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Perspective Jason Becker's Symphony of life By Dave Clark DLR Army Communications Officer     About one year ago the DLR Army sent a list of questions to former David Lee Roth guitarist Jason Becker after trading correspondence with his mother Pat.     We checked in from time to time with Jason and Pat to see how Jason was doing and to follow-up on the interview. Pat explained to us that Jason was typing the answers to our questions by communicating with an "alphabet board" - typing with his eyes. We were both inspired and humbled that Jason was still trudging through these questions for you, our readers and fellow DLR fans.       Jason's career seemed to be "poised at the proverbial brink," as his then bandleader Diamond Dave sang on the release Becker was featured on, "A Lil' Ain't Enough."      During the recording tragedy struck. A persistent weakness in his hand and leg was diagnosed as ALS, cutting short his tenure with Dave.      Becker has continued to fight against the savage effects of the disease, but he's never lost his optimism, his love of music and his devotion to you, his fans.      Please enjoy this, our most special interview ever. DLR ARMY: What originally inspired you to take up the guitar?  Why did you want to become a musician? BECKER: "My father plays classical guitar, and the coolness of Bob Dylan made me want to be cool too.  Music has always been important to me and my family." DLR ARMY: Tell us about some of your upcoming projects.  What do you have in the works? BECKER: "Warner Bros. is releasing 'Perspective' on May 22.  It will have a slightly different cover.  Also, Hot Licks Video is releasing my instruction video around the same time.  It will be called 'The Legendary Guitar of Jason Becker.'" [Click To Hear A Sound Clip of Perspective- Life After Death] DLR ARMY: In 1990, you won a readers' poll for best new guitarist in Guitar Magazine.  Compared to all the guys who were out at that moment as well as the change in pop culture (grunge was getting big) it must have been a big honor for you. BECKER: "Yes, it was an honor. Especially because I was puzzled how I could get more votes than Marty Friedman.  It basically just felt nice." [Click To Hear A Sound Clip of A Lil' Ain't Enough] DLR ARMY: You've said previously that Van Halen was in inspiration to you.  What was it like being able to work with Dave?  How did he hear about you? BECKER: "Working with Dave was sort of dream-like and weird.  He is the famous 'Dave,' yet just human, too. Gregg Bissonette called Mike Varney looking for a great guitarist.  Varney and I sent tapes.  "I think Dave was convinced then, but I think he wanted to meet me and see me play his stuff.  He was very sweet to me." DLR ARMY: We read in Dave's book that it was a struggle for you recording "A Lil Ain't Enough" in Vancouver.  How was working with Dave in the studio?  How did the two of you write together, what was the process? BECKER: "Well, of course it was difficult for me because ALS was messing with my body.  Working with Dave was almost always cool.  He wasn't too happy when I wasn't kicking ass.  You can't blame him.  How could I tell him what was happening to my hands, and thus my mind?   "For the two songs I co-wrote, I brought him finished songs and he wrote words for them." DLR ARMY: What was your first impression of Dave? We always heard that recording with Bob Rock in Vancouver was a pretty wild time.  Any stories to share?  Being a 20-something guy under Dave's tutelage must have been pretty cool! BECKER: "My first impression was that he was sweet and wild.  The first night we went to a club. He tried to set me up with a lady, but I just wasn't comfortable with it.  I prefer to sort of know someone first.   "There were a few wild times, but it isn't my place to divulge them." DLR ARMY: Who made the decision that you would not tour with Dave?  What was your reaction to the news? BECKER: "I made Dave decide, but I pretty much knew I couldn't, so I wasn't surprised." DLR ARMY: When was the last time Dave contacted you? BECKER: "When we parted ways was the last time.  I could tell he was sad." DLR ARMY: We heard you are writing a book.  How is that going?  When can we expect to see it? BECKER: "I definitely still plan on writing it, but right now I am concentrating on other stuff." DLR ARMY: ALAE has always been a favorite in the Army bunker.  In fact, we think it's among Dave's best work. BECKER: "Wow, thanks!  That makes me happy." DLR ARMY: Are there any ALAE leftovers? BECKER: "I think there were at least two leftovers ("She's My Machine" and "Any Time, Anywhere").  I really miss one." DLR ARMY: What was you general impression of the final product? Were you surprised that it didn't sell better? BECKER: "Of course I thought the guitar should have been louder. I wasn't totally surprised, because I didn't get why 'Sensible Shoes' was the second video, but who am I?  Plus it was too bad that the first video wasn't a band video." DLR ARMY: What was your favorite tune on ALAE? Everyone always comments on 'Drop in the Bucket' as being the standout on that album.  Do you think that song was an indication of where the band was going? BECKER: "The last two are my favorites ("It's Showtime" and "Drop In the Bucket"), and the (title) song. [Click To Hear A Sound Clip of Drop In The Bucket] Well, I would have hoped that we would have gone in that direction, but I don't know. I have a hunch that Dave wanted to be more like the Stones, but I could be wrong." DLR ARMY: Describe a typical day for Jason, Pat. (Editor's Note: Pat Becker is Jason's mom). PAT BECKER: "Jason usually gets started around 7 AM. He gets water and most food and vitamins through a tube in his stomach. He gets his face washed, teeth brushed, bath, etc. and a hair wash once a week. This all happens in bed.    "Then comes dressing. Then there are hours of adjustments that come with all of this stuff. After all that (it's usually around 1 or 2 p.m.) he is transferred from the bed to his wheelchair and that is usually another 45 minutes to an hour of body adjustments. Then, depending on what's going on, he works on interviews, notes to record companies or video companies about the details of his CD, video, etc.  "He likes to be involved in every detail and have it just so. Sometimes he watches a movie or we just talk." DLR ARMY: How has having ALS changed performing and composing for you? How do you play and compose through your personal computer?  Please help explain the process to the rest of us. BECKER: "Well, I hate to say this, but I haven't written one note since before 1995.  I have tried for  years the available equipment, but it just hasn't worked for me." DLR ARMY: Describe your condition today. BECKER: "Basically, I can't do any functional movement, but I am definitely not getting worse.  My health seems very sturdy.  I no longer even think about death or getting worse." DLR ARMY: How is Jason doing? PAT BECKER: "Jason can move his right index finger, which he uses to hit a bell when he needs something or wants to communicate. He communicates with an alphabet board and his eyes do the spelling. We have the letters memorized so we can understand him that way. That is how he answered all the questions and that is how he talks.  "He has up days and down days." DLR ARMY: In 1996, you released Perspective.  It must have been a great feeling to be back working.  Describe that period for us. BECKER: "Yes, it felt good, but it is so frustrating when there is very little distribution and promotion.  You have something to share, but nope!" DLR ARMY: How did Eddie Van Halen get involved with your latest project?  You must have been pretty blown away when Ed said he'd record your song.  Do you like the way it turned out?  What was meeting Ed like? BECKER: "Eddie and I met when he agreed to do an MDA telethon thing with me.  He got me the deal with Warner Bros. Although he is not going to record a song, he is doing so much.  Meeting Eddie was great.  He has a lot of love that he isn't afraid to show." DLR ARMY: Likewise, some of the biggest names in hard rock turned out to do a benefit concert for you.  We can only imagine the feeling you had knowing that they were lending their names to a concert to honor you. Tell us how that concert got started and your reaction to the event. BECKER: "It was my friend Lori Barker's idea and project.  It was very cool -- all these guys that I respect playing for a little schmuck like me." DLR ARMY: What do you consider your biggest achievement as a musician? Tell us the top 3 songs you're most proud to have written and why you're proud of them. BECKER: "I would have to say 'Perspective,' and there are a few things from my Hot Licks video.  It's so hard, but maybe the top three are, 'End of the Beginning,' from 'Perspective,' 'Air,' from 'Perpetual Burn,' and 'Images,' from 'Go Off.'  I also like 'Drop in the Bucket.' Man, I like too many!" [Click To Hear A Sound Clip of Go Off!] DLR ARMY: What are you listening to these days, what music inspires you? BECKER: "Indian music and I actually enjoy No Doubt a lot." DLR ARMY: So what do you think about these VH reunion rumors? BECKER: "I loved those magical days, but I just won't know 'til I hear the music.  You can't miss with Eddie." DLR ARMY: What was it like working with Cacophony and touring Japan with Marty Friedman?  We've always heard Marty was a heck of a nice guy.  You guys must have had a blast together. BECKER: "You are right.  Marty is one of the coolest people around.  He is one of my best friends.  We, and the other guys in Cacophony, always just had total fun." DLR ARMY: Stepping away from the music thing for a minute, you've become a very spiritual person.  Tell us how that came about and how that gives you strength. BECKER: "That came about because I was dying and pissed about having no control.  My parents were sort of into Paramahansa Yogananda and he gave me hope, strength, and indescribable experiences that gave me faith and conviction in something greater.   "Then I met the Indian guru, Ammachi. She gives me strength every day." DLR ARMY: How did you get involved with the Jerry Lewis Telethon? What's your opinion of the show and other charities? BECKER: "A friend of mine called them.  My opinion of the MDA isn't very high, but it is very important to give to some charity that speaks to you. One of mine is the ALS Therapy Development Foundation (www.als-tdf.org/ and www.als-tdf.org/).  "We are all one, and you can only get by giving." DLR ARMY: Tell us why it's important to help support ALS charities and foundations. PAT BECKER: "It's important because it is always good to help support what you believe in, and you never know when ANYTHING might hit you or someone you love. It's also important because there is not enough information on ALS, it's cause, cure. It is a cruel and nasty disease." DLR ARMY: Have there been a lot of inquiries from Jason's fans and other DLR fans? How can fans contact him if they do have a message? PAT BECKER: "The encouragement and moral support Jason receives from fans all over the world is astonishing! Jason seems to have attracted the kind of people who truly understand his music and love his soul. They come from all over the world and their messages are the most loving and caring you could ever imagine.   "My heart is somewhat soothed when I think someone can hear Jason's heart and soul in his music, because I have always known it was there and I hear it all; his humor, his personality, his anger, fear and love.   It's all in his music. I can soar to the moon when I listen to his music and he gets that kind of feedback all the time.   "His notes often make people cry and think and love and make important decisions. Nothing could make me prouder than to hear his music and to know what he has been through and to hear that he has touched so many.   "I think he is the Mozart of his time, and I'm not just saying that because I'm his mom. It's the truth. His e-mail address is jason.becker@intres.com" DLR ARMY: This is your chance to send out a message to DLR fans and your fans in general. Any special message? BECKER: "I want you fans and friends to know that you are so great. Your letters are an inspiration to me.  Everyone says I am an inspiration, but hey, I get down too. You guys are so sweet. Thank you." Links: The Official Jason Becker Website Jason's Discography (contains a bevy ofsounds!) All Interviews, unless otherwise noted, are sole property of Dave Clark and DLRArmy.com All photos and sounds courtesy of JasonBecker.com To email the article you just read above to someone else {click here} .     To email the article you just read above to someone else {click here}