Jason Becker Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for New Album

Guitar virtuoso Jason Becker is getting ready to put out a new record with help from a bunch of famous friends — and crowdfunding support from fans.

Becker is seeking to raise $75,000 for the release of the new record, and is offering a number of extra incentives for backers who go above and beyond with their pre-orders; options available to those with a fondness for Becker's music and a little extra money to spend include a shirt/CD/poster package ($95), a signed CD ($35) and a signed custom numbered guitar ($9,000).

"Jason has new pieces of music and unreleased guitar recordings to put out," reads the campaign page. "He has many guest guitar players sitting in as well. He will be working again with his dear friend and brilliant, Emmy winning producer Dan Alvarez. He thinks this album is some of his best and most emotional music. He wants people to feel and experience it very soon."

According to the press release announcing the project, guest performers on the project include Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Eric Johnson, Neal Schon and Richie Kotzen — just to name a small handful of the many who've lent their talents to Becker's new compositions.

"I was just a teenager when I met Jason Becker for the first time. I was immediately blown away, not only his musicality but by his creative spirit as well," says Kotzen. "Beyond brilliant guitar playing, what Jason Becker has demonstrated throughout his journey is that a truly creative mind has no boundaries or limitations."

Becker seemed poised for an incredible career when he surfaced in the late '80s, and was only 20 when he joined David Lee Roth's band for Roth's 1991 A Little Ain't Enough LP. Diagnosed with ALS during sessions for the record, Becker has continued composing even after losing the use of his limbs through the use of an innovative system developed by his father — a journey commemorated with the 2012 documentary Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet.

The Indiegogo campaign for Becker's new album has already raised more than $10,000, with a month left to raise the balance of its goal. To be part of the making of the record, visit the campaign page.

Top 100 Classic Rock Artists