Reelin' In The Years - Steely Dan | The Midnight Special

Steely Dan performed on the show August 31, 1973
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[@sjtom57]

Over half a century ago. My God, where has my life gone?

[@cindywilson5366]

I felt that! 😂

[@Karin-uj8oz]

Just reelin in the years! Was the best time to be young!

[@rockyclick371]

I'm. Right. Behind. You. Or in front !

[@gldstgypsy]

Just glad we still have THIS!! 🎉😊

[@deanroddey2881]

Down the drain... Mine's down there somewhere, too. Let me know if you find it. The Midnight Special is sort of the Smithsonian of 70s live rock music. I'd have been 10 years old at the time of this one, but watched a lot of the the originals a bit later on. Of course wouldn't have remotely been able to fully appreciate what what I was seeing like I can now.

[@DeliRevv]

When Jimmy Page names this song as having his favorite guitar solo, you know you’re doing something right.

[@allancerf9038]

Page only said that in the context of the songs he was played (eight as I recall) and asked to judge, inpromtu on some show the name of which, I forget. He didn't mean it was one of his favorites of all time. It's one of MINE, however. LOL.

[@bigelile07]

@@allancerf9038 "When looking back on his career, Page previously told Rolling Stone that his favourite Led Zeppelin riff was ‘Kashmir’. Outside of Led Zeppelin’s discography and his own work, though, the legendary guitarist names his favourite guitar solo of all time as Elliott Randall’s riff in ‘Reelin’ In The Years’ by Steely Dan during a 1999 interview with Classic Rock." Also the KZbin video - Jimmy Page Grades other Guitarists out of 10

[@allancerf9038]

@@bigelile07 Not true and why are you using multiple handles? Smoke14 replied to me not biglile07. Well, Smoke-Lile. The only thing you omitted was the truth. Here's a cut and paste from the Classic Rock Magazine, you misquoted. CR: Jimmy Page is supposed to have said that Reelin’ In The Years contains his favourite guitar solo of all time. Your 'methodology' is the equivalent of learning self-defense at some shaky strip mall - FIGURATIVELY speaking only of course, you'll only manage to get yourself hurt. Again, Page, gave a '12' when asked to (rather reluctantly it must be said) rate various solos, including one of his own session era solos and Reelin' in the Years. For the purposes OF THAT BROADCAST. In no way was it a Desert Island Disc of his favorite solos. In other words, dude, if someone came up to smokebig 14-07 and said "off this list which is best?" you'd rate accordingly. Though no one will solicit your opinion in this fashion of course. I'll now invoice you and block you.

[@bigelile07]

@@allancerf9038 Well, I was responding to Allan Cerf 🤔 and I didn't misquote anything. I copied & pasted exactly what the interview said. You copied & pasted a statement that was made to Elliot Randall trying to debunk the interview which makes no sense. CR: Jimmy Page is supposed to have said that Reelin’ In The Years contains his favourite guitar solo of all time. ER: …and a wonderful compliment, too! Yes the video was only a few guitarists, but that doesn't outweigh the Rolling Stone Magazine article. All of your other ramblings are just plain weird. 😂

[@michaelelliott1212]

Probably because it was too difficult to steal the guitar part! LOL

[@aeriste]

Fagen singing his heart out (I love his range here), even though he's dealing with such stage fright that his hand on the mic is shaking at several points, is really admirable. And of course Skunk going ham on the guitar is awesome.

[@ToluRobertson]

I thought the hand shaking was from the copious amount of cocaine.

[@Dremth]

​@@ToluRobertsonFagen always had pretty bad stage fright, particularly when singing, and they used to have a different vocalist for live performances because of it.

[@Marcus_C51]

Yeah I picked up on that too but Fagen sounded great!

[@Alphadawg3571]

​@@Dremth I saw S.D. at Red Rocks, 2nd row, in 2010, great show but Fagen stayed tucked in his little keyboard cocoon and didn't stray from it much. They even had music stands across the stage that blocked him very effectively from my sight.

[@Dremth]

@@Alphadawg3571 Yeah, I've seen them twice, and he's been towards the back both times.

[@raistaparta]

Kids these days may think they're pretty edgy but they'll never reach the zenith of this drummer rocking the mauve overalls with such self-confidence

[@deanroddey2881]

It's funny sometimes to see younger women reacting to some of those 70s performances, with the infertility inducingly tight jeans. And of course the horrible shirt button shortage.

[@BillPeschel]

And one of the most bored expressions on his face of any drummer I've seen (especially on Reelin' in the Years).

[@rorygillmore6555]

I like how people these days think being "edgy" is all about what clothes you wear and how cool looking their sleeve tats are compared to their buddy's... 😂 I've just always called it posing.

