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The mysterious Becker and Fagen's prized photo on the wall of Manny's Music next to The Cars, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan and Barry Manilow
When Steely Dan was at their peak of popularity, nothing could seem more impossible than a live show, let alone a tour. They were not really a band by the late 70s, as songwriters Donald Fagen and Walter Becker had eliminated all their sidemen in favor of a shifting cast of expert “studio” musicians. It never made a difference as the band were a hit from the start and even won a Grammy for Album of the Year for their 2000 reunion Two Against Nature.
In the early 90s, however, Becker and Fagen put together a band and have now done about 5 tours as Steely Dan, with EXCELLENT results. They perform complex songs from their deep catalog with precision (older fans, trained as audience members in the 70s, like it when the music is “just like the record.”). I have seen Steely Dan a few times and they are outrageous (if you like Steely Dan of course!).
One interesting development they announced with the dates was that there would be “theme” nights. This is an excellent way to keep it interesting for repeat customers. One theme is performing an entire album plus “extras.” My guess is these will be chosen from Aja, Gaucho, The Royal Scam and maybe Katy Lied, as most of their sets rely on these late-career albums.
This is a way to take the same songs and reorganize them without having to learn much new material. Pretzel Logic is a wonderful album and Countdown to Ecstasy is probably the one that would light up the fans the most, as its awesome and is obscure (contains NO hits except the live rave up “Bodhisattva”). It also rids the band of non-Fagen singing and therefore defined the classic sound of the band. Its music, including “Razor Boy,” “Your Gold Teeth,” “Show Biz Kids” and “King of the World” are some of their best.
Steely Dan will hopefully challenge their band with the “Taking it to the Seats Internet Request Nights,” and make some choice material available on their site SteelyDan.com (as opposed to expensive swag).
Steely Dan Performs “FM” at the Beacon Theater, June 2008
Steely Dan United States RENT PARTY ’09 Tour
Jun 09 – Durham, NC – Performing Arts Center
Jun 12 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
Jun 13 – Boca Raton, FL – Mizner Park Amp.
Jun 15 – Orlando FL – Bob Carr
Jun 16 – Ft. Meyers, FL – Barbara B Mann
Jun 18 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Jun 19 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf
Aug 15 – Atlanta, GA – Chastain
European LEFT BANK HOLIDAY Tour
Jun 25 – Amsterdam, Holland – Heineken Music Hall
Jun 26 – Brussels, Belgium – Forest National
Jun 28 – Edinburgh, Scotland – Edinburgh Playhouse
Jun 29 – Birmingham, UK – NIA
Jul 01 – London, UK – Hammersmith Apollo
Jul 02 – Paris, France – Olympia
Jul 04 – Montreux, Switzerland – Montreux Jazz Fest
Jul 06 – Rome, Italy – Cavea Auditorium
Jul 08 – Padova, Italy – Villa Contarini
Jul 09 – Milan, Italy – Arena Civica
Jul 11 – Perugia, Italy- Umbria Jazz Festival
Jul 12 – Monte Carlo, Monaco – Sporting Club
