Monday, July 18, 2011

VIDEO: Bruce Springsteen plays Clarence Clemons tribute

The 400 people at the Wonder Bar Sunday night saw another legendary evening of music in Asbury Park.

The New Jersey Star-Ledger reports Bruce Springsteen joined J.T. Bowen and the Sensational Soul Cruisers for a 45-minute set at the club as part of a "Tribute to the Late, Great Clarence Clemons."

Bowen was the lead singer of Clemons' band, The Red Bank Rockers, in the 1980s.

Clarence's son, Nick Clemons, opened the evening playing with his band. The Sensational Soul Cruisers then played their first set and were joined by Bowen for the second one.

Midway through the second set, they played Clarence’s hit with Jackson Browne, “You're a Friend of Mine," and Springsteen came over to the side of the stage to watch.

Bowen then called Springsteen up to play at 9 p.m., marking the first time Bruce has performed in public (outside of Clemons' private memorial service) since Clarence's passing on June 18.

Springsteen said "I wore the wrong shirt!" as he took the stage, alluding to the fact that the Sensational Soul Cruisers, who include four horn players and four singers, are dressed all in red and blue.

The set with Bruce included a variety of Clarence’s songs, rare Springsteen tracks and soul covers. The paper reports a highlight was "Raise Your Hand," a song Springsteen has performed many times with the E Street Band.

Springsteen looked like he was having a great time on stage and that he has missed playing live; the last time he played in Asbury Park was on April 2, when he joined Nicky Addeo at the Wonder Bar for a few songs.

Bruce Springsteen w/J.T. Bowen and The Sensational Soul Cruisers – Action In The Street
The Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ – July 17, 2011


Bruce Springsteen w/J.T. Bowen and The Sensational Soul Cruisers – Savin’ Up
The Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ – July 17, 2011


Bruce Springsteen w/J.T. Bowen and The Sensational Soul Cruisers – Ain’t Too Proud To Beg / Sweet Soul Music
The Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ – July 17, 2011


Bruce Springsteen w/J.T. Bowen and The Sensational Soul Cruisers Cruisers – You Can’t Sit Down
The Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ – July 17, 2011


Bruce Springsteen w/J.T. Bowen and The Sensational Soul Cruisers – Raise Your Hand / Knock On Wood
The Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ – July 17, 2011


Bruce Springsteen w/J.T. Bowen and The Sensational Soul Cruisers – 634-5789
The Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ – July 17, 2011


See also:

Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen named Top American Rock Bands of All Time by Gibson
Bruce Springsteen shares his eulogy for Clarence Clemons
Tributes to Clarence Clemons top the hennemusic Hot 10
Bruce Springsteen says goodbye to Clarence Clemons
VIDEO: U2 pays tribute to Clarence Clemons in Anaheim
VIDEO: Bon Jovi pays tribute to Clarence Clemons in Denmark
Springsteen sax man Clarence Clemons passes away at 69
Bruce Springsteen issues statement regarding Clarence Clemons
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)