JASON BECKER & FRIENDS (inc NITA STRAUSS) share "Some Assembly Required"
NITA STRAUSS + TOP GUITARISTS IN THE WORLD RALLY AROUND FELLOW LEGEND JASON BECKER TO CREATE "SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED" IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE JASON BECKER SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST — WATCH
"Some Assembly Required" is a collaboration project conceptualized by Josh Villalta and Nita Strauss, combining some of the top guitarists in the world to do something incredibly special in tribute to this once-in-a-lifetime musician — Jason Becker.
Utilizing an unreleased demo of Becker's, Strauss, along with Zakk Wylde, Steve Vai, Chris Broderick, Phil Demmel, Jennifer Batten, and many more, came together, lending their hearts and souls into what's become an unforgettable, unmissable display of guitar mastery.
"Some Assembly Required" has quickly turned into a powerful display that is equal parts a six-string love-story and a call for action for us all to take a closer look at what can be done to help others suffering from the same degenerative disease that took hold of Becker.
"The original idea Josh put forward was to to work together on a song for my own album," Strauss shares. "We poured through lots of Jason's demos until we landed on this track, which was originally recorded with Gregg and Matt Bissonette. However, as the idea materialized, we realized this could be a much bigger project and more importantly, have a bigger impact to help Jason raise awareness and funds. From there, it took on a life of its own! The incredible Billy Sheehan came down to the studio and played bass, and we reached out to tons of Jason's friends and peers, from all genres and eras, and amassed an army of friends to trade solos on this track. We left Jason's original demo solo where it was, where it shines to this day alongside so many of the players that love and look up to him. We were able to send this video to Jason on Christmas Day and bring some holiday cheer to him and his family! He loved it and christened it with the name we have today — 'Some Assembly Required.'"
Watch the "Some Assembly Required" video here.
For an insider's look on how Becker's guitar family came together for this harrowing tribute, allow Strauss to explain in this exclusive short.
For those who may not know of Jason Becker's legacy, we'd have to travel back to 1985 when 16-year-old guitarist, Becker, partnered up with Marty Friedman as the duo Cacophony. His success at such an early age was no coincidence, his metal mastery becoming a talking point amongst his peers, going on to support some of the biggest names in rock including David Lee Roth and create some huge guitar moments as a solo artist.
As Becker's career began to blossom, Jason was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) in 1989 — at just 20 years old. As the disease progressed, Jason no longer could hold on to the instrument, but the urge to continue pushed on as he, amazingly, engineered his own way of writing music, a technique using "eye geometry" and chin movements, described further in the documentary on Becker's journey.
Head here to be fully inspired by the trailer for the film, Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet, a compilation of interviews, live footage, and more on the unbreakable spirit and the ingenious song-writing ability of the guitarist that influenced so many.
The guitar community has spoken and is asking for all of us to stand up and be an ally to Jason Becker and his family as he continues fighting this battle. There is an ongoing struggle to find a full-time caregiver, making proper help seem a hugely daunting challenge. Already saddled with the daily task of staying alive against all odds, there comes additional stress and worry for Jason and his family for all of the many out-of-pocket medical fees.
Keeping positive and consistently creating is essential for Becker, so you are invited to keep up with his latest creations through his website, www.JasonBecker.com and to visit here if you are able to donate to the Jason Becker Special Needs Trust.
A full list of guitarists and friends included in the creation of "Some Assembly Required":
Chris Broderick, Joe Bonamassa, Gus G, Paul Gilbert, Angel Vivaldi, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Rob Scallon, Jennifer Batten, Nili Brosh, Richie Kotzen, Marc Rizzo, Lari Basilio, Zakk Wylde, Alex Skolnick, Phil Demmel, NITA STRAUSS, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, Herman Li, Steve Lukather, Jared Dines.
Drums were recorded by Josh Villalta; Bass by Billy Sheehan; Mixed + Mastered by Nick Sampson.
Nita Strauss returns to the UK this October, on guitar for the iconic Alice Cooper for the Too Close For Comfort tour.
Don't miss the following Alice Cooper dates:
Mon 14th Oct – GLASGOW Ovo Arena
Wed 16th Oct – BIRMINGHAM Utilita Arena
Thu 17th Oct – MANCHESTER AO Arena
Fri 18th Oct – LEEDS First Direct Arena
Sun 20th Oct – LONDON Eventim Apollo
Mon 21st Oct – LONDON Eventim Apollo
Tickets are on sale now.
ABOUT NITA STRAUSS
Nita Strauss has dazzled over a million live audience members per year across six continents worldwide. Fans may recognise Nita from her tours with Alice Cooper, Demi Lovato, and as the official guitarist of the Los Angeles Rams NFL team, as well as her successful career as a solo artist. Her 2022 single "Dead Inside," featuring David Draiman of Disturbed, became the first song by a female solo artist to go to #1 at US rock radio. Nita's skill, exuberant stage presence, and love for all things about her instrument have earned her a stellar reputation in the music industry and endorsements including Ibanez Guitars, Marshall Amplification, DiMarzio pickups, Monster Energy, and more. She has been featured on the covers of worldwide print magazines including Guitar World and Guitar Player, and on dozens of albums, trailers, and soundtracks. Nita's second album is set for release July 7, 2023. Her debut solo album Controlled Chaos is currently available worldwide through Sumerian Records.
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