Bruce Springsteen’s Longtime Guitarist Steven Van Zandt Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Spain Performance

While making a few appearances in the hit show The Sopranos, most know Steven Van Zandt as the famed musician part of  Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Having performed on stage since the late 1960s, Zandt knew how to entertain a crowd. And it was his passion for music that helped land him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the E Street Band. While on the verge of turning 75 years old, the musician recently needed to undergo emergency surgery after performing in Spain for what he thought was just a case of food poisoning. 

For any person who struggled with food poisoning, they know how the pain made them feel like the sky was falling. And for Zandt, he thought at the time some of the food he ate must have been bad. But that wasn’t the case as he found himself in a hospital for appendicitis. Sharing the news on his Instagram page, Zandt revealed, “Got a sharp pain in my stomach, thought it was food poisoning, turned out to be appendicitis. Got lucky with an exceptional hospital in San Sebastian.”

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Although considering himself lucky, even with appendicitis, Zandt noted he would need to miss a few shows with Springsteen to focus on his recovery. “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.”

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No Announcement About Replacement For Steven Van Zandt After Surgery

Looking at the schedule for Springsteen, the singer continued to make his way through Europe with a concert in Germany on June 27th. After that, he will travel to Milan for two shows on June 30th and July 3rd. Not exactly knowing how long Zandt will need to recover before he can return, Springsteen has yet to make an announcement about his replacement. 

As for fans, they showered Zandt with support and love, writing, “All the best to you. I’m lobbying that you play the June 30 show!” One person added, “You got this!!! Take it easy. But it’s a pretty quick turn around. Just do NOT rush it. Listen to your body.”

While needing some time away from the stage after his surgery, Zandt was already looking to get back with Springsteen in Milan. But again, only time will tell if he makes those dates.

(Photo by Kevin Estrada/MediaPunch/Shutterstock)