I am in shock by this news. Knowing he had cancer but believing that he was on the road to recovery, this news hits hard. I will write more after I collect myself.
"Danny Federici, for 40 years the E Street Band's organist and keyboard player, died this afternoon, April 17, 2008 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City after a three-year battle with melanoma"
Federici, 58, was not touring while he underwent treatment, but had made a surprise appearance on stage at a March 20 Springsteen concert in Indianapolis.
From Bruce Springsteen's Official Site
Here is what Bruce said about Danny during his induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
"Danny Federici, the most instinctive and natural musician I ever met and the only member of the band who can reduce me to a shouting mess. I love you Danny. Your organ and accordion playing brought the boardwalks of Central and South Jersey alive in my music. Thank you.''
7 comments:
I actually had expected this based on the word about his condition a while back. It's a shame he couldn't have done a few more shows in his final few months.
So sad... I woke to this in a message from dad today as my post in about concerts.
Yes, it was expected but still very sad. May he rest in peace.
No, on second thought...may he still be rocking and pounding away on those keys off in "some fantastic place!"
Hmm, for some reason I did not expect it. I knew, of course, that he had cancer but had just read somewhere that he was doing "miraculously well" so assumed he'd be fine.
I agree, Beck, I hope he's rockin out with all the other great musicians that left before him.
I still can't find the words... :(
Hope you're feeling a little better.
Hugs...
Gina, I know :(
Truly a sad day. The first time I saw Bruce was in 1974. I was a senior in high school and dragged a friend to the show. This funky guy with a guitar came out, accompanied by a guy carrying an accordion and another guy carrying a tuba. They launched into "Wild Billy's Circus Story" and I really thought my buddy was going to kill me. That was my introduction to Phantom Dan!
By the way -- thanks for your comments at my blog. I really need to start posting more often. I did want to let you know that I've bloglisted you there -- I think you have a great blog!
Peace,
Don
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