Some of the world’s greatest guitarists are going to collaborate in order to collect money and celebrate the music of Jason Becker. Legendary guitarist and composer Becker has been living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis for over thirty years and continues to compose and record music.
The virtual event, hosted in part by guitarist Herman Li (Dragonforce) , will include three components: 1) A livestream telethon-style fundraiser on Twitch: special guests will appear on Herman Li’s Twitch channel 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 to be announced. 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 to be announced.
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
David Ellefson
Michael Angelo Batio
Guthrie Govan
Tim Henson
Alex Skolnick
Albert Lee
Matt Heafy
Zoltan Bathory
Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal
Satchel
John 5
Gus G
Nili Brosh
Jason Richardson
The Dooo
Jared Dines
Ola Englund
Steve Terreberry
Tyler Larson
Cole Rolland
Thomas McRocklin
Rusty Cooley
Mattias IA Eklundh
Sam Totman
Chris Broderick
Lari Basilio
Sophie Lloyd
Federico Mondelli and Fabiola Bellomo
Alex Lee
Stevie Salas
Elliot Easton
Mika Tyyska
Daniel Dekay
N&M Creation
Event co-organizer Herman Li says: “I’ve been a huge fan of Jason Becker since I was young, and it’s one of the biggest honors of my life to be able to help organize this tribute and rase money for him. I still have a Jason Becker poster in my studio in London. It’s been very inspiring to see everyone coming together to celebrate Jason.”
Becker says: “I am so grateful for all the love and support everyone has given to me and my family. As far as selling my guitars being sad, and that I shouldn’t have to do it, I just want you to know that isn’t how I feel. It makes me happy to see others playing my music. I feel good about passing on my guitars, thinking they mean something to others. I can’t play them now, but other folks can. That’s a good thing. And I want myself and my family not to have to worry about money, if possible. Thank you for all the love. I send it right back to you.”
