CLARENCE CLEMONS ("THE BIG MAN") FROM BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S E STREET BAND SUFFERS STROKE

"The Big Man", Clarence Clemons, saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band suffered a stroke yesterday in Florida.
FROM BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN:
By now, many of you have heard that our beloved comrade and sax player Clarence Clemons has suffered a serious stroke. While all initial signs are encouraging, Clarence will need much care and support to achieve his potential once again. He has his wonderfully supportive wife, Victoria, excellent doctors and health care professionals, and is surrounded by friends and family.

I thank you all for your prayers and positive energy and concern. This is a time for us all to share in a hopeful spirit that can ultimately inspire Clarence to greater heights.

-- Bruce Springsteen

FROM CLARENCE'S FAMILY

Clarence's family appreciates your concern and wants to let you know that you can send him your wishes via e-mail to notestoclarence@clarenceclemons.com
FROM LADY GA GA:
Little monsters, my very close friend +musician on The Edge of Glory, Clarence Clemons is very sick. Can we all make some get well videos?
FROM BACKSTREETS (BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN FANZINE SINCE THE EARLY 80's):
The latest out of Florida has Clarence Clemons in better condition than anyone expected, a close friend tells Backstreets: "Yesterday, it did not look good at all. Today... miracles are happening. His vital signs are improving. He's responsive. His eyes are welling up when we're talking to him. He was paralyzed on his left side, but now he's squeezing with his left hand. This is the best news we've heard since [the stroke] happened — it's nothing short of miraculous. The next five days will still be critical. But he's a fighter." According to @backstreetsmag, Clarence Clemons is in stable condition after undergoing two brain surgeries: http://aol.it/k0huHV
FROM TOM MORELLO (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE):
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for 'The Big Man' Clarence Clemons. A BAAAD man and a sweet soul
FROM GIBSON GUITAR:
Wow, this is terrible. Our thoughts go out to the E Street Band's Clarence Clemons...
FROM SANDRA BERNHARD:
SandraBernhard Sandra Bernhard
i love clarence clemons i have been watching him since the early days with the boss and i send him many thoughts for a speedy recovery
FROM HARD ROCK CAFE:
We love the Big Man, Mr. Clarence Clemons! Check out his solo at the 2:00 minute mark on "Born To Run." Always awesome. http://ow.ly/5gNSg
FROM ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE: 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."


Clemons last performed with Springsteen and the E Street Band in December of 2010 at Asbury Park's Carousel House for a special web broadcast taping. He performs on two songs on Lady Gaga's new album Born This Way, and just last month played "Edge of Glory" with her at the season finale of American Idol. He was supposed to play the national anthem before Game 2 of the NBA Finals last week, but a hand injury forced him to cancel at the last minute. He watched the game in the stands with Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning.

When Rolling Stone spoke to Clemons in February he said that virtually nothing would take him off the road with Springsteen and The E Street Band. "As long as my mouth, hands and brain still work I'll be out there doing it," he said. "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."


FROM FOX NEWS: MyFoxNY.com - MIAMI -- Clarence Clemons, the famous saxophonist with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, has suffered a stroke.

Sources tell FOX 5 News reporter Carolyn Gusoff that Clemons is paralyzed on the left side of his body.

The entertainment news website Showbiz411 said the musician, who last performed with Springsteen in December last year, was "seriously ill" after having the stroke at his Florida home.

No more information on the severity of his condition was available late Sunday.

Known by fans as "the Big Man," Clemons has had a history of medical problems over the last decade and was confined to a wheelchair for the past several years.

He played on two songs on Lady Gaga's most recent album "Born This Way" and performed with her on the season finale of "American Idol" this year.

Rolling Stone said the 69-year-old had been scheduled to perform the national anthem before Game 2 of the NBA Finals last week but pulled out because of a hand injury.
EDITORS NOTE:
"Rising" over America's post 9/11 crisis:...and this, indeed was a beautiful day in America. Three great achievements, Barack Obama won the election after 8 years of George Bush Jr., The Boss plays with a gospel choir at the Lincoln Memorial and Pete Seeger joins Springsteen. The Ghost of Tom Joad and The Rising are the best Springsteen releases in over 10 years.

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ Get well soon "Big Man"