[@dianamcmullin5231]

And the girls! Those outfits are 🔥

[@Suki_Tawdry]

💯

[@mgbwitt]

So good! So good!!!!! I was 21 when this came out. I'm 71 now. Still listening to Steely Dan!!!!!!

[@theminister1154]

Pretty timeless solo. This has a chance of being listened to as a piece of nice obscurata in 2200.

[@lanerich6052]

Me too! Exactly! (For 12 more days!)

[@syd4444]

Snap same here. I think I was in America when this came out. I can still listen to this on a loop and never get tired of it. As a guitar player, it is one of the best guitar solos I've ever heard. Never mastered it myself, still trying. Absolutely Brilliant.

[@funnydylan9834]

Damn. Even though I was born in 99 I grew up with this kind of music. My favorite band is Foghat which they featured on this show which they also have on this channel. I have many favorites from the 70s but if I had to choose one it’s gotta be Foghat. I love this song too. It’s great. I pretty much love the 70s hard rock songs.

[@mikegalvin9801]

I was 19. They were on my list of bands whose new album I would buy the day it came out. Never disappointed.

[@ParkinsonLeefstijlTV]

2024 still as fresh and energetic as 50 years ago...amazing

[@SolveighTravis-wn4tx]

It’s very fresh, that’s why my son is playing it at open mic this weekend!

[@EgorCletus]

I hate to tell, that "energy" was fueled by...well you know!

[@bobdobalina838]

Man o man we had it good didn't we?

[@notalkjustwalkorride3928]

Real good, just didn't know it then . Just havin too much fun being young.😂

[@Dan-440]

My youth sucked, but the music was incredible. I enjoy it even more as an adult.

[@kristofer603]

By God…WE SURE DID!!!!!!!

[@vanpearsall]

I graduated in 1976 it was like living in the clouds

[@gravityfreaksmusic]

We still have.

[@pearl-on-the-press]

I was born in 1989, and I think in the entirety of human history, the 70's was the best time we've EVER had for music. I'll die on this hill.

[@theresa42213]

Newriverpearl ~ l was born in '65 and lived through it. l agree with you. lt was an AMAZING decade for music! l was into the Prog stuff, but Steely Dan was WAAY up there, as l was into jazz. The groups seemed to concentrate on _melody_ more than just rhythm. Not many people could draw me to a concert these days. Maybe Steve Hackett, or Wakeman. Anyway...have a good summer, and keep enjoying good tunes! ~ Van BC :)

[@KenFernbach]

57 and lived through this great time as well in my 60’s and still constantly reflecting back- love this post!

[@rustytidwell5393]

Born In 1962. So many artists live on 50-60 years later....

[@xxllbb55]

80's !

[@mco5634]

@@xxllbb55 🤣🤣😂😂😅😅.....😅😅😂😂🤣🤣...... 😅😅😂😂🤣🤣...ya nooo....

[@MarcArmstrong-wu4xf]

Skunk tore that up! He’s still tearing it up!

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

Is it me, or does Jeff Skunk Baxter look just like Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP?

[@maddesi2709]

I thought that was him! I

[@BusyBadger]

​@@JohnB-dr8sk"Booger!"

[@Landerdog]

Was the other guitar player, Elliott Randall? If so, I think he played the solo on the album I could be wrong.

[@nobbynoris]

Tearing it up for the military-industrial complex, har har.

[@barroncrist5779]

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is one underrated guitarist in my opinion. He was great in The Doobie Bros. too.

[@doremi9]

Actually many guitarists know of him and believe me he is highly regarded.

[@lesterpittenger5992]

Elliott Randall, a studio musician, was the lead on the recorded version of this tune. He was Jimmy Page's favorite guitarist, for a while. Jeff seems to have been credited, but it's not so.

[@wheelinthesky300]

I don't think Skunk was so much underrated as he couldn't care less about the limelight.

[@lesterpittenger5992]

@@barroncrist5779 Jeff is a fine guitarist, but not really special amongst his peers. Just my opinion.

[@SPSregister]

I'm a little obsessed with this particular Midnight Special episode and he absolutely ripped it up on the solo in My Old School. But yeah, absolutely outstanding. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXS7Z2Zrj5yShqc

[@brianking2365]

Holy crap that’s legitimately one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever seen.

[@bobtis]

I have never seen these b4 just amazing. The greatest ever

[@marktrail8624]

This is good but My Old School was flawless in this Concert.

[@deadringer28]

Seriously, F everyone even trying to top this. LOL

[@mikeb8013]

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. Nuff said

[@anthonyboerio4955]

Thank God for uTube that we can see all these amazing performances from the Midnight Special!!!!

