Another Gray Area

Danny Federici: 1950-2008

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» Bruce Springsteen's Web site » Backstreets magazine » Clip of Federici's last performance in Indy » Federici's final bow 11/19/2007 » Federici solo on Kitty's Back 11/19/07

He didn’t get as much attention as “Big Man” Clarence Clemons or “Miami Steve/Little Steven” Van Zant, but any diehard Springsteen fan knows how important he was in bringing Springsteen’s music to life.

The shows Federici played with Springsteen in November 2007 in Cleveland and Pittsburgh were among his last performances with the E Street Band. He went public with his diagnosis of melanoma at the end of the U.S. leg of the tour, about two weeks after Cleveland and less than a week after Pittsburgh.

Federici made one last public appearance with the band on March 20 in Indianapolis, playing “Spirit in the Night” on organ and “Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” on accordion during the main set and coming back out for the encore – “Glory Days,” “Born to Run,” “Dancing in the Dark,” “American Land” and “Kitty's Back.”

At the time, fans hoped it was an indication that Danny was getting better. Now I wonder if the band knew that it was a last hurrah. The next show two nights later in Cincinnati earned Springsteen some of the harshest reviews he’s ever gotten from the hardcore fans who post on Backstreets magazine’s Web site. That might explain why the band's heart didn't seem into it that night.

In a statement on his Web site, Springsteen said, “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 is canceling performances tonight and Saturday in Florida.