As well as delivering the eulogy, Springsteen also performed live. The service also included performances from the E Street Band and Jackson Browne, while Clemons’ nephew provided a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ on the saxophone.
The singer told those in attendance at the ceremony that Clemons, who contributed the iconic saxophone parts to his songs 'Born To Run' and 'Thunder Road', was "a man of unconditional love, but his love came with a lot of conditions. He was a complex guy. But when you were in his presence, it was like being in a sovereign nation."
Springsteen had previously paid tribute to Clemons in a statement on his official websiteBruceSpringsteen.net. "Clarence lived a wonderful life," he said. "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."
Clemons, who was known as the ‘Big Man’, had a key role in defining the sound of the E Street Band. More recently, he also played on Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' album. He is featured in the video for her latest single 'The Edge Of Glory', which she unveiled last week (June 18).
Other artists including Coldplay, U2 andSlash have all paid tribute to Clemons.Coldplay described him as their “favourite saxophone player”, while Bono claimed that “this man has carried music, and music carried him until this day”.
THE SOURCE FOR THIS ARTICLE: NME
We were at the U2 concert when we heard the news. I have to admit, the sadness I felt at this loss overshadowed the evening so I won't be doing a review of the show.
