NEW YORK (AP) — Danny Federici, the longtime keyboard player for Bruce Springsteen whose stylish work helped define the E Street Band's sound on hits from "Hungry Heart" through "The Rising," died Thursday. He was 58.
Federici, who had battled melanoma for three years, died at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. News of his death was posted late Thursday on Springsteen's official Web site.
He last performed with Springsteen and the band last month, appearing during portions of a March 20 show in Indianapolis.
"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," Springsteen said in a statement posted on his Web site.
Springsteen concerts scheduled for Friday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Saturday in Orlando were postponed.
This is really too sad for words. For the sheer joy Springsteen's E-Streeters have given countless people over the years (and I count myself in that number, obviously) these guys really deserved to be immortal.
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Heartbreaking, Simels. What else to do but listen to "Sandy" and be glad we had him? --klg
Or "The Fever." That spooky organ stuff at the beginning has been giving me chills since forever...
He had that rare talent of playing just the right stuff, never too much, never fancy or complicated for the sake of it, but the music just flowed and stayed with you. Other folks rely on keyboard gymnastics, but Danny played with real soul.
Rest in Peace. And thanks.
Trey
Resta in pace, mio amico!
On September 23, 2003 in Milwaukee's Miller Park, Bruce made Danny pull out his accordion and play "Beer Barrel Polka," before declaring the Band to be the best wedding band you could ever hire.
What a happy memory... there are no goodbyes, only thank yous. You're missing...
This is very sad indeed. I know (besides Bruce, of course) so much attention tended to go to the flashier Miami Steve and The Big Man, but Danny was great.
The one time I saw them in their prime was in October of 1980 and his introduction of the classic Farfisa sound really clicked for me.
RIP
Hell, if it were only for November 7, 1978, when I saw them play at Cornell, I'd never be able to square with the guy. Add in the times I've seen them since, and all the great records...Danny, thanks so much.
I was fortunate to be able to see two excellent shows by the band with Danny, one in Montreal in 2003 on the tour for The Rising, the other in Cleveland this past November shortly before he had to leave the tour. Condolences to his bandmates and family members.
Very sad news, we'll miss his wonderful playing.
ROTP(lumber)
His work on "Incident on 57th Street" alone should qualify him for immortality.
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