[@brucekronberg8492]

Absolutely love this track. The backup singers are blowing me away. What a gem for Steely Dan lovers.

[@garyrasberryjr.552]

Jenny Soule and Gloria Granola are the ladies and Royce Jones in the gentleman. Royce sang a lot of backup with the Dan. He also did a great lead vocal on "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" during a live radio broadcast from the Record Plant in 1974 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWmnoHx5atl9rZI

[@berndog4u1]

Gloria 'Porky' Granola and Jenny 'Bucky' Soule

[@backrowbrighton]

@@garyrasberryjr.552 Thanks for this. I was intrigued as to who they were.

[@edwardtmarsh884]

GOOSE pimples, fer sure....

[@wheelgunner1970]

Epic performance! I wonder how the stage didn’t burn down with all of the fire going on!🔥

[@JayJoJonny]

Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter jammin like no other, what a talent on guitar!

[@dewimatthews6037]

and now Government Advisor on missile defence ( not kidding!)

[@deanowens334]

This from the days when the music was created by MUSICIANS not just Audio technicians... The energy is AMAZING!

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Correct 💯👌

[@arnoldosullivan6642]

“Before Pro Tools, there were Pro’s” Lukather

[@mikeg3439]

Jeff as a child: "Mom I'm gonna grow up and be a famous guitarist." Mom: "That's nice dear." Jeff: "And I'm gonna be a Federal Marshall." Mom: "heh heh okay, well we'll see...." Jeff: "And work for the department of defense and pentagon!!" Mother "Honey, you are getting yourself worked up."

[@andyinoregon]

LMAO! Thanks for that.

[@walter4723]

And have a monthly column in Guitar Player Magazine titled Eclectic Electric

[@CarollPearson-o7i]

Ha, ha! He does all that!!

[@jimgore1278]

Don't forget an electronics technical expert for Roland.

[@kengray2354]

And play congas like a mad man!!!

[@ThomasBorghus]

Gloria 'Porky' Granola and Jenny 'Bucky' Soule on backing vocals. Just killing it.

[@prepparig144]

I can't stop watching this because of them

[@stephenmcmullen7600]

Nothing like good old fashioned sex, drugs, and rock and roll!!!!!

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Thank you!!!! Was wondering!!!

[@fry530]

This is probably the most 70's thing ever, but that's what makes it so incredible

[@robmadden3726]

I love how they are really playing and not lip-synching to the studio track.

[@Dremth]

They would sooner not play at all than lip sync

[@floydnut5908]

@Dremth idk bro they lip synced on American bandstand

[@bobbbobb4663]

@@floydnut5908My understanding is that the rights fees for a live performance on a syndicated show were prohibitively expensive which is why Bandstand always had performers lip sync

[@jackal59]

@@bobbbobb4663 Besides, _American Bandstand_ having performers mime to the recording gave to posterity a hilarious "performance" by PiL where John Lydon refused to play along and instead pulled audience members onto the stage to dance.

[@diamonddog13]

​@@bobbbobb4663Bandstand was about promoting the records. Midnight Special was about promoting the artists.

[@majeedtaouk3038]

The backup singers have such vitality that I find is missing today

[@toomuchinformation]

Spot on. The 70s were the peak of backing singers. A lot of songs were "made" by them.

[@rcd1586]

It’s the pure joy of life and living Let go and be like a child again

[@D34DH34D4LYF]

@@rcd1586 I suspect that joy was at least 25% mannitol

[@FreedominaKilt]

The video tape of the performance sat on a shelf for all these years until someone with a functioning broadcast tape machine, probably 2 inch quad, got the privilege to play it back and capture it in a digital format. I'm sure they were rocking out while transferring this footage for us to enjoy. Thank you very much.

[@SPSregister]

I've been going through the Midnight Special videos on here and they vary wildly in quality. I'm glad this one was especially well-preserved. There isn't a ton of Steely Dan live performances out there from that era and I'm so glad someone was able to put this one out there with excellent quality.

[@andyinoregon]

