The Rockologist: Some Thoughts On Danny Federici 24 Hours Later
Published April 19, 2008
At the time I heard about it, I was participating in an impromptu "Springsteen roundtable" discussion with my fellow Blogcritics scribes El Bicho, Josh Hathaway, and Josh's friend "11" on the BC internet radio show, B Sides Concept Album.
Josh does a great job of hosting the show. We always have a lot of fun, and this night was no exception. On this particular night, the resident Bruce-geeks were comparing setlists, gushing about all of the great shows, and in general getting Josh amped up for his virgin concert experience with Bruce and the E Street Band — just days away in Atlanta.
When Donald Gibson broke the news about Danny to us in the chat room as he saw it come across the AP wire, the giddy mood took a very quick downhill turn. I haven't yet listened to the playback, and to be honest I'm not sure I will.
What I do remember is a conversation that took place off air (although I believe it's still there on the playback), where we speculated about the future of the E Street Band. That was after the shock had at least somewhat, but not completely worn off. And to be honest, the speculations of the remaining trio (Josh, "11", and myself) of armchair E Street quarterbacks was probably meaningless babble anyway. It felt oddly comforting at the time, for whatever that's worth.
I'm going to end my thoughts on Danny's passing in much the same way that I began them. Although Danny may be gone from this mortal coil, he does live on, and will continue to do so through his music.
That may sound somewhat trite, and I begrudge no one who thinks so. However, because of the immeasurable contribution he made to the sound of the E Street Band — a sound which has fostered one of the strongest fan communities in all of rock and roll, and which has made millions of people happy for four decades — it is no less valid an observation.
Rest In Peace Danny.
Make a difference — donate to the Danny Federici Melanoma Fund.
- The Rockologist: Some Thoughts On Danny Federici 24 Hours Later
- Published: April 19, 2008
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Classic Rock and Oldies, Music: News, Music: Rock
- Part of a feature: The Rockologist
- Writer: Glen Boyd
- Glen Boyd's BC Writer page
- Glen Boyd's personal site
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Well done and well said, Glen. I wrote a little bit about this myself. I'm not linking to it because I'm not looking for attention or to turn this into a traffic generator for me. The reason I bring it up is because we seem to have reached similar conclusions. What I find interesting about that is with all the knowledge and experience the human race has gained since we showed up on this third pebble from the sun, there still seems to be a barrier for us when it comes to talking about death and mortality. We all seem to understand it to a point, and then we hit a wall and are left saying things that are undoubtedly true but ring hollow all the same. As someone who aspires to write, I am always amazed at all the things language can do. I'm equally amazed at its limitations. There are some things that just can't be conveyed in the proper context or degree.
I lost my friend Danny to melanoma in 2002. I was diagnosed in October 2005. I've been following Danny Federici's illness very closely as you can imagine. So far so good but it can turn around in a heartbeat. I get checked again on May 5th. I was so hoping that Danny F. would beat it. I listened to the show and read your blog. Good piece dude.
I saw Portland and Seattle too. I wrote you before. I saw the Portland, Tacoma, LA and Vancouver BC shows. LA was the best. I liked Seattle better than Portland this time. I think Gypsy Biker was better in Seattle but Night in Portland blew me away. Then Trapped!?!?!?! WOW! Night was hot given that most people were coming from work. I was surprised because it was so hot and they had the house lights up! On the first number! How was he to top that?!?!?! He did
Might have to fly east
Thanks for the comments you guys.
Josh, you allude to this in your own story over at Fanboy, but it bears repeating here. It really WAS weird getting this news while we were all on live radio, and then having to find our footing and talk about it when all three of us were pretty floored by the news. I guess I have a little more respect for the broadcast journalists who have to do this sort of thing as part of their daily routine.
Terry, my prayers go out to you to get better.
One final note here, is that Southside Johnny has his own rememberance of Danny posted over at his website.
Thanx guys.
-Glen
I saw on Backstreets that one guy was going to send $33.00, a dollar for each show that he has seen with Danny. I sent $15.00 and I hope that small amount will be a part of a larger effort to find a cure or treatment for this disease. Lord knows I need the help too...
Well I guess that means I owe those guys 34 bucks. Money well spent to be sure though. Thanx for the heads up Terry.
-Glen
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I listened to the playback of that portion of the show earlier today and in some ways I wish I hadn't. There's a sense of guilt (no matter how unfounded it may be) that comes in delivering this kind of news. So, for me, hearing the shocked reactions to the news that I passed on was honestly quite hard to take.
You wrote a very good piece here, man.
- Donald