Tributes are pouring in for legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons who passed away over the weekend.
A key member of the E Street Band, Clarence Clemons played on some of Bruce Springsteen’s most vital recordings. Adding his gutsy tenor saxophone, the musician seemed able to lift his songwriting to another plane.
Live, his fiery musicianship delighted fans across the world. A bold, physical presence onstage Clarence Clemons was a vital component of what made the E Street Band work.
Suffering a stroke last week, the saxophone player sadly passed away on Saturday (June 18th). Tributes are flooding in for Clemons, with U2 singer Bono amongst the first to pay tribute.
Playing California on Saturday night, Bono praised “the beautiful symphonic sound” of Clarence Clemons’ saxophone and said of the musician: “This man just carried music, and music carried him, until this day.”
Eddie Vedder dedicated a song to the saxophone player during a solo show almost at exactly the same time, as word began to spread amongst shocked fans. Asbury Park in New Jersey holds a special place in Springsteen folklore, and the park filled with fans over the weekend many of whom left tributes to Clarene Clemons.
Meanwhile, the impact the E Street Band have left on New Jersey was summed up by an official from the city. “Clarence Clemons represented the soul and spirit of New Jersey,” said Gov. Chris Christie, in a statement. “His partnership with Bruce Springsteen and the rest of the E Street Band brought great pride to our state and joy to every fan of this music around the world.
“On a personal note, when I heard about the Big Man’s passing on Saturday night, I was struck with an overwhelming feeling that the days of my youth were now finally over.”
Bruce Springsteen posted a note on his official website to mourn his friend: “Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage. His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years.”
