by Mark Saleski
The news reports have been (necessarily) very sketchy at this point. All we know is that Clarence Clemons has suffered a stroke. For years, there have been a lot of discussions on the usual websites about the end of the E Street Band. The direction of most of them seemed to be driven by a distaste for recent recordings, tour-song selection, etc. Can Clarence survive another tour? How many sour notes will Bruce Springsteen put up with? I can’t stand it.
[SOMETHING ELSE! INTERVIEW: The E Street Band’s Nils Lofgren talks about the devastating loss of Clarence Clemons, and signature career moments with Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Ringo Starr.]
Now we have this news, not fully formed. My thoughts are divided, with one part of me wishing that this can’t be “it.” That the music just can’t end. Ever. This causes more than a little bit of guilt because really, it’s not about me. It’s not about the fans. It’s about a man who’s life is in danger. Wishing for a good outcome for any reason other than his own health seems selfish in the extreme.
So on this day, Something Else! directs all of its positive energy toward the Big Man. It’s all we can do. It’s all we should do.
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Brother, Big Man, You have my prayers and my love. I was the saxophonist of the Soul Brothers Six and still play all your tunes remembering you great skill. If you need a stand-in until you are felling better, call me. I’ll help. Until then, count on my prayers and love.