Results 1 to 24 of 24

Thread: David Lee Roth on Jason Becker.

  1. #1
    hitchworld1969
    DIAMOND STATUS
    WARF's Avatar
    Member No
    145
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    01-31-2022 @ 04:25 PM
    Location
    Fort Lauderdale
    Posts
    15,316
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    2,849
    Thanked 2,500 Times in 1,468 Posts


    Rep Power
    61

    David Lee Roth on Jason Becker.

    "Well, trying to hire genius is like designing art by committee—damn near impossible. But I came so close you could feel the heat coming off of it, with a fellow named Jason Becker. Jason was maybe twenty, twenty-one years old. His parents had been like Haight-Ashbury hippies. So instead of growing up listening to Ed Van Halen records and duplicating that, he had grown up listening to all the old classics I had, as per his parents—Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills and Nash. What a wealth of references in his playing. He was just finding his way. You could hear the influences and name them if you were sharp. And he was a season or two away from where you couldn’t name the influences anymore. It would then be a signature sound. He would become Jason Becker the guitar player, as opposed to a guitar player.
    We made the album A Little Ain’t Enough. And as we were working on the songs, he was complaining of numbness in his leg. He was having a stiff leg, he was having trouble moving around.

    He had such a full, substantial, articulate sound, played through the simplest equipment—one amp head, one set of speakers, a foot pedal or two, all of it Dennis-the-Menaced together with spit and chicken wire. That kid could move air, man. And the kindest, gentlest, most flexible, absorbing, want-to-learn spirit that I’ve ever really worked with.

    Big hands, like six feet tall, just poised, poised. It turns out that that little leg problem was ALS; he had Lou Gehrig’s disease. Today he’s in a wheelchair and that’s it. I cried when that verdict came in. The world was waiting to print his picture, man. And he got struck down way too fucking early in the game.

    Soon as he realized that he was going to start stiffening up all the way around, instead of balling up in depression, Jason just went to work big time. As this whole voodoo situation increased, he learned to use computers and worked through other musicians and folks, developed a support system. And released a solo album."
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  2. #2
    Banned
    132dB's At Your Service

    Member No
    25
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    05-21-2013 @ 07:57 PM
    Location
    20' Above Water
    Posts
    10,849
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    2,599
    Thanked 334 Times in 307 Posts


    Blog Entries
    1
    Rep Power
    0
    Roth shoulda mentioned how much he owes him in royalties.
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  3. #3
    The Todd Show
    Full Member Status

    Mezro's Avatar
    Member No
    4445
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Last Online
    10-31-2010 @ 04:02 PM
    Location
    San Francisco, CA
    Posts
    4,127
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    19
    Thanked 76 Times in 45 Posts


    Rep Power
    25
    Originally posted by GAR
    Roth shoulda mentioned how much he owes him in royalties.
    And how many times he has visited/called him in the last 10 years.

    Mezro...a prime example of DLR in PR/bullshit mode...
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  4. #4
    hitchworld1969
    DIAMOND STATUS
    WARF's Avatar
    Member No
    145
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    01-31-2022 @ 04:25 PM
    Location
    Fort Lauderdale
    Posts
    15,316
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    2,849
    Thanked 2,500 Times in 1,468 Posts


    Rep Power
    61
    The Jamacian Rapper from No Big Ting just recieved a royality check for $2.13 .... and bought a couple beef patties with it.... as reported from Daves official site...