Apologies to those who have read this in my other Steely Dan-related video comments, but for those who haven't there's a little-known story about the creator of these now-legendary guitar solos, Elliott Randall. On Dec. 4, 1966, The Yardbirds played at Lima, Ohio's Springbrook Gardens Teen Club (you can Google the show poster), a venue just 20 miles east of my parents' farm. I was a month shy of my 16th birthday and excited to see both Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck that Sunday, but Beck was a no-show (having returned to London after becoming upset with the conditions on their U.S. tour). So we all had to make do with the solo guitar stylings of Mr. Jimmy Page. What I didn't know until 50 years later (from watching KZbin interviews) was that the crowd that day included 19 year-old NYC native Elliott Randall (then a guitar teacher at Lima's Custom Percussion Music Store), who also introduced himself to Page at the concert. Fast-forward to August 1972 when Randall is brought into the studio by Becker & Fagen to compose and play the iconic solos on "Reelin' In the Years" -- solos which Jimmy Page would later famously rate "12 on a scale of 10," and said made him rethink his whole approach to guitar solos. Randall was asked to join Steely Dan, but turned down the offer (correctly guessing that Becker & Fagen had no long-term interest in being a touring rock band). After concluding their "Pretzel Logic" album tour in July of 1974, Steely Dan would not resume touring until August of 1993. By that time, drummers Jim Hodder (shown here) and Jeff Porcaro had both passed on way too soon. Check out the KZbin video "Reelin' in the Years - multicam" to see original guitarist Elliott Randall playing these solos live with Steely Dan at London's Wembley Arena in 2019, more than 46 years after first recording them in the studio. The camera work is shaky, but still worth watching.

[@Logiconfire]

Very interesting.

[@vnette9777]

Much appreciated 🔥💯

[@edd7812]

Great background! Thanks for posting

[@andyinoregon]

@@edd7812 Even earlier than that (in the fall of 1965) I saw future Steely Dan session guitarist Rick Derringer and his band The McCoys at the Van Wert, Ohio County Fairgrounds. He was 18 and I was 14, and I knew I was watching a guitar prodigy.

[@jazzyboy7784]

Great story...thx.

[@xxczerxx]

Poor Donald -- apparently he suffered major anxiety in SD's early days (he didn't really want to be a frontman). Look at his hands shaking at 0:36!

[@jamesmaass8929]

This is absolutely priceless. What a guitar solo and Fagan is incredible and noticably nervous, his fingers are trembling, don't blame him. This is such a classic song. The women are perfect.

[@beenaplumber8379]

I saw his shaking fingers and thought *cocaine.* I always like seeing Skunk Baxter on guitar. I guess this was their touring lineup of the day.

[@Ruprect44]

@@beenaplumber8379 Donald Fagan has dealt with pretty bad stage fright his entire career. I'll choose to put the hand trembling on that.

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@Ruprect44 I didn't know that about him, and I've got mad respect for him. I've got respect for all artists who perform despite stage fright or social phobias. (I know there are many who have risen to his level of career success.) Sounds like a more likely explanation than cocaine. For a person with anxieties, cocaine would probably not be their friend. (I have anxieties, and the thought of stimulant drugs scares me. I have to be careful around caffeine!) My guess was not meant as a slight against him, just a comment on that time in the music industry. Coke was everywhere. I thought it was a reasonable guess.

[@kevinmc4500]

I thought that was Jim Morrison playing guitar🤣

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@kevinmc4500 Skunk Baxter bounced between Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers (and many other acts as a session player), like a lot of players. Get to know him - he's a fantastic player and a fun showman!

[@WhoIsJohnMcEnroe]

The backup singers seem really enthusiastic and genuinely happy to be there

[@montewold2223]

Cocaines a hell of a drug

[@WhoIsJohnMcEnroe]

@ 😂

[@rhondawilkins2017]

1974,I’m 9 years old and I crave watching “The Midnight Special” every Friday night at MIDNIGHT! Wolfman Jack, and Steely Dan …doesn’t get any better than Rock N Roll!

[@treich9072]

I was 10 in 1974, and loved watching Midnight Special, too!

[@TRF-p4q]

I was also 9 in 74. Wonderful time to grow up.

[@jjmars9160]

I was 7 when this song came out. My older brother often listened to it and I grew to like. The lyric about " the weekend at college " for some reason stuck with me. And I always associated this song with college life when I went to college..

[@MarkMacDonald-pd1eo]

I graduated H S in '73 and this is the stuff we lived on. Steeley Dan, Supertramp, Pink Floyd all good stuff

[@tommyudo3195]

- Goodbye Yellow Brick Rood - Frampton comes Alive - Something/Anything - Dark Side of the Moon

[@mikegalvin9801]

72 so a year ahead but yeah!

[@billfletcher7602]

Coolest back up singers ever! :)

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Just saw an interview with Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (on Rick Beato's KZbin channel). The backup singers behind Donald Fagan were actually David Cassidy's! I skimmed the interview, but my supposition is that Cassidy must have also been on The Midnight Special on this night, along with Steely Dan.

[@billfletcher7602]

@@patriciamorgan6545 watched that same interview two days ago

[@WayCoolJr27]

​@@patriciamorgan6545Watched a talk Skunk did about his role as a Federal employee. It was great.

