night with him tonight. On his way, he said, ‘gonna get this fixed. I love you.’ Eternal optimist and we are all taking his lead. We are all so grateful and will keep you posted when we can. Thank you with all our hearts.”
Throughout April, some of the world’s greatest guitarists will come together to raise money and celebrate the music of legendary guitarist and composer Jason Becker, who has been living with ALS for over 30 years and continues to compose and record music.
The virtual event, hosted in part by DragonForce guitarist Herman Li, will include three components:
1) A livestream telethon-style fundraiser on Twitch: special guests will appear on Herman Li’s Twitch channel (twitch.tv/hermanli) to play, jam and participate in fan-generated challenges with all money raised going directly to Jason’s medical trust. Over $13,000 has been raised so far. Visit Jasonbecker.com or twitch.tv/hermanli for a full schedule of livestream guests.
2) Artists will donate signed guitars, merch and other rare items which will be sold via a special Reverb shop to benefit Jason. Details TBA.
3) Three of Jason’s most important guitars will be auctioned off later this year, including the guitars seen on the covers of Perpetual Burn, Speed Metal Symphony and the original “Numbers” guitar played by Eddie Van Halen. Details TBA.
Musicians participating in the fundraiser include: Marty Friedman, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Mark Tremonti, John Petrucci, Kiko Loureiro, Tosin Abasi, Nita Strauss, Orianthi, Devin Townsend, Dave Ellefson, Michael Angelo Batio, Guthrie Govan, Tim Henson, Alex Skolnick, Albert Lee, Matt Heafy, Zoltan Bathory, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, Satchel (Steel Panther), John 5, Gus G, Nili Brosh, Jason Richardson, The Dooo (YouTube), Jared Dines, Ola Englund, Steve Terreberry (StevieT on YouTube), Tyler Larson (Music is Win on YouTube), Cole Rolland, Thomas McRocklin, Rusty Cooley, Mattias IA Eklundh (Freak Kitchen), Sam Totman, Chris Broderick, Lari Basilio, Sophie Lloyd, Federico Mondelli and Fabiola Bellomo (Frozen Crown), Alex Lee (Holy Grail), Stevie Salas, Elliot Easton, Mika Tyyska, Daniel Dekay, N&M Creation (YouTube) and more TBA.
