Jason Becker Hospitalized After Experiencing Continued Shortness of Breath, Rapid Heart Rate

Jason Becker
(Image credit: Paul Haggard)

Jason Becker has been hospitalized after experiencing a rapid heart rate and persistent shortness of breath, the guitarist's mother has confirmed.

“Hey everyone, Jason is aware of, and overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers and love coming his way,” Pat Becker wrote in a Facebook post. “He was feeling better for a while, but the annoying shortness of breath and rapid heart rate kept coming and going. The doctor felt it was best to admit him into hospital, which is what we are doing.

“Right now, Gary [Jason's father] and Serrana are on the way. I will spend the night with him tonight. On his way, he said, ‘gonna get this fixed. I love you.’ Eternal optimist and we are all taking his lead.

“We are all so grateful and will keep you posted when we can. Thank you with all our hearts.”

Posted by jasonbeckerofficial on 

Pat Becker had previously reported on Monday, April 5, that Jason – who has suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) for 30 years – was “in constant contact with doctors” after suffering shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate.

Kiss's Paul Stanley – among those who sent his best wishes to Becker – wrote “Let's all send good thoughts and use the power of prayer to send along out positive energy to Jason Becker" on Twitter.

“This guitar prodigy has fought against all the odds for 30 years battling ALS and is now asking for our help. You are loved, admired and not alone Jason.” 

Jackson Maxwell
Associate Editor, GuitarWorld.com and GuitarPlayer.com

Jackson is an Associate Editor at GuitarWorld.com and GuitarPlayer.com. He’s been writing and editing stories about new gear, technique and guitar-driven music both old and new since 2014, and has also written extensively on the same topics for Guitar Player. Elsewhere, his album reviews and essays have appeared in Louder and Unrecorded. Though open to music of all kinds, his greatest love has always been indie, and everything that falls under its massive umbrella. To that end, you can find him on Twitter crowing about whatever great new guitar band you need to drop everything to hear right now.