Fellow performers (and institutions) took to social media to pay tribute to Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker, who died on Sunday, Sept. 3, at 67. Most prominent was his decades-long partner Donald Fagen, who released a lengthy statement about his “friend, my writing partner and my bandmate since we met as students at Bard College in 1967.”
We’ve chosen a few to share and we begin with NYC’s Beacon Theatre, where Steely Dan staged complete performances of several of their classic albums from start to finish, in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2015.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Walter Becker. We invite you to share your favorite memories of Walter at the Beacon. pic.twitter.com/xc1PFKhfMS
— Beacon Theatre (@BeaconTheatre) September 3, 2017
Warren Haynes, via Facebook, wrote, in part: “Walter was a great guitarist, songwriter, and producer. Steely Dan was a one-of-a-kind group and I dare to say there will never be another. The music he and Donald Fagen wrote together was masterful. The bar they set for songwriting, both musically and lyrically, was astounding. The world is forever grateful for the music that Steely Dan bestowed upon us. Thank you, Walter.”
Really sad to hear Walter Becker has passed…
Steely Dan music touched me deep. My desert Island music.
RIP Walter.
Condolences Donald..— Steve Lukather (@stevelukather) September 3, 2017
Rickie Lee Jones, whose album Flying Cowboys was produced by Becker, wrote, in part: Steely Dan “introduced a new idea into the musical conversation of the time. It was the idea that intelligent music was cool. Steely Dan made it cool to be educated. It is safe to say that they are the beginning of college rock.”
Rest In Peace Walter Becker. I met him several times in New York. He was always a gentleman and one of the greats of Jazz & Rock guitar. pic.twitter.com/LUYIgF1WkV
— JOE BONAMASSA (@JBONAMASSA) September 3, 2017
Burton Cummings, via Facebook: “Steely Dan were truly one of a kind…Walter and Donald wrote it all…tremendous pieces of music like Peg, Deacon Blues, Reelin’ In The Years, Hey Nineteen, Rikki Don’t Lose that Number and Aja to mention a very very few. Walter has left a mark that will shine forever…”
RIP Walter Becker. Such a huge fan, thanks for the music. Condolences to Donald Fagan and family #SteelyDan #WalterBecker #donaldfagen
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) September 3, 2017
#RIPWalterBecker Very sad news. They’re one of my favorite bands. https://t.co/u2qmSbZp3Z
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) September 3, 2017
So sorry to hear that the great #WalterBecker of #SteelyDan has died, much too soon. Thanks for the brilliant music and rest now, rest.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) September 3, 2017
Michael McDonald, via Facebook: “Walter Becker was always an honest artist. A gifted musician/composer. A poet of real wit and intellect. Both as a member of Steely Dan and like Donald Fagen, in his solo work. Always insightful, brutally honest at times also usually hysterically funny, and like a true artist always in our best interest. From his close friends and family, to his distant fans, we were all lucky to know him.”
It’s a shame losing Walter Becker. So many great songs. I guess time catches up with all of us. He will be missed. I love #SteelyDan.
E$ pic.twitter.com/6xdgnih74J— Eddie Money (@ImEddieMoney) September 4, 2017
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