The Dan Collective are a five-piece band of professional musicians who perform their own stylish versions of Steely Dan's outstanding fusion of jazz, rock and soul. Comprising some of the midlands most talented musicians, they each have years of experience playing an eclectic mix of musical genres in venues small and large across the UK (from bistro bars to concert halls and even Glastonbury). Individually, they have played together in many different guises, but their shared love of the music of Steely Dan and the challenge of playing such complex music brought them together to form The Dan Collective.

The band plays music from the entire Steely Dan catalogue, from the very first 1972 album 'Can't Buy a Thrill' through to the 2000 multi Grammy award winning 'Two Against Nature'.

Expect a rock-solid rhythm section, blistering guitar and sax solos, lush keyboards and sublime vocals. Our aim is to be as faithful as possible to the original music of Becker and Fagen whilst extending and improvising around the major themes as the mood and audience reaction takes us - and most of all, have fun doing it! We may even get you dancing!

The Dan Collective are:

Ian Hill - Saxophones

Chris Watts - Keyboards / Vocals

Ian Beestin - Drums

Frank McCarthy - Guitar / Vocals

Mark Walker - Bass / Vocals

The Dan Collective, "an impressively accurate tribute band": The Independent

"If Lord Lucan played bass, this is what he'd look like...": The Melody Maker

"Singer/pianist Chris Watts was a spit for the young Donald Fagen.": The Independent

2026 Reviews...

Fantastic musicians -thoroughly enjoyed it! Would definitely go to see them again !! 5/5

A brilliant evening. Will be back for more! 5/5

The band was amazing - a great night! 4.5/5

Description supplied by the event organiser.