Hot Press is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Clarence Clemons, the sax player with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band who died yesterday of complications from a stroke he suffered last weekend. He was 69.
“He was my great friend, my partner,” says Bruce. “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 honoured and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years."
A larger than life character, the 6 foot 5” musician contributed enormously to the Boss’ trademark sound and also scored a massive solo hit with ‘You’re A Friend Of Mine’ with Jackson Browne, a song that was played off the air by Irish radio.
Known for his generosity towards other musicians, he recorded two songs in 2004 with Gavin Glass, currently of the Lisa Hannigan band, which featured on his Gavin Glass & the Holy Shakers. He also guested with Gavin when he played Dublin’s now defunct Voodoo Lounge venue.
We’ll always fondly remember him on stage with Brooooooce and the guys at the RDS, blowing up a storm and dazzling us with that big smile of his.
Thank you Clarence, Ireland salutes you!