The Major Dudes are initially four musicians from Reutlingen and Steely Dan aficionados who have known each other for a long time, and in 2010 decide to form a band that exclusively plays the music of Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, and Walter Becker. All band members are initially skeptical about whether the very intricately arranged compositions, filled with brass and choir parts, can be adequately executed with the relatively small lineup. However, after a few rehearsals, it becomes clear: it works and it is extremely fun. After finding the ideal singer, Alice Nolan, in 2012, it is decided that they will perform on stage for the first time in 2013! For Steely Dan fans and anyone who wants to become one: Listen to this Band! Steely Dan consists of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, two literature students, musicians, and jazz fans who meet in 1967 at Bard College in New York State and begin writing songs together. Their first album "Can't Buy A Thrill," featuring their two most famous hits "Do It Again" and "Reelin' In The Years," is released in 1972, followed by two more albums until the band - similar to the Beatles - stops touring in 1974 and subsequently dedicates itself solely to studio work. The public identity as a band also becomes increasingly diluted, with Becker and Fagen relying less and less on a core lineup for their productions. Instead, they bring in the most renowned musicians of the time into the studio and have them record the respective parts according to their vision. After seven albums and several million records sold, Becker and Fagen separate in 1981. Becker addresses his personal difficulties and drug addiction by becoming an avocado grower in Maui, while Fagen releases the masterpiece "The Nightfly" in 1982 but then struggles with writer's block. It becomes quiet around both of them. However, in 1993, to the delight of all fans, the project picks up steam again. Over the past years, several solo albums by both artists have been released, as well as two new Steely Dan albums. And: they are touring again!

Lineup: Hans Georg Lutz (kb), Thomas "Stibbich" Dörr (dr, voc), Elke Kuppig (voc)
Thomas "Thümmi" Thumm (b) & Karsten "Gogo" Gorkow (git, voc)