NEW YORK – Rock star Bruce Springsteen has confirmed that saxophonist Clarence Clemons of his E Street Band has suffered a stroke, saying “initial signs are encouraging”, but that he faces a long recovery.
Clemons (69), who lives in Florida, fell ill over the weekend. However representatives for the horn player known as “Big Man” had declined to disclose any information about his condition.
Springsteen, in a statement issued through his publicist, said: “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 healthcare professionals, and is surrounded by friends and family.”
Clemons underwent double knee-replacement surgery in 2008 and walked for the first time in three months when Springsteen and the E Street Band played the Super Bowl in 2009.
Clemons started playing with Springsteen in 1971. His gritty, haunting solos power such hits as Born to Run, Jungleland, Prove It All Night, Tenth Avenue Freeze Outand Badlands.
Away from the E Street Band, he had a hit single in 1985 with You're a Friend of Mine, a duet with Jackson Browne.
He has also dabbled in acting and has worked with Ringo Starr, Aretha Franklin and Lady Gaga. – (Reuters)