[@patriciamorgan6545]

@WayCoolJr27 I've watched a bunch of interviews with him, including some where he talked about his government role, and how music enabled him to think in unexpected ways. Fascinating guy! Oh, Lee Sklar is great in interviews as well. Encyclopedic memory of so many sessions, concerts, and musicians.

[@picmanjoe]

I like how they gave everyone time in front of the camera, including the backup singers.

[@traces4011]

Walter Becker got the least face time of anyone.

[@VictorianDad]

​@@traces4011Actually don't know which of these he was!

[@traces4011]

@VictorianDad long haired guy playing the bass.

[@tonyleeglenn]

So, so very cool to be able to watch this in 2023. Thanks so much Midnight Special. You are bringing back the joy of 70s Rock. Just splendid!

[@joewright7723]

Hard to tell what’s more awesome about these Midnight Special clips - how much the backup singers are selling it, Skunk Baxter tearing it up, or Fagan just being cool.

[@richalderson6069]

Steely Dan ain't just jazzy rock, they were also ROCKN'ROLL! Whew....

[@davidweihe6052]

I believe the official name of their genre is MENSA Pop, or CB in this case MENSA Rock. Skunk is, after all, a legitimate Rocket Scientist.

[@lorih6514]

My dad was a rock n roller. He used to go trade 8-track tapes at a shop that specialized in home and car stereos and would give you a tape if you left one. He popped this tape into the player, cranked up the Jensen sound system and that guitar wailed out of the speakers. I was in love. Still am, 50 years on.

[@byroncurrysr.3047]

I was born in 1973 and being a fan of Steely Dan makes me feel i was born 20 years too late!!!!!!

[@DrJohn493]

Take it from this 71 year old, your right!

[@EhCloserLook]

I was born 10 years after you but I still got to see them in live in Florida back in the early 00s!

[@UncleBubba13]

You're a fan. That means you weren't born too late.

[@Jgeneraledger23]

@@UncleBubba13 also I'm the same age and remember Steely Dan songs NEW, so we remember

[@domgoings6722]

These guys and girls were COOKIN !!!!!!!

[@jtf2dan]

Jeff Skunk Baxter is a national treasure....founding member of Steely Dan....went on to play with the Doobie Brothers after Steely Dan stopped touring.....and a session musician on so many famous peoples albums....thats even Skunk playing the solo on Donna Summers "Hot Stuff"....crazy the people he performed with.....

[@GTX1123]

Wow. What a performance. Donald had terrible stage fright back then (you can see his hand shaking) but man they absolutely nailed it.

[@raymond9642]

Came here to say exactly that. I'm wondering if it's why the song is a bit faster too. When I was a drummer and nervous I tended to start too quick.

[@scotconnolly1188]

@@raymond9642 No doubt. Donald is on the verge of having an anxiety induced heart attack but actually completely nailing it

[@BookClubDisaster]

Were Donald Fagen and Angus Young ever seen in the same place at the same time?

[@RMCMichigan]

Good lord, you can even hear the tambourines. Someone did an amazing job at the mix on this.

[@ElBrooklyn1]

Like hi-hats, tambourines cut through just about any mix and bleed into every open microphone. Plus you’ve got three of them going, with the backup singers and percussionist, all of whom have vocal mics soaking up all that high-end sizzle. Mix engineer probably had to do what he could to keep those damn things from taking over the song.

[@richardmiller191]

They sure did. And it was all live music. Something you don't see as much anymore.

[@GaryT1952]

Skunk steals this one....outstanding!

[@bernardoconnor5512]

​@@michaelkstahlPoint being ¿?

[@abelincoln3287]

​@michaelkstahl Not to be argumentative, but Jeff Baxter was not a session player for Steely Dan, but a founding member. He left in 1974 to play for the Doobie Brothers. You are correct that he was a session player for many others.

[@MI-sm5ge]

@@michaelkstahl he barely quotes Randall's solo at all.

[@abelincoln3287]

​@michaelkstahl You are most definitely right, Steely Dan (Fagan and Becker mostly) hated touring , so they got rid of the rest and hired session players.

[@GaryT1952]

@@abelincoln3287 🎯

[@orreymodo5860]

This was available for free on your TV. The musicians of this era could do this magic live, for real. No auto tune, no tracks, just music. at 1:50 magic happens

[@cmac4412]

May 73". 16 year old runaway from Indiana, hitchhiking from Jacksonville to St Augustine on A1A. Heard this for the first time on a cheap plastic 9v transistor radio. Fan ever since. Even 51 years later, whenever I hear it, I still can feel the ocean breeze blowing through the dune grasses, smell the salt air and smell and feel the heat from the asphalt. It got heavy rotation that summer.

[@brucehansensc]

Was on the road too then, you are talking about freedom here, the real thing. Nice spice for music.