  5. #5
    DIAMOND STATUS
    Warham's Avatar
    Member No
    3170
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Last Online
    03-10-2024 @ 10:20 AM
    Location
    New Hampshire, USA
    Age
    50
    Posts
    14,585
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    165
    Thanked 299 Times in 178 Posts


    Rep Power
    38
    Dave hasn't been very friendly to Mr. Becker, and I know from recent interviews with Becker, he was none too pleased.
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  6. #6
    ROTH ARMY FOUNDER BrownSound1's Avatar
    Member No
    3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Last Online
    04-05-2014 @ 08:34 PM
    Location
    Huntsville, Alabama
    Age
    53
    Posts
    3,025
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    24
    Thanked 30 Times in 17 Posts


    Rep Power
    25
    Jason...it just breaks your heart to see him like that. I know he's done two interviews for us, and he typed it himself. Can you imagine what kind of patience the man has to attempt to do that? We will always be greatful for those interviews...in fact those mean the most to me personally of any we have had, and I don't even know the guy.
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  7. #7
    DIAMOND STATUS
    Panamark's Avatar
    Member No
    24
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    03-01-2014 @ 09:03 AM
    Location
    Fucking, Australia
    Posts
    17,113
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    392
    Thanked 816 Times in 559 Posts


    Rep Power
    47
    Wow, a thread dissin Dave ??

    And seriously too....
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  8. #8
    Gulf Coaster
    ROTH ARMY ELITE
    Cathedral's Avatar
    Member No
    389
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    04-05-2010 @ 04:14 AM
    Location
    Panama City Beach, FL.
    Age
    57
    Posts
    6,618
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 18 Times in 9 Posts


    Rep Power
    27
    The day the Army turned on Roth.......Who'd of thunk it?

    Is this the last day for humanity?
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  9. #9
    DIAMOND STATUS
    Panamark's Avatar
    Member No
    24
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    03-01-2014 @ 09:03 AM
    Location
    Fucking, Australia
    Posts
    17,113
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    392
    Thanked 816 Times in 559 Posts


    Rep Power
    47
    Do we all pack up and go home now ??

  10. #10
    DIAMOND STATUS
    Panamark's Avatar
    Member No
    24
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    03-01-2014 @ 09:03 AM
    Location
    Fucking, Australia
    Posts
    17,113
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    392
    Thanked 816 Times in 559 Posts


    Rep Power
    47
    My take, some people find it too hard to handle seeing someone
    they genuinely care for in such a condition. Some people can deal
    with it, some cant. We all deal with things in our own way.
    Doesnt mean the person isnt caring, just that its too personal
    and hurtful for them to experience, when they actually do care
    more than anything..

    These people normally suffer immense guilt for not being able
    to handle these situations ....

  11. #11
    Gulf Coaster
    ROTH ARMY ELITE
    Cathedral's Avatar
    Member No
    389
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    04-05-2010 @ 04:14 AM
    Location
    Panama City Beach, FL.
    Age
    57
    Posts
    6,618
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 18 Times in 9 Posts


    Rep Power
    27
    I think it's sad that Dave hasn't shown him any respect since they parted ways, actually.
    I can see what you're saying though, Pana.
    Seeing someone being destroyed is a tough thing to do, and it definately takes strength, believe me on that.
    It's a million times tougher when you love that person with all your heart.

    I just read that Becker Interview and i have to say, it's a bit sad for Dave to say how killer Jason was yet he won't go see the dude.

    My respect for Dave just dropped a few points on that revelation.
    After 20 years i never thought that would be possible.

  12. #12
    DIAMOND STATUS
    Panamark's Avatar
    Member No
    24
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    03-01-2014 @ 09:03 AM
    Location
    Fucking, Australia
    Posts
    17,113
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    392
    Thanked 816 Times in 559 Posts


    Rep Power
    47
    Agreed CAT,

    Im just trying to give *something* positive for people to consider.
    Sad state of affairs for sure....

  13. #13
    Gulf Coaster
    ROTH ARMY ELITE
    Cathedral's Avatar
    Member No
    389
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    04-05-2010 @ 04:14 AM
    Location
    Panama City Beach, FL.
    Age
    57
    Posts
    6,618
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 18 Times in 9 Posts


    Rep Power
    27
    That's because you're a positive guy, that's why we all love ya, broham...

