Steely Dan’s guitarist Walter Becker has died, as confirmed by a post on his official website. He was 67 years old. Becker had recently undergone an operation that left him unable to tour with Steely Dan bandmate Donald Fagen, according to a recent interview in Billboard. Beginning in the early ’70s, Becker and Fagen rose to fame with an inventive approach to rock that incorporated elements of jazz. Hit singles like “Dirty Work,” “Reelin’ in the Years,” and “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” carried their popularity through the decade, but a series of personal trials and professional exhaustion caused their breakup in 1981. They eventually got back together in 1993, and have been touring ever since.
Born in Queens, New York, Becker met Fagen while both attended Bard College in the state. Before they formed Steely Dan, they wrote and recorded the soundtrack for Richard Pryor’s 1971 movie, You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It Or You’ll Lose That Beat. One year later, they released their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill. Throughout the ’70s, their output remained steady with an additional five LPs, though they retired from touring in the middle of the decade.
After releasing 1980’s Gaucho, they broke up the following year, but eventually got back together in 1993. They released two additional LPs, 2000’s Two Against Nature and 2003’s Everything Must Go. The duo have received nine Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year for Two Against Nature. Becker has released two solo albums: 1994’s 11 Tracks of Whack and 2008’s Circus Money. He also recorded albums by China Crisis and Rickie Lee Jones, among others. In 1993, he produced Fagen’s solo album Kamakiriad.
Generally I never missed a Steely Dan show when they revived themselves and began touring again but did miss the recent Citifield concert (but of course Walter missed that one too).
Always loved seeing up on stage, one cool cat, a tasty player. He will be missed.
Just shows you, live every day like it's your last.
RIP
_________________ "Every day a little sadder, A little madder, Someone get me a ladder."
ELP
“You can't have everything. Where would you put it?”—Steven Wright
We see them virtually every tour (every other year, it seems), most recently during their April Vegas residency.
Loved Walter's little deranged "speech" during "Hey Nineteen", which would always eventually wind toward the point where he'd ask the "Danettes" to recommend a drink for when the folks returned to the casino. The answer always came in song: "The Cuervo Gold..."
Will still see Donald if he comes around, but it will never be the same.
RIP The strange thing I was playing Two Against Nature DVD last night and thinking about Walter knowing has wasn't well. Great musician, he will be missed greatly
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Rest in peace, Mr. Becker. Thank you for your gifts through the years.
