Steven Van Zandt, a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, will miss several upcoming shows after undergoing emergency surgery for appendicitis. The 74-year-old musician experienced sharp stomach pain before being admitted to a hospital in San Sebastián, Spain, where the band is currently on tour. Van Zandt shared on Instagram, “Got a sharp pain in my stomach, thought it was food poisoning, turned out to be appendicitis.
I got lucky with an exceptional hospital in San Sebastián. Operation was a complete success and I’m hoping to get back on stage for at least one of the shows in Milan. Thank you all for all the good vibes.
See you soon.”
Springsteen and his E Street Band started their European tour in Manchester in May, with stops in Lille, France, Berlin, Germany, and Frankfurt, Germany.
Van Zandt undergoes surgery in Spain
They are scheduled to perform in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on June 27, before heading to Milan, Italy, for two nights starting June 30.
Van Zandt joined Springsteen’s band in 1975 and has had a storied career both with and apart from The E Street Band. In 1984, he departed from the group during the recording of Springsteen’s album “Born in the USA,” which he later described as a significant mistake. During his time away, he released solo records under the moniker Little Steven and played a key role in the critically acclaimed TV series “The Sopranos.”
Van Zandt has also worked as a songwriter, arranger, and producer, among other roles.
He returned to The E Street Band in 1999 and has been with them since. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged to The Guardian that by leaving the band, he was able to pursue other opportunities which may not have been possible if he had stayed. Springsteen and The E Street Band will continue their tour, and fans are hopeful for Van Zandt’s swift recovery and return to the stage.
