Classic Rockers Walter Becker and Dave Hlubek Pass Away
Sad news to report, as two classic rock legends died on Sunday (Sept. 3). Steely Dan guitarist Walter Becker and founding Molly Hatchet guitarist Dave Hlubek passed away at the ages of 67 and 66, respectively.
Walter Becker founded Steely Dan with singer-keyboardist Donald Fagen. Known for their unique brand of jazz rock, the band released a number of platinum albums along with singles like "Do It Again," "Reelin' in the Years" and "Rikki Don't Lose That Number." They found success again after reuniting in the 1990s, earning the Grammy for Album of the Year for their 2000 disc, Two Against Nature.
Becker died of unknown causes. A statement from Fagen on Becker's passing reads, in part, as follows, "Walter Becker was my friend, my writing partner and my bandmate since we met as students at Bard College in 1967 ... I intend to keep the music we created together alive as long as I can, both with the Steely Dan band. We’ll miss him forever."
Dave Hlubek was the founding guitarist of Molly Hatchet, a Southern rock band best known for their hit "Flirtin' With Disaster" off the 1979 album of the same name. In a posting on their Facebook page, the band wrote, "It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of our beloved friend and band member Dave Hlubek. Dave was one of the founding lead guitarists of Molly Hatchet. Amongst his many contributions to southern rock is 'Flirtin' with Disaster.' Our condolences and our prayers go out to his family during this time of loss. He will be missed but never forgotten, as the music lives on through his legacy in Molly Hatchet."
Our condolences go out to the families, friends and bandmates of both Walter Becker and Dave Hlubek during this difficult time.
Rockers We've Lost in 2017
Steely Dan Performing "Reelin' in the Years"
Molly Hatchet Performing "Flirtin' With Disaster"