Saxophonist Clarence Clemons has Suffered a Stroke

Rolling Stone ^ | 6/12/2011 | Andy Greene

[malos]

Rolling Stone can confirm reports that Clarence Clemons has had a stroke. The news broke this evening at 411.com, which reported that Clemons is "seriously ill after a stroke at his home in Florida." We have no information on the severity of the stroke, but we have independently confirmed that the E Street Band saxophonist has suffered a stroke.

Clemons has gone through a series of medical ailments - mostly involving his back and knees - over the past decade. He hasn't missed any concerts, but the conditions caused him to suffer a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort. "That last tour was hell," Clemons told Rolling Stone in February. "Pure hell." In the past year Clemons had both knees replaced and spinal fusion surgery. "The timing was perfect because it didn't interfere with a lot of stuff that was going on in my life," he says. "It made me stronger, and for the past year I've been in physical therapy a few days a week working my ass off to get back in shape. I'm walking better now, though I still use a cane and crutches. But now I'm having hip problems again. I don't know why."

[malos]

Prayers up for the big man.

[RRismyhero]

Ditto

[Mase]

Damn. I used to watch him play with Stormin’ Norman at Lock Stock and Barrel in Fair Haven and with the Bank Street Blues Band at Melody Corner in Sea Bright....always in the summer. There was nothing like summer on the jersey shore back in the 70’s. Getting old is the pits. Prayers up for you, big man.

[HereInTheHeartland]

Prayers for the big man

[drjimmy]

Not mentioned in the article is that the big man is also now an old man, aged 69.

[Minn]

"Jungleland" is as good as rock and roll sax gets.

And who could forget his Oscar worthy roll in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure"?

[Amberdawn]

Yep-His solo on that song is haunting. Get well Clarence!

[harmonium]

Can you imagine doing 3 hour shows on a wind instrument at 69?

[GnuHere]

Wow, they just mentioned this on Fox.
Sounds like he had multiple ailments already, so that is not a good combo.

[bagadonutz]

Big sound from the Big Man. He knows rock and roll saxaphone like no other. And it always seemed the Big Man had a Big Heart as well. Prayers for his recovery.

[stevecmd]