Questions for Clarence Clemons?

The Big Man is calling.

On March 26, I'm scheduled to get a 20-minute phoner with none other than Clarence Clemons, unsinkable saxman of the E Street Band. This will be part of a preview piece for the Boss's April 21 show at the St. Pete Times Forum.

So let's go...WHO HAS QUESTIONS FOR THE BIG MAN?

Comments

[Jeff in Cuba]

Is Jackson Browne still his friend?

And how close did they actuallly come to kissing in the creepy "You're a Friend of Mine" video?

[Bassnote]

I just saw Bruce & the band in Milwaukee this past Monday. The show was great, and we took our two daughters. Clemons is one of the few sax players out there who makes the instrument sound good. A lot of sax players just make it sound screechy, but the big man always puts his solos right in the pocket.

What sax players influenced him, and are there any around today that he respects?

Did the doors really blow off the place in a wind storm the night Bruce heard you for the first time?

Do you, Max Weinberg and Little Steven get into exhaustive, bloody fist-fights over who's the greatest guy in the band whose name isn't Bruce? I mean, Clarence flat-out wails. However, Max is on Conan (tied with Letterman for greatest late-night show on the planet) and Little Steven was Silvio, for the love of Pete! Do you judge based on entertainment resumes as a whole, or is it limited to work within the E-Street band?? If it comes down to brute force, Clarence wins hands-down. However, Silvio may be able to call in a hit.

[DG]

Steve Van Zandt recently told Rolling Stone that two of his favorite Springsteen songs that are rarely, if ever, played with the E Street Band are "Fade Away" and "Held up Without A Gun".

Are there any of your personal favorites that the band doesn't perform that you'd like to play?

[MDKev71]

Is there a show that stands out in your mind as being #1?

[Joe]

After your surgery, has it been difficult for you to not be as physcial on stage (usual Bruce/Clarence physicality) as you used to be?

[southerntramp]

Has there ever been a night of a show that you didn't really want to play, but you go on and Bruce does something on stage that really inspires you to think and feel the contrary. If so, please share some of those historical moments.

[jim mondrella]

Wondering what your most memorable moment was in the studio with the band?

[Jared]

Clarenece, what was your most memorable moment being the ESB?

[Keith]

Do you still enjoy traveling around the world, and seeing all the cities you've been fortunate to see and play all these years touring?

[Ross]

Clarence, just saw you play in Omaha where you owned Jungleland, like usual. I spent the night front-row right in front of you, and I was wondering... where did that awesome "throne" come from? Did you pick that or did someone else? Was it something found somewhere or was it designed for you? It's much more befitting you than a simple stool.

[Garry Koop]

Being an African American, what was it like for you to do a show in Africa during the Amnesty International tour?

[Edy]

Hi,

Just wanted to know what projects do you have after the ESB tour?
Clarence, I hope to see you & the ESB doing an MTV unplugged. It would be great to see you like that!
We love you Big Man! Thanks for still touring & give us this pleasure!

[Todd Smith]

There has been talk that you've been recording with Bruce in 2008. Is this a new album or for a Darkness On The Edge of Town reissue? Or both?

[Rob in New Zealand]

How and why did you learn to play the sax and what are you early memories of the instrument?

[Rob in New Zealand]

How and why did you learn to play the sax and what are your early memories of the instrument?

[Lola]

Does Bruce ever as THE BAND what songs do you want to play ?

I'd like him to have each member give more into what you do play.

Thank You - for the memories made in
BIG MANS WEST. Great place and soooo much fun.

Here's to health & happiness !
We LOVE you Big Man :)

[tom]

europen fans seem so much more passionate and excited at ESB concerts. can c put his finger on why that is?

[andy]

Who handed Boss ring at wedding to Julianne Phillips: Little Steve, Colonel Landau, Big Kahuna?

[Jeff]

I was on your side of the stage a few times during the Rising tour in the pit. I noticed several Rising songs, especially Your Missing, caused you to shed tears. What was about that album and Bruce's songwriting that moves you so much after all these years?

[JonathanR in UK]

When composing or demo-ing new songs with you how structured is the guidance you get for the sax or how free are you to "find your part? Eg do epics like Jungleland come from within your soul or from the page with your soul applied? Looking forward to seeing you May/June...

[Peter]

I think everyone would love to know how your health is--you look like great on stage--and how long you see the E-Street band touring together beyond the Magic tour. Even if it is for only a few more years, will you at least tell me it will be forever?

[Youngstown]

1. What is your favorite unreleased E Street studio song?

2. When will your version of Summmer On Signal Hill be released on cd?

[Jodey Derouin]

Many fans have speculated that this will be your final tour with the E Street band. Do you plan to continue playing with the E Street Band in the future and do you think you will be willing and able to play with the band on full scale tours in years to come?

BTW, you are my daughter's (Emily) favourite member of the E Street Band because you share a birthday (Jan 11)

Cheers

Jodey

[Alexander Verhoeff]

During those '75 shows Springsteen often rapped about how the two of you met. Often on a cold and dark night with Bruce being scared as hell. A lot of that stuff would later make up the mythology that is the E-Street Band. What is it like being part of a band that is bigger than itself, that has gained mythical proportions?

And is Bruce still scared of you after all these years?

[Jersey Girl Stuck in FL]

First, thank you so very much for the beautiful music you have shared with us over the years. Jungleland is truly my favorite song and I still get goosebumps listening to your solo, even after hearing that song - literally thousands of times!!! Do you still feel the same passion today while playing Jungleland? Or have the years and playing it so much taken something away?
Thank you.

