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Clarence Clemons, E-Street Band Saxophonist, "Seriously Ill" After Stroke
By
John Del Signore
Published Jun 13, 2011
Modified Jun 13, 2011
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By
John Del Signore
Published Jun 13, 2011
Modified Jun 13, 2011
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Beloved E-Street Band sax man Clarence Clemons is reportedly "seriously ill" in his Florida home after suffering a stroke. His exact condition is currently unclear, but a source tells Showbiz 411 that members of the E Street Band were advised to get down to Florida "as soon as possible." The stroke is latest in a series of health setbacks for the 69-year-old musician, who in the past year had both knees replaced AND spinal fusion surgery, MSNBC reports. "That last tour was hell," Clemons told Rolling Stone in February. "Pure hell."
Clemons did not miss any tour dates, but had to perform some shows from a wheelchair. Last week he was supposed to play the national anthem before Game 2, but a hand injury forced him to cancel at the last minute. What a drag it is getting old. But don't count The Big Man out—as he previously told Rolling Stone, "As long as my mouth, hands and brain still work I'll be out there doing it. I'm going to keep going 'til I'm not there anymore. This is what's keeping me alive and feeling young and inspired. My spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy told me that my purpose in life is to bring joy and light to the world, and I don't know any better way to do then what I'm doing now."
Tagged
bruce springsteen
clarence clemons
e street band
the big man
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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