Clarence Clemons Dies

I came online this morning to pass some time while I ate my breakfast before carrying on with my packing. And there on Twitter was the news.

Clarence Clemons, legendary saxophonist and member of Springsteen’s E Street Band, passed away last night after having a stroke on June 12th. After his stroke, initial reports were good, but after two lots of surgery and some complications, he died yesterday in a hospital in Palm Beach. He was 69.

Clarence had played alongside Springsteen for 40 years, and was the oldest member of the original E Street Band. Over the years, Clarence played with some fantastic musicians, released several solo albums and acted in shows such as Diff’rent Strokes and movies such as Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. His most recent collaboration was with Lady Gaga on her Born This Way album.

I was lucky enough to see Clemons, known to fans as Big Man, play with Springsteen and the E Street Band at Glastonbury in 2009. I’m so glad I had the chance to see a true legend play, and I’ll never forget it. Big Man’s stage presence was untouchable (and I think he might be the only person cooler than The Boss) and he was loved so much by his fans.

My condolences are with Clarence’s family, his friends, the E Street Band and the fans. RIP Big Man. Thank you for the music.