United for a Cause: Musicians Rally Around Jason Becker
In 1990, Jason Becker wrote a song for David Lee Roth, which was never used. Now, Nita Strauss and Josh Villalta have enlisted stars to bring it to life as Some Assembly Required. The project, which started with a visit to Becker in 2015, aims to support him through his health challenges.
The revived track features contributions from friends across genres, with Billy Sheehan on bass and renowned shredders like Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai others trading solos. Released to Becker for Christmas, it’s a symbol of solidarity and a call to the rock community for aid.
Becker writes on his website: “So, I wrote this song in early 1990, hoping that David Lee Roth would want to use it. I went to Matt and Gregg Bissonette’s place and recorded it with them. It was a lot of fun. Dave passed on it. Cool, because now all these fantastic players get to jam on it.”
“A few years ago, Nita and Josh came over to go through some of my unreleased music to see if they wanted to do some kind of collaboration. This Christmas they surprised me with this beautiful video. Man, what a gift! Not only from them, but from everyone involved. I am such a big fan of you all!“
Contributions to The Jason Becker Special Needs Trust provide direct support for his medical needs. Becker has been suffering from ALS since 1989.
