We like rock music more than you. It's just the way it is…

I realize that I’m a bit “late to the party” on this but what can be written that hasn’t already been posted on internet blogs, newspapers and anywhere else that talks music news? If you’re still unaware of what’s happened, Clarence Clemons, long time sax player for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band passed away on Saturday, June 18th after having suffered a stroke a week prior. He was 69 years old.

Clemons aka The Big Man would help to form the E Street Band in 1972 and was by Springsteen’s side ever since. You’ve absolutely heard his saxophone licks on songs like “Jungleland” and “Born To Run” and it was the Big Man who stood beside the Boss on the album cover of Born To Run. Most recently, younger audiences and longtime fans were exposed to Clemons when he performed on Lady Gaga’s new album, Born This Way, and even performed on this season’s American Idol with Gaga when she sang “The Edge of Glory.” He also appears in the video for the song.

So how could I best end this post? How about with a statement from Springsteen himself:

Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage. His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years. He was my great friend, my partner, and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music. His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band.

Thanks for the music, Big Man.

Tags: Bruce Springsteen, Clarence Clemons