R.I.P. Phantom Dan

January 23, 1950 - April 17th, 2008
The Danny Federici Melanoma Fund
I was saddened to learn today of Danny Federici's passing due to skin cancer. This evening I've been playing my favourite Springsteen album, The River, consciously feeling Danny play every swirl of Organ and Glockenspiel chime - an integral part of that wonderful E Street sound.

I guess I must have seen him perform over 40 times with the E Street Band, and each time was a joy. Cheers Dan.

His last appearance was on March 20th, 2008:

Danny returns to the stage to rave reviews.

Indianapolis, Indiana

by Jason Federici

While my Dad was going through treatment on March 19th in NY, he was visited by Bruce and later Max, who, through a lot of talking, bribing, and begging (and finally the kicker -- Becky Weinburg, who came from NJ by boat that night) to persuade him to play, he agreed to do the show in Indy. The next thing we knew, we where picked up by a limo from Sloan-Kettering, joined by my dad's wife, Maya, Dr. Chapman and Virgina Murphy and we proceeded down FDR highway to an awaiting helicopter that whisked us away to Newark airport in about 8 minutes (a good time by all, except maybe Dr. Chapman who was gripping the arm rests like a baseball bat). Before we knew it, we were in the jet with the boys. Danny was greeted with a lot of hugs and smiles, to say the least. An hour and a half later, we pulled into Conseco arena. When my father stepped on stage the crowd started chanting "Danny! Danny! Danny!". You could physically feel the "Magic" in the air (excuse the pun). My father proceeded to do what he does best - rock out! He played with such a natural ease. The feeling of the evening was electric. The visible bond between the fellas was so special to watch. Nils spent most of the night next to him, Clarence kept turning around to give him props during the night, and Bruce was so visibly happy to have him there. I couldn't stop smiling all night. After the exciting encore, he left the stage, went straight to the car, then to the plane, and was fast asleep in NY by 2am. It really was like a dream. In the morning, over coffee, we looked at each other and realized the magnitude of the night. It was a great day! My father has always been such an inspiration to me, I can only imagine what an inspiration he is to others.

Sandy (4th July Asbury Park) - March 20th 2008, Indianapolis

Photo: Guy Aceto/Backstreets