“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
Clarence’s family has also issued a statement:
“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”
“The mood at the hospital today is "upbeat," a close friend of Clarence's tells Springsteen fan site Backstreets. "It's sort of status quo right now, but the status quo is good. We're amazed — the doctors are amazed at the advances he's made. Bear in mind, he's still machine-assisted. But his vital signs continue to improve, and the goal is to wean him off each machine as he gets stronger."
No matter what, despite Clarence doing better than anyone expected, "It's going to be a long haul. There's a lot he'll have to relearn. But we're hopeful for a full recovery. We don't yet know if it's possible, but the movement and responsiveness on his left side is a good sign. More than anything, we want people to know how much we appreciate their prayers, all the fans keeping Clarence in their thoughts. It's coming in from all ends of the earth. And right now, those prayers are coming true."
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Rosalita
Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Phoenix, AZ – July 8, 1978
See also:
Clarence Clemons recovering from stroke
Bruce Springsteen saxophonist Clarence Clemons suffers stroke
VIDEO: Bruce Springsteen rocks Boston with Dropkick Murphys
Super Bowl Flashback: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (2009)
