A Night of Precision and Legacy: Steely Dan Opens the Kia Forum with a Masterclass in Sophisticated Rock
On the evening of January 5, 2024, Steely Dan delivered a refined and memorable performance at the legendary Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, appearing as the opening act for Eagles during the band’s ongoing farewell run known as The Long Goodbye Tour. The concert formed part of a multi night residency at the historic Los Angeles venue and offered audiences a rare opportunity to witness two pillars of American classic rock on the same stage.
Steely Dan took the stage at approximately 7:40 PM, setting the tone for the night with a performance that emphasized the group’s trademark musical precision and sophisticated songwriting. Though the band today revolves primarily around founding member Donald Fagen, the ensemble of touring musicians delivered the material with the polished professionalism that has long defined Steely Dan’s live reputation.
The set opened with the instrumental cover “Phantom Raiders,” originally recorded by drummer Stanley Wilson, before quickly moving into one of the band’s best known songs, “Josie.” From there the performance flowed through a carefully curated selection of classics spanning the band’s most celebrated albums. Among the highlights were “Hey Nineteen,” the jazz infused title track “Aja,” and the fan favorite “Kid Charlemagne.”
The evening continued with “Dirty Work,” a song from the band’s 1972 debut album Can’t Buy a Thrill, performed with lead vocals handled by the backing vocal trio known as The Danettes. The arrangement underscored Steely Dan’s longstanding reputation for complex harmonies and layered studio style arrangements brought faithfully to the live stage.
Other staples followed in quick succession. “Time Out of Mind” added a groove driven moment to the set, while “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” one of the band’s most recognizable songs, drew a warm reaction from the audience. The rhythmically intricate “Peg” and the energetic “My Old School” continued to build momentum before the group closed their main portion with the enduring classic “Reelin’ In the Years.”
As a final nod to classic jazz and blues traditions that have long influenced Steely Dan’s songwriting, the band exited with the Joe Williams standard “A Man Ain’t Supposed to Cry.” The choice reflected the band’s unique blend of rock, jazz harmony, and vintage American songcraft.
Although their set lasted just over an hour, the performance demonstrated why Steely Dan remains one of the most respected musical acts to emerge from the 1970s. Their catalog, characterized by meticulous production and sophisticated chord structures, continues to translate effectively in a live environment decades after its creation.
Following Steely Dan’s performance, the Eagles took the stage later in the evening to perform a full headline set as part of their farewell tour, continuing a night that celebrated two of the most influential forces in American rock history.
For fans in attendance at the Kia Forum, the January 5 show offered more than nostalgia. It served as a reminder that Steely Dan’s music, with its fusion of rock, jazz, and lyrical storytelling, still resonates with remarkable clarity in the modern concert era.