    I read that interview and threw in ALAE, the dude just amazes me and i haven't listened to this album start to finish in years.

  14. #14
    DIAMOND STATUS
    Warham's Avatar
    Member No
    3170
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Last Online
    03-10-2024 @ 10:20 AM
    Location
    New Hampshire, USA
    Age
    50
    Posts
    14,585
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    165
    Thanked 299 Times in 178 Posts


    Rep Power
    38
    It's really about the only thing I rip Roth on, but since we all do shit like that, it doesn't make me like Dave any less.

  15. #15
    SHEEP PEN Yahweh
    Full Member Status

    academic punk's Avatar
    Member No
    10120
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Last Online
    01-21-2012 @ 12:08 PM
    Location
    New York FUCKIN' City
    Age
    54
    Posts
    4,436
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    27
    Thanked 26 Times in 10 Posts


    Rep Power
    24
    Originally posted by Panamark
    My take, some people find it too hard to handle seeing someone
    they genuinely care for in such a condition. Some people can deal
    with it, some cant. We all deal with things in our own way.
    Doesnt mean the person isnt caring, just that its too personal
    and hurtful for them to experience, when they actually do care
    more than anything..

    These people normally suffer immense guilt for not being able
    to handle these situations ....
    Good points, but here's the rub: Dave is always very quick to let the world know his background as a "Greeen Beret" at hospitals beofre VH took off: packing severed limbs to the freezer, taking cigarette breaks with his arms covered in blood, etc. Also, his recent EMT gig. He's familiar with far worse.

    It *IS* different when somone is just a patient as opposed to a friend or loved one. But Dave - heck, we've all - been around long enough and experienced enough to not abandon somoene altogether when tragedy befalls them.

    Then again, Becker - from Dave's perspective - wasn't so much a friend, as a business associate and employee, and a brief one at that. In those terms, it's maybe not so bizarre that Dave has not maintained contact through the years.

    His respect for Becker was shown through his compassionate words in CFTH. Dave seems to have a limited number of people he cares about in his world (once when asked who his best friend was, he didn't even understand the question, and eventually said his sister), so this emotional distance is consistent.
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  16. #16
    Roth Army Recruit
    Goddess's Avatar
    Member No
    10556
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Last Online
    12-20-2005 @ 09:21 PM
    Location
    My Castle
    Posts
    18
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts


    Rep Power
    0
    Originally posted by academic punk
    Then again, Becker - from Dave's perspective - wasn't so much a friend, as a business associate and employee, and a brief one at that. In those terms, it's maybe not so bizarre that Dave has not maintained contact through the years.

    His respect for Becker was shown through his compassionate words in CFTH. Dave seems to have a limited number of people he cares about in his world (once when asked who his best friend was, he didn't even understand the question, and eventually said his sister), so this emotional distance is consistent.
    You took the words right out of my mouth.

    Gosh, I hope your hands were clean. :p
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  17. #17
    The Todd Show
    Full Member Status

    Mezro's Avatar
    Member No
    4445
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Last Online
    10-31-2010 @ 04:02 PM
    Location
    San Francisco, CA
    Posts
    4,127
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    19
    Thanked 76 Times in 45 Posts


    Rep Power
    25
    Jason is over in the east bay.

    Mezro...maybe I will go see the guy...

  18. #18
    Banned
    Member No
    5226
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Last Online
    06-13-2016 @ 10:02 PM
    Location
    .
    Posts
    12,707
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    1,428
    Thanked 1,438 Times in 1,119 Posts


    Rep Power
    0
    Originally posted by Mezro
    Jason is over in the east bay.

    Mezro...maybe I will go see the guy...
    If you do, remember to say you're HIS fan, not Dave's. Given the circumstances I do believe it would be a very wise move.

