Walter Becker RIP

RIP and thanks!

When I was 13 or 14 Steely Dan were my favourite band, and I still love their music today. Brilliant songwriters and musicians. He will be much missed. 

Steely Dan are ace, and there's still a moment when only they will do. Last night was one of those (Gaucho). Very depressing news.

If Steely Dan had retired in the wake of Gaucho, as appeared likely at the time, they would have created a unique and wonderful body of work, but it might have stayed locked into the era of the 70's for many people.    As it turned out, music fans have had the chance to see them play live many times since their first major tour in 1993.    I will never forget the contagious feeling of excitement that rippled through the whole audience when I saw them play in the late 90's in a small club in NY at the end of their summer tour that year.    I, and many of us, clearly felt that we were hearing music live we never expected to be able to enjoy in that unique and magical way; in front of an audience.     It was a love fest between the audience and the band all show.    When Walter stepped to the microphone to comment on this late in the show, he proclaimed it their best night and thanked the audience.     While I am sure they had many other brilliant shows for many other audiences, I will never forget that shared bond between fans and the band on that magical night.   I felt so lucky to have been there.

Walter was a life long fan and patron of the high end, and I was fortunate enough to help him a few times in our store in NY. He was always a gentlemen and very funny in person.     At one point, after listening to a Spectral system as recommended to him by their record producer, and then comparing it to a Naim system, he commented with great insight that with a Spectral system it was as if he were in the audience at a great show, with Naim he felt like he was on stage with the musicians, in the music.

Thanks for the music Walter, and thanks for taking such great care that it be so well recorded.  

Rest in peace.

Bruce

Fagen and Becker created some of my favourite music, he'll be sadly missed, RIP Walter.

Walk in peace Walter and thank you for the music. 

In addition to WB's legacy with Steely Dan his solo albums especially 11 Tracks of Whack get a frequent spin by me.

Also, his wonderful production work on the album Flaunt the Imperfection by China Crisis is a favourite of mine.

I love 11 Tracks of Whack too, his production on Rickie Lee Jones' album Flying Cowboys is also great. 

I knew WB was an audiophile but really interesting comments on Naim vs Spectral. I also understand that he never liked the Mobile Fidelity version of Gaucho, but not sure what is was he didn't like.

Loved their music from the beginning, Can't buy a thrill is still one of my favourite albums

Bless you for your creativity and artistry, you will be missed.

What a brilliant duo Becker (a super bassist and guitarist too) and Fagen were. Smart, urbane, dark, billiant musicians, witty, inventive... superb. Another great gone.

I'm a big fan of 70s music but, for some reason, Steely Dan has always passed me by. However, I chanced upon Pretzel Logic a few weeks back and have listened to nothing else since. A sublime album.

67 is way too young to go. RIP Walter Becker, and thanks for many years of great music.

Dear Walter has sadly reeled in the years. The Dan fuelled some of my early interest in music and have stayed with me on the journey. Thanks for the tunes and the memories boys.

Love this pic.

John.

His second solo album, Circus Money is well worth checking out too, CD only I think (2008). He largely plays bass and sings on it, a nice late night vibe with a very glossy production. 

I always loved his production work on 'Flaunt the Imperfection' by China Crisis - their one great album.

RIP Walter- Influenced many equaled by few. Another loss for R&R.

Way back in...2007 - https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...--drinks-before-hand 

An aging naim collection gathered to see Steely Dan @ Hammersmith Apollo. Certainly the last time I saw Walter and wish it could have been more. Of all the music I have heard and seen, Water & Donald have crafted tunes and lyrics to make me smile. What more could a songwriter wish for. 

"Who is the gaucho, Amigo?
Why is he standing
In your spangled leather poncho
And your elevator shoes"

I kept monitoring their newsletters to see if another UK tour was on the cards, and as I loved Everything Must Go, another Dan album, but to no avail. Maybe it's my age but this has really saddened me more than I'd have thought.

They are still down for a double bill with the Doobies at London O2 arena 29th October, obviously without Walter. Donald Fagen has said he will carry on, and did the July dates when Walter was ill.

Creased lightning.

Yes - a truly fine musician cut down too early - RIP Walter.