4th of July Asbury Park (Sandy)

Fans of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are in mourning today over the loss of organist Danny Federici. "The Phantom" as the Boss called him died yesterday at the age of 58. In a post on his website 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."

Danny took a leave of absence from the band after shows in Boston on November 19. That was just two weeks after I saw the band in Cleveland. Danny made one final appearance with the band in March in Indianapolis playing a couple songs during the main set and the entire encore. There was some hope he might rejoin the band for their recent West Coast swing but it was not to be.

Federici's organ and accordion were an important ingredient in the recipe for Springsteen's wall of sound. No one played with Springsteen longer than he did and he was the one member of the band that Springsteen said could turn him into a shouting mess.

Obviously, the E Street Band has cancelled its shows in Florida that were scheduled for this weekend. I wouldn't be surprised to see more dates postponed after that. Playing shows is surely the last thing on their minds right now and thats how it should be.

The music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band has been a loyal friend to me on life's journey. What Danny brought to the music can never be replaced. Someone else can play the organ and take his place on stage, but the Phantom will always be a part of the E Street Band.

Thanks Danny.....E Street won't be the same without you....