Best Wishes To Phantom Dan Federici: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Live At The Agora, 8/9/1978, Part 3
Sad news from Planet E Street this week. Danny Federici, Springsteen's longtime organ-accordionist is taking a leave of absence from the Magic tour. Danny is undergoing treatment for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Danny has played with Springsteen since the late 60's and along with Roy Bittan has been an anchor of the E Street sound. So many of the highlights of Springsteen's music can be traced back to Danny. The accordion in 4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy), the glockenspiel in Thunder Road and Born To Run, the outro to Racing In The Street, Kitty's Back and most recently, a terrific solo on Livin' In The Future. When I saw the band at the Sports Arena a few weeks ago, one of the most surprising highlights of the show was Danny and Roy front and center on dueling accordions on the last song of the evening, American Land.
The European Leg of the Magic tour starts tonight in Madrid.Filling in for Danny will be Charles Giordano, who played in the Seeger Sessions band. Best of luck to Danny Federici, who's given me many hours of great music. If you would like to learn more about melanoma, check out the Melanoma Research Foundation.
Here are the encores of one of the best bootlegs of the epic 1978 Darkness On The Edge Of Town tour, Summertime Bruce. Many more great Danny Federici moments in Part 1 and 2, also.
4th Of July Asbury Park (Sandy)/Born To Run/ Because The Night/Raise Your Hand/ Twist And Shout
Dear Danny,
I am an old friend of your son Jay.My twin sister dated him some years back. (1988)A long time ago.... Anyway, my husband and i have gone to many of your concerts in the past. You are a true talent!!! I can only wish you a healthy recovery. We have personally seen some amazing changes in the medical field today. Stay strong and take care of yourself!! God bless you!! Say hi to Jay for me!! Dodie Loining(La Vergne)
Posted by: Dodie Loining (La vergne) | February 27, 2008 at 07:20 PM