Express & Star

Steely Dan and Steve Winwood, Resorts World, Birmingham - review

He is ‘The Man’ from Steely Dan - oh yes he is!

Published
Donald Fagen from Steely Dan

At 71 Donald Fagen is still clearly loving performing for the legion of fans he and the late Walter Becker attracted over their decades of bringing jazz to the masses.

In May Steely Dan will be taking up a nine-show residency in Las Vegas and last night Fagen and co were in the Vegas of the Midlands at Resorts World in Birmingham where thousands of fans - young and older - turned out to see him and his band journey through classics from albums such as Aja and The Royal Scam among many others.

Hometown boy Steve Winwood played a full set in the first part of the night - which many clearly thought was worth the admission price alone by the look of the standing ovation he got.

Winwood then joined Fagen on stage during the main show as Fagen told the crowd "he was one of my idols" before the pair shared a hug at the end.

The band were incredible - a suited Jon Herington stepped into the spotlight on guitar with an astonishing brass section backing him up and The Danettes on backing vocals.

Highlights of the night for me were Black Cow, Bodhisattva and Dirty Work.

Yes they are Reelin' in the Years but Steely Dan have still got it. Hats off.