Walter Becker has passed away

Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker has died at home aged 67, according to the legendary band's official website.

Becker along with fellow bandmate Donald Fagen wrote some of the 1970s biggest hits, including 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number', 'Do It Again' and 'Reelin' in the Years'.

No cause of death has been announced, but Becker underwent surgery last month and missed Steely Dan's Classic East and West concerts in July as he recovered from the unspecified ailment.

Fagen had told Billboard, 'Walter's recovering from a procedure and hopefully, he'll be fine very soon.'

According to Rolling Stone, Becker's doctor had advised him not to leave his Malibu home during his post-operative period. 

Fagen paid tribute to his bandmate as 'an excellent guitarist and a great songwriter.'

'Walter Becker was my friend, my writing partner and my bandmate since we met as students at Bard College in 1967,' he wrote in a lengthy statement. 

'Walter had a very rough childhood — I'll spare you the details. Luckily, he was smart as a whip, an excellent guitarist, and a great songwriter. 

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is republished here with permission.