    Cheers! :bottle:
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  19. #19
    The Todd Show
    Full Member Status

    Mezro's Avatar
    Member No
    4445
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Last Online
    10-31-2010 @ 04:02 PM
    Location
    San Francisco, CA
    Posts
    4,127
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    19
    Thanked 76 Times in 45 Posts


    Rep Power
    25
    Originally posted by Imapus Sylicker
    If you do, remember to say you're HIS fan, not Dave's. Given the circumstances I do believe it would be a very wise move.

    Cheers! :bottle:
    I have been listening to Becker since Cacophony.

    Mezro...I am a fan of his...

  20. #20
    ROTH ARMY ELITE
    ThrillsNSpills's Avatar
    Member No
    168
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    04-12-2014 @ 11:20 AM
    Location
    NE
    Posts
    6,626
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    448
    Thanked 1,202 Times in 757 Posts


    Rep Power
    40
    Originally posted by Mezro
    I have been listening to Becker since Cacophony.

    Mezro...I am a fan of his...

    I am as well, ever since the song "Scarified" was featured in Guitar Player back when they included floppy records with the issues. Great tune.
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  21. #21
    Beer Drinker&Hell Raiser
    Sniper
    degüello's Avatar
    Member No
    2660
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Last Online
    12-29-2023 @ 11:01 PM
    Location
    Down At The Balinese
    Posts
    858
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    43
    Thanked 32 Times in 20 Posts


    Rep Power
    21
    Originally posted by ThrillsNSpills
    ... Guitar Player back when they included floppy records with the issues...
    Those were great. A couple of ones I played the most were Blues Saraceno and one with Gilbert/Sheehan.
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

  22. #22
    ROTH ARMY ELITE
    ThrillsNSpills's Avatar
    Member No
    168
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Last Online
    04-12-2014 @ 11:20 AM
    Location
    NE
    Posts
    6,626
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    448
    Thanked 1,202 Times in 757 Posts


    Rep Power
    40
    Originally posted by degüello
    Those were great. A couple of ones I played the most were Blues Saraceno and one with Gilbert/Sheehan.

    billy sheehan

    Some of them are on Billy's website FYI. Click on audio.

  23. #23
    Beer Drinker&Hell Raiser
    Sniper
    degüello's Avatar
    Member No
    2660
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Last Online
    12-29-2023 @ 11:01 PM
    Location
    Down At The Balinese
    Posts
    858
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    43
    Thanked 32 Times in 20 Posts


    Rep Power
    21
    Originally posted by ThrillsNSpills
    billy sheehan

    Some of them are on Billy's website FYI. Click on audio.
    Shit, that was great! "Screaming Blues-O-Mania"... Haven't heard that in fucking years... thanks!

  24. #24
    !
    Head Fluffer

    Member No
    10643
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Last Online
    02-05-2011 @ 04:04 AM
    Location
    Halifax/Nova Scotia/Canada
    Posts
    491
    Status
    Offline
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts


    Rep Power
    20
    Originally posted by Mezro
    I have been listening to Becker since Cacophony.

    Mezro...I am a fan of his...
    Man, Cacophony is insane. Speed Metal Symphony is UN-FUCKING-REAL. There is pure brilliance in that guitar playing.

    Anyone know if Marty Friedman is still in touch with Jason?
    Hey Jackass! You need to [Register] or log in to view signatures on ROTHARMY.COM!

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. New Jason Becker Q&A
    By Diamondjimi in forum House of Music
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-28-2007, 08:24 PM
  2. Jason Becker Needs Your Help Again
    By Julius in forum Main VH/DLR Discussion
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 01-14-2007, 06:26 PM
  3. Jason Becker
    By matt19 in forum Main VH/DLR Discussion
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 11-11-2006, 09:47 PM
  4. Ex-DLR Guitarist Jason Becker Needs Your Help!
    By Full Bug in forum Main VH/DLR Discussion
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 08-29-2006, 06:04 PM
  5. DLR/Jason Becker era ......
    By Diamondjimi in forum Bootleg Corner
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 12-02-2004, 11:01 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •