Steve Van Zandt Gives Health Update After Appendix Surgery

Steven Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen’s longtime guitarist, will be sitting out a few E Street Band shows in Europe after undergoing emergency surgery for appendicitis. The 74-year-old rocker shared the news with fans, explaining that the issue came up just before their June 24 show in San Sebastian, Spain.

Van Zandt posted on social media:

“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. 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.”

The E Street Band is currently playing across Europe, with a show in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on June 27, followed by two big nights in Milan, Italy, on June 30 and July 3. Van Zandt is aiming to return for the Milan gigs.

A Tour with a New Name and Message

In May, Bruce Springsteen gave the tour a new name: Land of Hope and Dreams. The name change came after his opening night speech in Manchester, U.K., stirred up political debate. In response, he also released a surprise four-song EP under the same title.

During the Manchester show on May 14, Springsteen told the crowd:

“The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock and roll in dangerous times.”

He didn’t hold back as he continued:

“[T]he America I’ve written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration.”

Calling for Unity Through Music

Springsteen closed that moment with a call to action:

“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experience to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring.”

With Van Zandt on the mend and the band pushing forward, Land of Hope and Dreams rolls on.