[@josephtreesh1080]

What part of indiana did you want to run away from? I'm north of Fort Wayne. Love Jacksonville Florida btw

[@SeamusMcGillicuddy0]

Skunk Becker and Walter Baxter, really rocked 🙄 !!!

[@gretschguy864]

What a tight band with a great live performance!

[@stephengregory7026]

Jim Hodder drumming ? An effortless fast shuffle whilst singing 👍

[@gingerdent]

This is the “Dream Team”! How blessed to be alive when SD we’re creating perfection.

[@whyis45stillalive]

The "Dream Team" would have to include the man, who did the lead guitar work, on the album, Royal Scam. Larry Carlton. Baxter is one of my favorite guitarists, but both Denny Dias, and Larry Carlton are *so* much better. Edit: Thank you to @CaptainRon1913. I forgot to put the album, 'Royal Scam'.

[@CaptainRon1913]

@@whyis45stillalive Larry Carlton didn't play on Can't buy a Thrill, Jeff Baxter did. Carlton played on Katy Lied, and Royal Scam. Both albums were awesome IMO. This Midnight special lineup with Baxter and Dias played on the first two albums, Can't buy a Thrill, and Pretzel Logic.

[@whyis45stillalive]

@@CaptainRon1913 Oops I left out the album title. I meant to put 'Royal Scam' after the word, 'album'. A whole month went by. I'm embarrassed.

[@dirkzirbel]

Saw them play at Santa Monica Civic 11/5/73 (I think) and it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. I literally couldn't tell the difference between their live performance vs studio, it was that perfect.

[@elgrande3934]

I remember watching this live. I was 3 years old.

[@ScottJohnson80]

What a treasure trove of music given to us by these Midnight Special clips! Thank you! Also, I could watch Skunk Baxter wail on that guitar all day!

[@LP23D6]

I thought that was Baxter. I remember him from early Doobie Bros.

[@TheMonolake]

Damm he was GONE !!!!!

[@MrDano1138]

Wish we could see Skunk commit to music again and not working for Raytheon.

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

@@MrDano1138 He's actually been touring! But yeah, he apparently parlayed his expertise in digital recording techniques into national security expertise.

[@smashism]

This is so great. and I always get excited when this channel posts stuff that wasn't included on the old DVD set of clips. Whoever runs this page is doing an amazing job, consistently. Thank you.

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

More to come!

[@bassbymichele]

​@@themidnightspecialtvshowLOVE THIS ❤

[@LowEarthOrbitPilot]

Exactly! GREAT JOB!!

[@feellucky271]

@@themidnightspecialtvshow Definitely looking forward to more of the Dan anything with Skunk Baxter in it and Denny Diaz is an amazing guitar player also. Walter sure in the background letting the band play on. RIP brother

[@edd7812]

I will absolutely second that! Great Channel!

[@georgestuart8656]

I've loved this song for so long. Beautiful rendition. I love the duling Telecasters. Who'd have thought.

[@Marcus_Dene]

I’m undead and roughly 3,197 years old and I only rise once every 3 millennium to visit KZbin and post comments that say real talent, real music, real musicians, and no autotune and things like that. All that said, this was very well done. The red moon sets and so I must return to my infernal grave. Thanks for Reelin' It In

[@ChatGPT1111]

When you see my response in the year 5024, I hope that SD is not forgotten. I also have twinkies in my pantry that should still be good.

[@davidryan7386]

Danny diaz. The unsung hero holding down the piano part on the guitar for the verses.

[@markgigiel2722]

The Midnight Special clips have the BEST audio quality and mix of anything from that era. I can clearly hear every instrument.

[@midwestconcertvideo]

There was a fascinating interview with Burt Sugarman on the Bob Leftsetz podcast. He mentioned that he made sure he hired the best sound people available in Hollywood, at the time when everybody else was content to just have everybody lip sync. At the very end of this clip, you see what the mobile camera operator had to carry. It looked to be the same era of equipment featured in the recent documentary _Summer of Soul._ Those cameras weighed nearly 70 lb! Thanks again for making this available, Mr. Sugarman!

[@affirmativeaction1]

Not really. Musikladen, OGWT and some others had superior sound. Midnight Special audio is a bit flat.

[@markgigiel2722]

@@affirmativeaction1 On American broadcast TV.

[@johnl.241]

What a great video!! Skunk Baxter on guitar, Dennis Diaz on Rhythm and Walter on Bass . Vintage DAN!!

[@gchase4073]

Another awesome Steely Dan clip from our Midnight Special friends!! Thank you Mr. SUGARMAN!!!

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jsand8301]

Some of the most underrated musicians of their time.

