Steely Dan’s Walter Becker to have New York street named in his honour

The street where late Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker grew up in Queens, New York City, is to be named in his honour later this year.

A street sign indicating Walter Becker Way will be unveiled at a ceremony at 112th Street and 72nd Drive in the Forest Hills neighbourhood on October 28.

The event, presented by New York's Classic Rock Q104.3, will be attended by a number of special guests, while Becker’s friends and colleagues will share memories of the musician.

There are also plans for a day of festivities around the unveiling, which have been organised by Becker’s fans.

Becker’s widow Delia says: “Walter's fans have decades of experience holding 'Danfests' throughout the country and they always find innovative and eclectic ways of celebrating.

“It will undoubtedly be a fun and free gathering to honour and commemorate Walter as only they can!”

The motion to name the street Walter Becker Way was put forward by New York City council member Karen Koslowitz and was subsequently approved by a full council vote late last month.

Becker died in September 2017 at the age of 67.

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.