Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers Featuring Donald Fagen Deliver a Memorable Night at City Winery with a Rare Rendition of Beast Of Burden
On the evening of March 2, 2015, New York City’s intimate City Winery venue witnessed a singular musical moment that drew fans of Americana, blues, and Steely Dan alike. The concert headlined by Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers, with special guest Donald Fagen, became notable not just for its rich performance but for an unexpected and spirited interpretation of Beast Of Burden, a classic originally released by The Rolling Stones in 1978.
Amy Helm, the daughter of legendary drummer and vocalist Levon Helm of The Band, has long built her reputation on a foundation of deep-rooted American music. By 2015 she was touring in support of her first solo album, Didn’t It Rain, which showcased her soulful vocal tone and deep affinity for blues, folk, and roots rock traditions. Backed by her tight-knit ensemble, the Handsome Strangers, Helm offered audiences an evening that flowed through a mix of originals and well-chosen covers.
What truly elevated this particular night was the appearance of Donald Fagen, co-founder of Steely Dan and a towering figure in jazz-rock fusion. According to fan accounts from that night’s performance, Fagen joined the band about two hours into the set and brought a fresh energy to several songs. The standout moment among these was his turn on Beast Of Burden. Fans described his delivery as both surreal and joyous, especially when navigating the tune’s higher vocal register. His command of the acoustic piano added an unexpected richness to the performance and demonstrated his versatility beyond the electric textures typically associated with his own work.
The audience reaction reflected a deep appreciation for the musical chemistry on stage. Following the Beast Of Burden highlight, Fagen remained on stage for much of the remainder of the evening, contributing piano support to a number of blues standards and covers alongside Helm and her band. The mood was described by attendees as warm, collaborative, and full of musical camaraderie, with one reviewer noting the joy evident among the performers and crowd alike.
Though Beast Of Burden is not widely documented as a frequent part of Fagen’s live repertoire, its inclusion here added a rare and memorable twist to an already special night of live music. This performance underscored not only Helm’s growing stature as a compelling live artist but also the playful spirit that emerges when musicians from different traditions converge onstage.
For those who value authentic musical interplay and memorable live collaborations, this New York City show remains a testament to what can happen when established artists step slightly off their usual paths and create something uniquely alive in the moment.