As a Jersey Shore boy who grew up listening to one of the greatest bands in Rock and Roll history, I am blown away by the news I heard today. I was aware that Danny Federici was sick, but not the extent of his illness. Playing guitar and singing today at a solo act show I do on Sundays, someone casually mentioned Danny's death. To say I was floored beyond belief is an understatement. Though many folks today did not know who Danny was, I dedicated the rest of the afternoon to making sure that they did.

The night John Lennon was shot in 1980, a NY DJ was on the radio, Vince Skelsa. It also was a Sunday, a Sunday night. Vince came on and announced John Lennon had been shot. Shortly thereafter, he announced John's death, through tears we all were sharing. He first played Happy Christmas(war is over), then immediately played Jungleland. To this day, the selection of those two songs ring as clearly as the night John died. I have not had this feeling of loss for a complete and total personal stranger since the night of John Lennon's death.

Danny Federici's contributions to the sound of the E Street Band, not to mention Rock and Roll, will never be forgotten, and certainly never be replaced. To the person stepping up to fill his shoes, best of luck. I do not envy your task. The band will go on, but the void will remain for a long long time. To Danny's family and friends, my most sincere condolences. We all have felt the loss of someone so close, it's hard to imagine breathing without them there. I wish you all well. Danny, thank you for all of your wonderful work over the years. I grew up with you as a part of the soundtrack of my life. You are missed.

Most sincerely,

Tom Gentile
Neptune, NJ

Tom, great post. I recall 1980 - I woke up to an unusual endless stream of Lennon/Beatle songs - it sounds like it was WNEW for you, WPLG for me. Regardless, it is an end of an era. It will come to pass that Danny Federici's impact upon the expression of a true musical artform (shore) had vast relevence and influence upon the spectrum of music. There is no better Hammond player and really no one up and coming. Danny harnessed the (beast of a) instrument. For some reason, this loss has affected in an unexpected way. God bless and thanks Danny! I played The River all weekend - we are all so fortunate to have experienced your expression - gotta get back to "Not Fade Away".

-Wolf

followed bruce and e street band for nearly 30 years. the death of danny federici will leave a huge hole in the music world.you were and still are a legend. r.i.p danny, rock on.