![Watch New Video of Eddie Van Halen Visiting Jason Becker in 1996](https://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2020/12/vanhalen.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Watch New Video of Eddie Van Halen Visiting Jason Becker in 1996
Jason Becker, former guitarist in David Lee Roth’s band, shared a video shot in 1996 when Eddie Van Halen paid him a visit during one of his weakest moments of ill-health.
Becker was suffering severely from the effects of ALS, which had destroyed most of his body’s motor abilities. Van Halen wanted to help raise awareness of the condition by making a promo video.
In the behind-the-scenes material that Becker has never previously released, Van Halen is seen presenting a guitar, giving it a rub with his shirt and confirming: “I named it after my son, Wolfgang.” He then explains he’s got a patent on the automated detuning device. Later he’s heard discussing how he’d lost interest in Eric Clapton after having enjoyed his work with Cream and Blind Faith. On the subject of his own talent he reflects: “It’s not me. It just comes to me, you know? Anyone who thinks they’re personally responsible [makes ‘nuts’ gesture]. Where do ideas come from? Thin air. That’s the man upstairs and all his buddies – Hendrix and everybody else.”
“It is really hard to watch myself struggling here,” said Becker, who released his latest album Triumphant Hearts in 2018. “This was right before getting my trache and stomach tube and I couldn’t breathe, talk or eat. I was very weak. Today, I am much better. I wanted to show the incredible love I have received from Eddie Van Halen. Not only was he a master of the guitar, his heart and soul are here for all to see.” He added: “What an example of kindness, humility and love; something the world needs now and always. I will never forget my friend.”
Eddie Van Halen and Jason Becker
Eddie Van Halen Year by Year: 1977-2017 Photos
More From Banana 101.5
![Woah, Get a Load of Flint’s Most Expensive Home For Sale](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-59.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Son Writes Detroit Lions Themed Obituary For His Father](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/07/attachment-kid-football.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Drink Up – Popular Flint Bar Closing After 22 Years](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/07/attachment-loft.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The 2024 Paris Olympics: Meet Michigan’s 17 Competitors](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-89.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Exciting News! Chicken Shack Set to Open in Grand Blanc Soon](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-58.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hulk Hogan Cuts Detroit Lions Promo Video With Coach Dan Campbell](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/07/attachment-hul-dan-vid.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Michigan Beach Named One Of The Best In US](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/04/attachment-this-beach-now.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Downtown Flint Is Open – Take Advantage Of Free Parking](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/07/attachment-flint-sign.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Lowest Listing: A Look Inside Flint’s Cheapest Home for Sale Right Now](http://townsquare.media/site/84/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-88.jpg?w=980&q=75)