Mac DeMarco and a host of artists have paid tribute to Steely Dan’s Walter Becker who died over the weekend, aged 67.
The news was announced on Sunday via Becker’s official website but failed to disclose the cause of his death.
Becker founded Steely Dan with close friend Donald Fagen in the late 60s and went on to dominate the next decade, putting together hit after hit such as ‘Rikki Don’t Lose that Number’ and ‘Reelin’ in the Years’.
The 67-year-old was forced to miss Steely Dan’s Classic East and West concerts in July due to ill-health and underwent surgery for an unknown issue. Despite claims that Becker was on the road to recovery, he was found dead at his Malibu home on Sunday.
Becker’s bandmate Fagen has already paid tribute, a pattern that has been followed by Mac DeMarco, Ryan Adams, Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, Nile Rodgers and more:
rest in peace Walt. Hope there’s a good guitar tech up there.
A post shared by @macdemarco on
Walter Becker, you changed my life with your mystical music and guitar playing. You are so loved. Thinking of your family and musical brother Donald Fagan and your loved ones. Straight to the stars…. My friend. You were every one of them, shining bright in my soul and so many others… Showing us all what was really possible. Pure magic You are loved RIP A post shared by Ryan Adams (@misterryanadams) on
RIP Walter Becker. Half of one of the greatest and most original bands in rock history.
— @ACNewman (@ACNewman) September 3, 2017
RIP Walter Becker.
Travel Safe back home to the stars of which your soul arose.
We love and miss you. XO pic.twitter.com/U6rsOREMRI— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) September 3, 2017
Steely Dan changed the way I understand music forever; I started writing songs under the name "the Mountain Goats" the same month 1/2
— The Mountain Goats (@mountain_goats) September 3, 2017
that I bought "Katy Lied" on tape and started obsessing over it. Safe travels along the cosmos to Walter Becker: you changed my life. 2/2
— The Mountain Goats (@mountain_goats) September 3, 2017
RIP Walter Becker. Half of one of the greatest and most original bands in rock history.
— @ACNewman (@ACNewman) September 3, 2017
RIP Walter Becker, guitar hero and 1/2 of the gods of high brow low brow: Steely Dan. pic.twitter.com/mdcMI8rHY2
— FUNKLORDZ (@Chromeo) September 3, 2017