Steely Dan fans know a little something about patience. The duo of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker have always taken their time, whether that means obsessing over studio recordings or going decades between new releases. These days, Fagen and Becker have settled into a fairly dependable schedule of touring, although they haven’t released a new album since 2003’s Everything Must Go. For many artists, that might be a sign that no new music is in the works, but for Steely Dan it might just be another indication of Fagen and Becker taking their time.
While they contemplate a new album, however, Fagen and Becker have been delivering impressive concert experiences, augmented by numerous backing musicians. They’ve become elder statesmen of intricate, layered rock music, and in addition to playing for longtime fans, they’ll be performing at this year’s Coachella festival in California. Surely they’ll break out well-known 1970s hits like “Reelin’ in the Years” and “Do It Again,” but they’ll also have a chance to show off their complex compositions for a new generation of listeners who may not be familiar with their work.
On their own headlining tour, Steely Dan are more likely to be playing for fans who waited out the 20 years between 1980’s Gaucho and 2000’s Two Against Nature. As those fans well know, when it comes to Steely Dan, patience is rewarded.
The Pearl at Palms, 8 p.m. April 11, starting at $93.50 plus tax and fee. 702.944.3200