[@BlueAgaveStudios]

Was just grad from HS in June 73. Didn't know what to do with my life, but Rock and Roll was like a family member, everything was possible.

[@donald1841]

Unfreak,n believable. Totally awesome. I so miss those days.

[@stevethrendyle8406]

That channelling of Dickie and Duane at the 2:07 mark is magic. Those who know, will know.

[@andyinoregon]

The twin-lead guitar bands of the early '70s were just incredible -- The Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, Wishbone Ash, etc.

[@mariskacandice890]

Skunk freaking Baxter on lead guitar! Steely Dan! Thank you! 🤯

[@drumsport]

The great Jim Hodder on drums. Our '60's-'90's musical forefathers sure knew how to slam the "rock" into rock n' roll.

[@carterjayhovland9575]

That ladies and gentlemen is what top notch session men sound like on stage. No one beats Steely Dan.

[@gordoh7634]

This video and audio are priceless! I've always wanted to see Denny Dias and Jeff Baxter play guitar together, and there was no way I could do that in the 21st century, but here it is! I love the guitar duet, and Donald is on pitch, with good vocal range back. So cool 😎.

[@georgezaferes5410]

Not Danny Dias... Elliot Randall

[@gordoh7634]

@@georgezaferes5410 That is Denny playing with Jeff. You are correct that Elliott was the lead guitar 🎸 on the original recording.

[@norfitz]

@@georgezaferes5410 That's Denny Dias, you just didn't recognize him without the overalls

[@deirdre108]

@@norfitz ...and the purple velvet pants he sometimes wore.

[@zapwatt]

This composition's structure and arrangement are far more interesting than most pop music released after the year 2000.

[@craigusselman546]

Agreed.

[@leinie6683]

or before

[@mtj8]

Jim Morrison & Skunk Baxter dueling solo. Could listen to it all day.

[@MR-jq4du]

??

[@loilt5091]

That’s piano virtuoso, James Booker, wearing his trademark eyepatch. He was another Crescent City great’s mentor“, Harry Connick Jr.’s

[@waruder]

Denny Dias steps forward to join Baxter on the guitar-solo is one of the coolest moments in Steely Dan’s history

[@gummybearlol]

When I hear Steely Dan I automatically relive the 70s in my mind.Certain songs just take me to really happy times

[@vicomtedelomagne]

Just love the duel[ing] guitar sound.

[@MrNategriffin]

this song brings me back to the summer of of '73 in philadelphia while our ship was in the philly shipyard.

[@needle11]

No autotune bullshit just a kick ass song by kick ass band, kicking ass.

[@robertwjtaylor]

One of the greatest songs ever done, and nice work here!!!

[@okrajoe]

50 years ago next month -- the years have indeed been reeled in....

[@chickenman2097]

Now just waiting for My Old School 😃

[@GetUpTheMountains]

They did not disappoint!

[@The_momur]

I love all of these live performances. No lip synch, just the live music.

[@guitarjonn7103]

Killer, OMG. Wish they didn't stop touring back then. Donald and Walter were pretty quirky studio guys, but it sure looked Donald was into it here. With that kind of band energy, how could you not be. Hats off to broadcast sound people here, too. In those days it was pretty rare to get a good mix for bands on TV and this was pretty decent.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Love the ladies clothes and miss wearing them, especially the red tube top!

[@agtrucks]

👍 I believe the red top to be the same garment as the green headband on the other singer.😬🙂

[@that70sgirl90]

Are you "Reelin' In The Years" Stowing away the time? Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙 Happy Tuesday... thank you for sharing! 💖

[@brucekuehn4031]

Friday night, August 31, 1973 - another school year getting started. Lots of possibilities and new experiences just around the corner. And those years flew by!

[@that70sgirl90]

@@brucekuehn4031 I know what you mean. Thank you for sharing! 💖

[@MegaShiva1]

Great to hear this classic song by Steely Dan. 51 years this month since it aired, and still a great song!

[@bigdogpete43]

No lip synch, no auto tune, just talent. This show was a treasure. Twin Teles--rock!

[@jshelldog6793]

Donald despises the label of yacht rock and who can blame him. He wrote, created and performed true Rock and Roll classics. He should be considered one of the true great singer/songwriters of all time. Thank you Donald Fagan for bringing us some of the greatest songs of all time!!!!

[@cptntwang]

Rick beato sent me. Practicing some guitarparts right now.

[@BGM16]

My God, "Skunk" Baxter is so good, simply amazing. One of the best guitar players.

[@TucsonDude]

...and he's a defense contractor.

[@charlie-obrien]

He's sharing the duties with Denny Diaz, who didn't get as much camera time. But his interpretation of the solo is always fantastic.

