The Last Performance Of Walter Becker With Steely Dan

His Death Was Caused By Esophageal Cancer

Before his death on September 3, 2017, co-founder Walter Becker took to the stage with Steely Dan for the last time on May 27 at the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, Connecticut. It was also the band’s final show for their spring tour in the US. Their career-spanning 17-song set was mostly composed of classic hits like “Hey Nineteen,” “Black Cow,” “My Old School,” and “Reelin’ in the Years.” Becker took over the lead vocals duty for “Daddy Don’t Live in That New York City No More.”

The Greenwich Town Party was “an annual celebration for the people of Greenwich to come together and participate in a day of music, food, fun, family, and friendship to experience the strength of community.” During “Hey Nineteen,” Becker told the crowd: “Without you guys, we can’t get together and do our thing. Tonight, we’re gonna play our best hits. We’re gonna play them long and hard. It’s gonna be groove after groove and hit after hit. No bullshit. No obscure album cuts.”

After a break, the tour resumed on July 15 but Becker missed the gig. Lead singer Donald Fagen told the audience, “He took ill shortly before he was to come to California. We wish him a speedy recovery.” Becker also didn’t show up for their massive stadium concerts.

He missed several gigs while dealing with his health problems. And on September 3, Becker’s official website announced his death.

The fan-footage of the entire set taken during that night was removed by YouTube but we found another one. Check it out below.