Steely Dan’s Rent Party

Although it’s doubtful Steely Dan is jumping back on the road to raise cash to pay a friend’s lease, there’s no question the ‘70s rock/jazz fusion duo’s “Rent Party ’09 Tour” is the shindig to hit up this summer.

Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, the guys behind Steely Dan’s bizarre lyrics and meticulous musical detail, will hit the road with a crew of touring musicians for a 17-city, 28-date U.S. tour next month.

The run kicks off June 9 at the Performing Arts Center in Durham, N.C. and winds down Sept. 5 at Sound Board Theatre at Motor City Casino in Detroit.

Lucky fans in Boston, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago will have the chance to hear a classic Steely Dan album in its entirety (with a few other tunes thrown in) – or vote online on which tracks they’d like to hear.

The “Takin’ It To The Seats” Internet Request Night setlists will be decided by ticket-holders for each show. Steely Dan’s Web site, SteelyDan.com, advises fans to note their ticket confirmation number and that online voting instructions would follow.

Photo: AP Photo

69th Regiment Armory, New York, N.Y.

Walt and Don are taking up residency at Boston’s Wang Theatre for three nights, playing 1977’s Aja July 22, 1980’s Gaucho July 24 and an Internet Request Night July 25.

Next up is NYC’s Beacon Theatre, with Aja July 28, Gaucho July 29, 1976’s The Royal Scam July 31 and an Internet Request Night July 31.

Universal City, Calif.’s Gibson Amphitheatre will also be treated to four days of Steely Dan with Aja Aug. 21, Gaucho Aug. 22, The Royal Scam Aug. 24 and the Internet Request Night over Aug. 25.

In the Midwest, the band’s Chicago Theatre residency will feature Aja Aug. 31, Gaucho Sept. 1, The Royal Scam Sept. 3 and the Internet Request Night Sept. 4.

If you’re a Dan fan, which album would you love to hear live? I can’t decide. The Royal Scam has “The Caves of Altamire,” “Don’t Take Me Alive,” and “The Royal Scam” but Gaucho features “Time Out of Mind” and “Third World Man.” I would also love to hear Steely Dan do “Home at Last” and “I Got the News” from Aja. Decisions, decisions!

Select dates are on-sale now with additional dates hitting the general on-sale June 6 and June 13. American Express cardholders have the chance to purchase tickets before the general on-sale May 30 and June 6.

For more information, click here to check out Steely Dan’s Web site.

If you’re interested in reading the most hilarious Onion article ever, click here to read “Donald Fagen” defend Steely Dan.