[@thefog3361]

Thanks so much. I guess I've heard Denny Dias without knowing he existed. The man has spent a lot of time with a guitar in his hands.

[@MI-sm5ge]

Wow! Incredible! Donald embracing his 'inner crooner' taking a few nice melodic detours from the tune we know.

[@walshy2116]

0:38 the poor guy, his hands are shaking and yet he's so cool and awesome. We just never know what's going on with other people. They're both such meticulous and perfect musicians and yet Donald fought nerves for so long. Man!

[@neiljolliff8170]

A chance hearing of this track, on the radio, in 1976 at the ripe old age of 20 sent me on a life time of pleasure listening to their music. I'm 67 now and still loving these gems, from the archives, that I've never seen before ❤

[@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible]

LOL same

[@Narrs]

@@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible Same here, I'm even 67, dammit.

[@waynebroste3028]

same age, love em

[@ahawk1968]

I can't believe I never heard the sax solo comparison... Thanks Rick Beato for the new skunk interview 😊

[@TouchDirt]

God this footage is incredible

[@nongthip]

Steely Dan, otherwise known as "Donald Fagen + whoever is good enough to be in the band". But I could mute the sound to these videos and still be a Jeff Baxter fan, because he is just so clearly putting 110% into his guitar work.

[@alantmac]

The lady in the red top (Gloria Granola) married a professional baseball player, I saw the ball player live in Montreal around 1973-74 in a game against the Montreal Expos at Jarry Park. I was in high school at the time, the baseball player was catcher Steve Yeager of the Dodgers.

[@susanryan2451]

Can you believe it's been 52 years since I sat in the stands at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas Texas to watch Elton John and his yellow brick road tour and this band and these people these folks were the opening band. My introduction to Steely Dan❤❤❤

[@inthepit1968]

Oh my lord this makes me so happy . What a wonderful session. The bands on fire. Gloria and Jenny just killing on backing vocals. Awesome!

[@MaxVonStark]

The two ladies make the video!....the blond especially...always wondered their names and where they might be today

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

The 70s were the era of the backing singers, who seemed more integral to the songs, bands and the overall performance than they do these days.

[@Steve-v8t3t]

Guitarist is Glenn Schwartz (RIP 2018), who left the James Gang in 1967 and joined PG&E Co. Joe Walsh speaks highly of Glenn’s skills to this day.

[@thomasthompson3206]

The music is killer as usual, but the incredible lady with the magical green refractions is amazing.

[@scottshand8559]

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is one of the greatest guitarist of our time, very cool video!

[@gilldavidmour4199]

Yeah, but this is not his finest work.

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

Steely Dan....one of the most Legendary bands of all time. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@PatrickGalbraith]

I was just about to go to Kindergarten, but I can remember these songs as a kid. I must build a time machine

[@robertbishop5357]

You can tell Donald is scared r/t his hands are shaking along with his voice. Trust me I understand stage fright. One of my all time favorite songs.

[@golds04]

And to think Donald didn’t think he could sing. Just incredible. Walter always be missed. What a tremendously talented band. 🎉

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

And Walter was shy for a long time about playing at the front of the stage as well. It wasn't until they toured in the 90s that Walter took guitar leads on songs like "Josie" and "FM", and even then, he preferred to have guys like Jon Herrington do the solo guitar work - like everyone else in the modern touring Steely Dan band, a phenomenal musician. Even Donald wanted another keyboardist besides himself. The great ones always want to work with the best, and Becker and Fagan, who were incredibly talented, knew their strength was songwriting and their vision was to have their songs performed by the greatest musicians - their gift was finding them and getting them to play like they did.

[@golds04]

@@glennhavinoviski8128 I was friendly with Walter and played with him a little bit. As a jazz musician, I didn’t know who we was when a mutual friend invited us both over for a jam session at his apartment in the city. One day he came down to a gig, and afterwards we sat down alone, an empty restaurant. We spent couple hours over beers, talking about life and stuff. This is prior to their tour life returning. I spent an hour trying to convince him to try to let me get him a gig at the Vanguard with Donald and a small band, it was a fun conversation he was convinced he wasn’t good enough to play there. I truly lovely, talented and gentle soul: greatly missed by those of us who knew him and his non on stage persona.

[@adamc1966]

Great version with the ladies featured so prominently 👍❤️

[@gdj6298]

Yeah, after 50 years of being a SD fan, this is my first sighting of the legendary 'Porky and Bucky' (Gloria Granola and Jenny Soule) !

[@adamc1966]

@@gdj6298 turns out they were not the same girls used on the record.

[@gdj6298]

@@adamc1966 I didn't say they were...but they were the girls in the touring band at the time.