Steven Van Zandt has undergone emergency appendectomy surgery and will miss upcoming E Street Band performances. He shared this information in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
The guitarist provided details about his medical situation and recovery prospects in his social media update.
‘Got a sharp pain in my stomach, thought it was food poisoning, turned out to be appendicitis,’ Van Zandt said. ‘Got lucky with an exceptional hospital in San Sebastian.’
He expressed optimism about returning to perform despite the setback.
‘Operation was a complete success and I’m hoping to get back on stage for at least one of the shows in Milan,’ he continued. ‘Thank you all for all the good vibes. See you soon.’
The emergency surgery occurred while Van Zandt was touring with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Further updates on his recovery and return to touring are expected.
Van Zandt’s absence represents a significant loss for the E Street Band. His crucial role in the group’s sound and dynamics spans nearly five decades.
Wikipedia reported that Van Zandt officially joined the E Street Band in 1975. He helped shape the band’s signature sound with key contributions including the horn arrangements on ‘Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out’ and the iconic guitar riff on ‘Born to Run.’ His musical partnership with Springsteen dates back to their teenage years in New Jersey. This makes him one of the Boss’s longest-standing collaborators.
At 72 years old, Van Zandt continues to serve as what many consider the band’s ‘consigliere.’ TeachRock noted his essential role both on and off stage. His influence extends beyond guitar work to include backing vocals, songwriting contributions, and serving as Springsteen’s trusted advisor during performances and recording sessions.
The guitarist’s career with the E Street Band has spanned multiple decades. He took a break in the 1980s to pursue solo projects and political activism before rejoining in the mid-1990s. Screen Rant highlighted that his return solidified his position as an indispensable member of the group. This contributed to their continued success and maintained the chemistry that has defined their live performances.
His current health situation highlights the challenges facing veteran rock musicians who continue touring well into their seventies. Van Zandt’s optimistic outlook suggests he remains committed to returning to the stage as soon as medically possible.
