Donald Fagen Reacts to His Japanese Doppleganger on the Ron and Fez Show

Donald Fagen was at SiriusXM recently talking with Ron Bennington about the new album, Sunken Condos.  Along with co-producer Michael Leonhart, he and Ron talked about Donald’s creative process, what it’s like touring with three different bands, and the theme of aging, especially aging rock stars.

Ron Bennington:  And how long have they busted the Stones balls? Probably since the mid 60′s like are you guys still doing this shit? And you’re like what?? Nobody’s doing it better! Why do they have to apologize for being the Stones?

Donald Fagen: Yeah. I agree. Certainly when Mick comes out, some people feel this sort of cognitive dissonance because there’s this guy singing what is essentially sort of teenage songs. But that’s his medium. That’s a performance medium. It never really bothered me that much. It’s sort of part of a joke….Oh also, I saw the Rolling Stones maybe six, seven years ago and I have to say they were great. I couldn’t believe Jagger’s energy.

Ron also introduced Fagen and Leonhart to Donald’s asian counterpart– a band called Steely Shodan.  They’re Japanese, they have dedicated themselves to being the best Steely Dan tribute band out there, and they’ve been an internet hit for years, unbeknownst to Fagen.  Click below to listen to a clip of Fagen reacting to watching Steely Shodan.

Read more excerpts from the interview with Fagen here on The Interrobang.