E Street Band keyboardist Danny Federici, who has been taking time off to receive treatment for melanoma, a form of cancer, joined Bruce Springsteen [ tickets ] and the band onstage March 20 in Indianapolis, according to the Springsteen fan site Backstreets.com.

Federici, who is an original member of Springsteen's band, had not been on stage since November. Springsteen announced "a special treat" about halfway through the concert as Federici came onstage, hugging replacement keyboardist Charles Giordano before taking his place behind the organ. Federici played a few songs and left the stage, but returned for the five-song encore.

E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt reportedly said Federici is doing great at the moment. "I just hope it lasts," Van Zandt told Rollingstone.com.