Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet

For the non-musicians - This is a love story in the most real sense. A story about a family's love to nurture a true musical prodigy, then to stand by him as ALS destroys his body but not his spirit. And by family not just parents and siblings. Friends and ex Fiancées who continue to stand by Jason and his defies the odds and not only continues to live (as the title suggests) but continues to make music and inspire people.Even if you aren't a guitar player or a fan of rock and classical music this is a must see. A detailed look behind the people, ALS and how it could have shattered this family but instead brought them together. What ALS does to someone, what the scarifies are to live day to day and how a man that should have been gone 20 years ago continues to thrive. As cliché as it sounds its also a testament to the power and passion of music.For the musicians - This is a must buy with the only negative being that David Lee Roth himself didn't participate. But that is more on Mr. Roth then the producers.As I said even if your not a fan of Mr. Becker's style of shred playing you get a real sense of what makes Jason tick. The driving force that still leads him to create music today. It taps into what make musicians tick and how being a Rock Star came to Jason, not the other way around. If this doesn't make an able bodied musician want to go play and create music... then their probably not a real musician.Even though Diamond Dave is missing everyone else from Jason's past, present and future is. Even the elusive Marty Friedman contributes greatly to telling the story of Jason, since he can't tell it himself. Former band mates from high school, Cacophony and David Lee Roth's band take you through the journey. Steve Vai talks about the pressure only he and Jason Becker know of replacing the great Eddie Van Halen. Great interviews that tell the tale few publications have been able to capture.Props to the film makers for the great interviews and fantastic editing instead of a paint by numbers behind the music type feature. Also props to the fans who gave their money so this movie could be made right. Even securing the music rights to some big name songs from Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Van Halen gives this movie a sense of realism that you are there 30 years ago as Jason learns and masters his craft.Don't wait until VH-1 Classic picks this up for TV, and they should since this is as good or better then the Sam Dunn (Rush: Behind the Lighted Stage) productions. I don't recommend anything lightly.. but this is not only a must buy, it's a must buy 2 because you'll either be giving it as a gift or loaning your copy out.

This may not be the best edited or most 'professional' of the professional documentary films, but the story needs none of the over dramatic things that come with big documentaries. This is an honest story and a fascinating one. Being of that period and owning the Cacophony CD's and some of his solo material, it floored me when I read what had happened in his life and when. Its astounding that life can literately be taken away through no fault of your own or no clear reasoning. Its like your ticket was called and you are left to be a statistic. Me, personally, would want to just end it. I don't have the courage or appreciation for life that I would need to overcome such a tragic fate. I would take the easy way...Then you see a guy like Jason himself. STILL trying to make things happen with only vision to send his message. Nothing else. EYES!!! After such a huge start in life and having so much success, he is left to his own mind, that is still in perfect condition, to get through his days. Not only does he do it, but he does it with a sense of humor, pride and come up with an amazing way of creating his own compositions with a pure love and respect for life. What an incredible story. What a strong family. And best part is, no over dramatic crap, just the real story. And the story is told not in a 'woe is me' manner, only a fraction is actually about how the disease effected HIM, Its about how he has carried on in such a great way. It is told with real humanity. Jason is an inspiration more now than with his legendary Guitar. The only thing I wish is that everyone would see this, buy it and help this family get through a financial burden that has had to be taking its toll. But they don't hit you over the head with that either in this Doc. Just another way to see the class of this family.Not just for Guitarists. All should see this and re-evaluate what we call 'problems' in our own lives. Our problems are nothing. Jason accepted this and has overcome not only living, but has overcome what we all should want to overcome. Our own vision of life and what it truly means. Money, fame, politics, racism, guns, materialism is all BS in reality. Life is deserving of respect unto itself.Buy this NEW and support the family if you can, through Jason's web site. Anything would help I am sure. They may get a small piece of a sale of this DVD so don't buy it used. This is truly real and inspirational stuff.

This was very good and I've watched it several times!Here's what it is.... This is a "made in the spirit of PBS" kinda video.Young Jason is born, raised by a loving, beatnik, spiritual (not religious) family in a part of California that for some reason is frequently impled to as "ghetto" (no Starbucks?).The producer makes it clear that Jason's to the guitar what Tiger is to a golf club.Then Jason's life takes a horrible turn and I'm gonna stop at that because the video does an excellent job at explaining the situation in the video. There were some moments I felt that the story teetered a little on the side of self-pity from the view point of the parents and some friends.Overall, it's a very good watch, inspiring in many aspects and I'd recommend it.If you're seeking concert footage, you're not gonna find it here other than a few seconds maybe... There's some great snippets of JB from a young age that fortunately someone had a good quality camcorder and a steady hand. Lot's of JB's work (guitar and otherwise) peppered throughout the video.I think most would enjoy watching this video...