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E Street Band Keyboardist Danny Federici Dies

Bruce Spingsteen's E Street Band lost a member of their family on Thursday when keyboardist Danny Federici passed away at the age of 58 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Federici, who left the current Springsteen tour last November following an emotional farewell show in Boston, succumbed to a 3-year battle with melanoma.

"Danny and I worked together for 40 years," a statement by Springsteen read, "He was the most wonderfully fluid keyboard player and a pure natural musician. I loved him very much ... we grew up together."

In a large ensemble that featured such stalwart musicians and recognizable performers as saxophonist Clarence "Big Man" Clemons, guitarist "Little" Steven Van Zandt and drummer "Mighty" Max Weinberg, Federici was an unsung hero of the band. But the "Phantom"'s organ work was instrumental in Springsteen's first Top 10 hit, 'Hungry Heart,' among many other tracks, including live favorites 'Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)' and 'Kitty's Back.'

During his recent California stint, Springsteen mentioned Federici every show, sending along messages of good tidings to the keyboardist. Springsteen shows in Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando, scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, have been postponed. The tour is scheduled to resume Monday in Tampa. In lieu of flowers, both the E Street Band and Federici's surviving family are requesting donations be made to the Danny Federici Memorial Fund. Bruce Springsteen.net reports that a site is being established for the fund and a link will be posted as soon as it's available.

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Grim

I have been to every E Street band concert that has hit LosAngeles since 1975.I met Little Danny in Hawaii on the last day of vacation there. We were walking through a mall when my wife spotted him. I walked and said sir are you Danny Federici? He inclined yes i am. I tore the place apart grabbing pens and papers just to get his autograph. I had him sign what ever i could grab. He was there on his honeymoon. Trust me, is was an awsome rush and i always think about that day whenever i hear bruces music or i am at a E-Street Band concert. Danny you will be sorely missed. But now you have the chance to play on the grandest stage. You will be playing for the Lord up in heaven. May God bless the rest of the E-Street band as they go through this trying time

April 24 2008 at 10:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wendy

Danny... the aurora is shining behind you... You're Missing... but we'll never forget the Glory Days. Night and God Bless XX

April 19 2008 at 4:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ken

as the boss wrote songs that i felt were related too times in my life, it is truly like losing a beloved family member, danny, you can stop running now, god bless you.

April 18 2008 at 7:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply