As Spinner reported earlier, Clarence Clemons (pictured) -- Bruce Springsteen's lifelong saxophonist and sideman in Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band -- died on Saturday (June 18) due to complications from a serious stroke he suffered nearly a week earlier. Springsteen was more than just Clemons' bandleader, or "Boss," if you will -- the two were companions, confidants, close friends... family. For nearly four decades.
On the Tuesday following Clemons' stroke (June 14), Springsteen issued an official statement, expressing support for his friend and encouraging all his worldwide fans to show theirs as well. Just hours after Clemons' death on Saturday, Springsteen issued another statement.
"Clarence lived a wonderful life," states Springsteen. "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. He was my great friend, my partner, and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music. His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band."
No word yet on whether or not Springsteen will continue to record and tour with the E Street Band under that name, but one thing is for certain -- Clemons will be, simply, irreplaceable.
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