I wrote a biography of my late-neighbor, who was a true Rock Star! Becker Comes Alive: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneer’s True Tale of Music, Murder, and Monsters is a touching tale of music, loss, and the importance of friendship across the generations that comes out April 2, 2024.

Unsung drum pioneer John Becker left an indelible mark on the landscapes of rock music and horror cinema before quietly quitting the business by 1970. Becker Comes Alive: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneer’s Touching True Tale of Music, Murder, and Monsters tells the story of The Del-Aires, a rising surf rock band broken by Beatlemania, the British Invasion, and the changing musical trends of the late 1960s. 

Retreating to a quiet but troubled life, the music never stops flowing in Becker’s veins, and decades later, an unexpected romance brings John back to live performance.

A unique blend of rock diary and “Tuesdays with Morrie”-style personal memoir, Becker Comes Alive: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneer’s True Tale of Music, Murder, and Monsters is a touching tale of music, loss, and the importance of friendship across the generations.

Becker Comes Alive: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneer’s True Tale of Music, Murder, and Monsters is a multimedia project! In addition to the book, which includes several photos of Becker and The Del-Aires, The Cruel Earth has recorded a full-length album called Becker Comes Alive that attempts to recreate a live club show from 1963 while exploring various themes from Becker’s biography. John Becker’s snare drum and cymbals are used on the album and Becker himself performs with The Cruel Earth on the track “Back Beat Vol. 2”.