E Street Band's Clarence Clemons Suffers Stroke ('Seriously Ill')

[Hissyspit]

Source: Rolling Stone

E Street Band's Clarence Clemons suffers stroke

Reports say famed saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen is 'seriously ill'

Rolling Stone can confirm reports that Clarence Clemons has suffered a stroke. The news broke this evening at 411.com, which reported that Clemons is "seriously ill after a stroke at his home in Florida." We have no information on the severity of the stroke, but we have independently confirmed that the E Street Band saxophonist has suffered a stroke.

Clemons has gone through a series of medical ailments - mostly involving his back and knees - over the past decade. He hasn't missed any concerts, but the conditions caused him to suffer a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort. "That last tour was hell," Clemons told Rolling Stone in February. "Pure hell." In the past year Clemons had both knees replaced and spinal fusion surgery. "The timing was perfect because it didn't interfere with a lot of stuff that was going on in my life," he says. "It made me stronger, and for the past year I've been in physical therapy a few days a week working my ass off to get back in shape. I'm walking better now, though I still use a cane and crutches. But now I'm having hip problems again. I don't know why."

Clemons last performed with Springsteen and the E Street Band in December of 2010 at Asbury Park's Carousel House for a special web broadcast taping. He performs on two songs on Lady Gaga's new album Born This Way, and just last month performed "Edge of Glory" with her at the season finale of American Idol. He was supposed to play the national anthem before Game 2 of the NBA Finals last week, but a hand injury forced him to cancel at the last minute. He watched the game in the stands with Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning.

Read more: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43374564/ns/today-entertainment/

[Tripod]

1. Great post.

God be with you Clarence!

[Botany]

2. Get better Clarence .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT0xoxM8jGY

[CBHagman]

3. I was just thinking about him...

I've seen him three times -- twice playing as part of the E Street Band and once as a member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band.

I hope he comes through this, and I wish him and his friends and family well.

[guitar man]

23. Oh man

You saw Ringo's band live when he had Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Billy Preston, Joe Walsh, Dr John, Nils Lofgren, Clarence Clemmons and Jim Keltner on board? You lucky dog, that's the stuff dreams are made of :P

[onehandle]

4. Prayers for Clarence. nt

[wisteria]

5. Oh no, prayers and good wishes for this great man. n/t

[Citizen Worker]

6. Clarence, I wish you a quick and full recovery. I love your sax playing. You take that instrument

to places it has never been!

[man4allcats]

7. Wishing you the best, Mr. Clemons. Get well soon.

I saw him once live with Springsteen. He was great - truly electrifying. What a sax player!

[bemildred]

8. Get well Clarence. Stick around. nt

[RufusTFirefly]

9. Clarence is to the Boss as Nino Rota was to Fellini

If you get the analogy, good. If not, tant pis.

My thoughts are with you, Mr. Clemons.

[lucca18]

10. Get well Clarence....

Keeping you in my thoughts...

[proud2BlibKansan]

11. Get well soon, Clarence

Sending healing thoughts your way!

[DebbieCDC]

12. Get well soon Clarence

We've already lost one member of the E Street Band (Danny Federici), can't lose the Big Man too:

When the change was made uptown
And the Big Man joined the band
From the coastline to the city
All the little pretties raised their hands...

-- "Tenth Avenue Freezeout"

His sax solo on "Jungleland" alone is worth a Grammy

[VWolf]

17. "His sax solo on Jungleland alone is worth a Grammy"

Agree 100%

[The Nexus]

20. And his duet with Jackson Brown. nt

[SomeGuyInEagan]

21. +1. If you have not, watch the DVD about the making of BTR.

Clarence talks specifically how tough that solo was and how Springsteen challenged and pushed him on it to get the final product.

Get well, big man.

[Patiod]

18. Debbie CDC said it -- Thanks, Big Man!

You've brought so much joy to so many people, and are the soul of the E Street Band. And thank you for making Thunder Road my favorite song.

[winstars]

13. The original "Big Man" from New Jersey!!!!!!! nt

[SoFlaJet]

14. I'm a Palm Beach County musician

and Clarence was gracious enough to sit in with us twice-get well soon Big Man

[dipsydoodle]

15. Get well soon matey

you're a great sax player.

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

16. Well wishes to The Big Man

[Hissyspit]

19. Kick nt

[guitar man]

22. Oh no:(

Get well soon Clarence :hug:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

24. Get well soon, big guy.

I saw Bruce and the band in 1978 on the Darkness at the Edge of Town tour.
I saw them all in 2000 as well.