QuelleZitat:
The Big Man is back.
E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who arose from a wheelchair to perform at the 2009 Super Bowl with Bruce Springsteen after a double knee replacement, is taking the stage again amid a new struggle to recover from major spinal surgery.
The stage “always feels like home. It’s where I belong,” Clemons, a former youth counselor, said after performing at a May 8 benefit for Home Safe, a children’s charity, in Hollywood, Fla.
Clemons, who had surgery Jan. 13, said he’s winning his battles against severe, chronic pain and post-surgical depression. His impish humor helps.
“I’m huge!” he hollered with a grin as he was delivered by wheelchair, sax cradled on his lap, to the stage at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
He stood, switched to his cane, and struggled up three stairs. At home, he occasionally tries to walk without the cane, until his wife catches him.
E Street blood brothers Steven Van Zandt and Max Weinberg sat in as Clemons sang and wailed his sax through a raucous rock ’n’ roll party.
Throughout his performance, Clemons sat on a tall chair. His right foot tapped out a steady beat. His left remained motionless; he’s getting treatment for that.
“God will give you no more than you can handle,” he said. “All this pain is going to come back and make me stronger.
He scheduled his latest surgery during E Street downtime. The band is taking a breather after globe-trotting for the better part of two years.
“I’m always preparing myself for Bruce’s next tour. I never get too far … away from that,” said Clemons.
If it happens, as he hopes, in 2011, “I’ll be ready.”
In the meantime, he savors the small joys – fishing for tarpon, working on behalf of community causes.
And Michael Jackson, too.
“I didn’t think I’d ever be a Michael Jackson fan. But … watching him move, watching him dance, is so encouraging for me,” Clemons said.
“I want to be able to dance again. I keep that vision in my mind.”
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