Clarence Clemons, the saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band suffered a stroke on Sunday.
The “Big Man” had the stroke while at his home in Florida. According to Showbiz 411, the 69-year-old is “seriously ill.” The site also reported that members of the band were advised to fly down to Florida.
An authoritative Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band fan website, backstreets.com, said that the saxophonist has had two brain surgeries but is “responsive and in stable condition.” It also said that although Clemons’ left side was currently paralyzed, on Monday he was able to move his left hand.
Clemon’s history with illness is nothing new. In recent years, the saxophonist had a spinal ailment and also had to get a double knee replacement, which left him jamming from a wheelchair for some time.
He last played with Springsteen and crew in December at Ashbury Park, N.J. His last solo performance was with Lady Gaga, during the finale of Fox’s “American Idol.” He is set to make an appearance on Gaga’s next album, according to AOL’s Spinner.
Artists from around the globe have been reaching out via Twitter and other social media outlets to wish the musician well. Lady Gaga tweeted Monday: “my very close friend + musician on The Edge of Flory, Clarence Clemons is very sick. Can we all make some get well videos?”
Narada Michael Walden, a drummer who’s close friends with Clemons, sent out an email on Monday saying: “Love and prayers to the Big Man! He is our Hero!”
