Friday, April 18, 2008

Sad News: Danny Federici

Just heard the news that Danny Federici of the E Street Band passed away yesterday from Melanoma. I've seen the E-Street band over 200 times since 1972 and he was my favorite member. Never met him but I feel like I knew the guy. Saw him before he left the tour this year and saw them without him and though is replacement is very capable, a signature sound of the band was missing.

Danny was the quintessential side-man - always filling in the holes with that great, ethereal organ sound and punching it in on his signature solos. I always longed to find a guy like him for my band but in the same breath knew that guys like him were very hard to come by.

If you have 'em take a moment and listen to a few of his best moments today:
- the solo on "Kitty's Back"
- the solo on "Hungry Heart" (really saves that one)
- the accordion on "Sandy"
- the solo on "My City Of Ruins" and his playing on "Your Missing" both on the Rising.

From Bruce's website:
"Danny and I worked together for 40 years - he was the most wonderfully fluid keyboard player and a pure natural musician. I loved him very much...we grew up together."
—Bruce Springsteen

The Federici family and the E Street family request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Danny Federici Melanoma Fund.