As Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band wrapped up their 2007 North American tour with a final night in Boston on Monday (November 19th), it was announced that keyboardist Danny Federici, an original member of the group going back to the early ’70s, is taking a leave of absence in order to undergo treaments for melanoma.

Musician Charles Giordano, who played piano and accordian with Springsteen’s Americana-styled Sessions Band last year, will step up to play organ, accordion and other keyboards for European dates until Federici is able to rejoin the group on tour.

In a statement, Springsteen said, “Danny is one of the pillars of our sound and has played beside me as a great friend for more than 40 years. We all eagerly await his healthy and speedy return.”

Federici has been actively supporting the Melanoma Research Foundation and its Wings of Hope Gala, honoring Dr. Paul Chapman.

Along with sax player Clarence Clemons and bassist Gary Tallent, Federici is the only other original member of the E Street Band going back to those early days playing the Jersey shore and east coast of the U.S.

Popularity: 1% [?]