Steely Dan was scheduled to kick off their Earth After Hours Tour in October 2022 with 13 shows scheduled across the United States. However, in September 2022 the band announced they were cancelling all upcoming tour dates due to health issues affecting founder and co-lead vocalist Donald Fagen.
What were the planned tour dates?
Steely Dan had planned to play the following dates for their Earth After Hours Tour in October and November 2022:
Date | City | Venue |
---|---|---|
October 5 | Miami, FL | Hard Rock Live |
October 7 | Orlando, FL | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts |
October 9 | Tampa, FL | Ruth Eckerd Hall |
October 11 | Atlanta, GA | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre |
October 14 | Atlantic City, NJ | Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena |
October 15 | Bethlehem, PA | The Wind Creek Event Center |
October 19 | Port Chester, NY | The Capitol Theatre |
October 21-22 | Washington, D.C. | The Theater at MGM National Harbor |
October 26 | Boston, MA | MGM Music Hall at Fenway |
October 28 | Wallingford, CT | Toyota Oakdale Theatre |
October 29 | Bethlehem, PA | The Wind Creek Event Center |
November 1 | Pittsburgh, PA | Heinz Hall |
November 3 | Chicago, IL | Chicago Theatre |
Why were the tour dates canceled?
On September 8, 2022, Steely Dan announced they would be canceling their upcoming Earth After Hours Tour due to health issues affecting lead singer Donald Fagen. The statement released said the 74-year-old Fagen had been advised by his doctors to cancel all future tour plans for the immediate future so he could focus on his health. No specific details about Fagen’s health condition were provided, only that doctors had ordered him to stop touring.
Previous health issues
This was not the first time health problems had interfered with Donald Fagen’s touring plans with Steely Dan. Some previous health-related tour interruptions and cancellations have included:
- July 2019 – Postponed tour dates after Fagen had surgery for an unspecified health issue.
- October 2019 – Canceled tour dates when Fagen contracted a sinus infection.
- June 2021 – Postponed tour dates when Fagen’s wife contracted COVID-19.
While further details about Fagen’s latest health concerns were not provided, his previous issues over the last few years involving surgery, infections, COVID-19 delays, and now doctor’s orders point to some persistent health problems for the 74-year-old performer.
Steely Dan’s statement
Here is the full statement Steely Dan released announcing the tour cancellation:
“We are sorry to announce that due to health issues affecting Donald Fagen, all Steely Dan concerts for the remainder of 2022 have been canceled. Donald’s doctors have advised him to avoid touring while he focuses on his recovery. Fans holding tickets to the affected concerts should contact their point of purchase for refund information. Donald plans to be back on the road in 2023.”
Reaction from fans
Understandably, fans expressed significant disappointment but also wished Fagen well when the tour cancellation news broke. Some sample reactions on social media included:
- “Wishing Donald a speedy recovery even though I was SO looking forward to seeing Steely Dan again!”
- “As much as this sucks it’s good he’s listening to doctors. A legend like Fagen needs to take care of himself.”
- “Get well soon Donald! We can’t wait to see you back on stage when you are able.”
- “Praying for Mr. Fagen’s full recovery. We’ll patiently wait for Steely Dan’s triumphant return!”
Many fans also quipped about how this was “Deacon Blues” they did not need to hear, making reference to Steely Dan’s classic 1977 hit.
How have past health issues affected Steely Dan tours?
Donald Fagen’s various health problems over the last few years have unfortunately impacted Steely Dan’s touring schedule and ability to perform consistently.
Cancelled shows and postponed tours
As noted previously, an undisclosed surgery in 2019 forced the group to postpone a dozen tour dates that year. Illness and COVID-19 each led to more show cancellations and tour delays in 2019, 2021, and now again in 2022.
In total over the past four years, approximately 40 Steely Dan show dates have either been postponed or cancelled outright due to Fagen’s health issues.
Reduced tour lengths
In addition to cancellations, Steely Dan has reduced the overall length of recent tours, perhaps in part accommodating Fagen’s availability and stamina.
For example, an earlier U.S. tour in 1993 spanned 4 full months and 74 shows, compared to more recent outings including:
- 2017 – 1 month, 13 shows
- 2018 – 2 months, 32 shows
- 2019 – 2.5 months, 28 shows (before postponements)
While aging musicians reducing their touring is common, Fagen’s ongoing health issues have likely accelerated Steely Dan’s decreased touring compared to their peak in the 1970s and 1980s.
Walter Becker’s death
The other principal member of Steely Dan, guitarist Walter Becker, passed away in 2017 at age 67 after a battle with esophageal cancer. This left Donald Fagen as the sole original member, putting all musical and touring responsibilities directly on his shoulders.
Becker’s death combined with Fagen’s health problems help explain the reduced recent touring for Steely Dan compared to their heyday decades ago when both co-founders were actively performing.
What’s next for Steely Dan?
Looking ahead, the big question is whether Steely Dan will be able to resume touring in 2023 as stated or if health issues continue plaguing Donald Fagen?
Possible 2023 tour plans
Steely Dan definitely seemed to leave the door open for getting back on the road in 2023. Fagen’s recovery timetable is unknown, so it’s uncertain if early 2023 tour dates might still be in jeopardy.
Any 2023 touring will surely depend on Fagen receiving clearance from doctors that he is healthy enough to handle the rigors of travel, rehearsals, and frequently performing.
Could Steely Dan continue without Fagen?
If Donald Fagen remains unable to tour due to health problems, there has occasionally been speculation that Steely Dan could conceivably continue live performances without him.
However, Walter Becker is deceased and Donald Fagen has always been considered an integral part of Steely Dan’s songwriting, vocals, and stage presence. Attempting tours without Fagen would almost certainly be seen as a diminished version of Steely Dan by many fans.
Might 2022 tour cancellation be Steely Dan’s last?
Given this history of recurrent health issues for Fagen that are now severe enough to prompt his doctors to order him to stop touring, there is a possibility the 2022 cancellation could end up being Steely Dan’s final tour.
If Fagen’s health does not improve sufficiently for doctors to clear him for the rigors of travel and performing, Steely Dan may have no choice but to permanently retire from the road. Let’s hope the 2023 optimism expressed in their statement comes true instead!
Notable Steely Dan tour memories
Despite recent challenges, Steely Dan has delighted fans across decades of touring since first emerging in the early 1970s. Some memorable touring highlights include:
- 1973 – First U.S. tour opens for The Kinks
- 1974 – First European tour as opening act for Lou Reed
- 1993 – Massive year-long tour with over 70 concerts across the U.S.
- 2000 – First tour after a 19-year breakup, also Fagen’s first without Becker
- 2006 – Tour with two 8-piece bands, rotating opening and closing sets
- 2017 – Final tour with Walter Becker before his death later that year
Hopefully there are more special moments still to be had if Donald Fagen regains the health to rejoin “Reelin’ in the Years” and tour once more with Steely Dan!