Will you ever play a song of one of your records on a Springsteen Show?

I'll be at the three Florida shows.

Werner from Germany

[Werner from Germany]

Will you ever play a song of one of your records on a Springsteen Show?

I'll be at the three Florida shows.

[Brendan Beirne]

Is there a song that frequently shows up on the set list that you don't care for? I get the impression that sometimes Bruce is tired of playing Thunder Road -- is there one that you wish he would retire for good?

[cary mulcahy]

I was lucky enough to be at the 2 shows in Boston in Nov. 2007. Jungleland on Nov. 18 was the best I have ever heard you play. Was there a lot of emotion in the air that night running thru the band with what was going on with Danny? As it came to be this was the second to last time he played on the tour.How is Danny and do you aspect him to return to band for this american leg of the tour?

[Karl Selschotter]

Do you get bored playing the same stuff every night? I have been to 3 shows (Toronto, Belfast, and Hamilton) on this tour and about 80% of the material is same throughout each show. There is so much material that you guys can do, and such gifted musicians that I'm sure you don't need that much time to rehearse.

Also, do you feel that this will be the last tour with the ESB?

[Jeff in Cuba]

Holy Piling-On, Batman.

This is a JoBros-like outpouring of questions!

By the way, the Big Man's favorite flavor of glucose tab?

Tiramisu.

[Rick boucher]

Hey Clarence, do you like playing covers during the show ?

[Guy]

Does he have a say in which songs are included on the long-rumored Tracks II? If so, how about including a studio version of "Follow that Dream".

[Guy]

One more - how's Dan Federici doing and will he be joining the band for any shows on the spring leg of the U.S. tour?

[Mike]

Clarence...we wanna hear you belt out that solo in Jungleland in Tampa so tell Bruce the fans have spoken!!!! :-)

[Max & Steve]

Clarence:
Don't you agree that E Street Band concerts are so much better when Yoko, ur, we mean Patti, isn't around?

-Steve & Max

[Scott]

Which song do you enjoy belting out your sax the most?

[Robert Smith]

My wife and I traveled to Stockholm for the show in December: what was it like playing onstage with your son?
Also, it looked like you fell that night on stage- is you hip still giving you some trouble?
Robert Smith

[tom kincade]

i was wondering, what was your most difficult night to perform and why?
i saw the band play in philly the night after john lennon was murdered. it was emotionaly charged but still sad. john was proud,watching from above.
thomas kincade

[Donna Williams]

What would you be doing with yourself if you never picked up the sax or joined the e-street band?

[Stacey]

Hey Big Man - Can you guys play Zero and Blind Terry in Tampa on 4/21? That's one song I haven't seen you guys perform! BTW - stunning version of Jungleland at MSG in October. And lastly - how's Danny doing?

[Taylor]

Clarence is no 66 and still looking good but is there a possibility in the future were he decides to not go on tour because his body can't take the extensive touring...God i hope not but that is a possible question.

[David]

You've played a huge role in the E Street Band for decades -- even back when racially mixed bands were more rare. Do you think you and Bruce played a role in improving racial harmony and understanding in the US? Any theories on why there aren't more African-American Springsteen fans?

[Jim Lewis]

Definitely ask The Big Man about his Golden Throne that he has on stage. I saw someone else posted about this. I was in the pit at the Nassau Coliseum show and was immediately
drawn to this chair. It is a fitting symbol for a man that Bruce has described as "King of the World" and "Emperor of All Things".

[Mark]

Big Man, what a pleasure its been to see you, Bruce and the rest of the gang for the last 30 years. I know what has inspired me about Bruce. I would like to know what has kept you with Bruce for so long and why do you believe in him so much?

Also, i am going to the Tampa show, puleeeeaaase play Jungleland

[Sid]

From Hampton Roads in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia
Greetings to our favorite son (along with Gene Vincent & Gary US Bonds)
When are you coming back to Chesapeake to play? & not for a Crestwood HS reunion

[Annie]

Is any of the dynamic between you and Bruce rehearsed or does that just come from years of working together? You two have a way of communicating thats unbelieveable. And Bruce might make that guitar talk but man Clarence you can make that saxaphone sing, add beautifully I might add.

[laurel]

Clarence, hope you're well and thanks for the amazing shows so far on this tour.
I'm ashamed to ask for being so ignorant, but tell me about the Red Bank Rockers and what happened with the band?
Saw you guys a long time ago on the pier in NYC and it was one of the best shows of my life (still have my pics from the front row). xoxo

[Scooter]

I recently bought the download version of your new CD "Brothers in Arms" with Temple of Soul and I absolutely love it. Great songs, great sound. How did this project come about? When was it recorded? Who wrote the songs? Just tell us a bit about the record.
Scooter

[Michael Korzenok]

Hello Big Man Sir,
Your solo album/CD "Peacemaker" is such a great piece of work. Can we look forward in hearing more of this kind of jazz masterpiece in the future?

Your friend,
Michael

[Lori Birenberg]

So just how good is it being the Big Man?
C'mon C, please do share. Thanks for the last thirty years; it's been a incredible journey.

[Jeff Legeer]

Two songs. You can only choose one.

Drive All Night or

Jungleland?

[chaps]

Ask him how much his Asian acupuncturist wife just took him for in the divorce?

[Don Grafer]

Hey Clarence I met you and your new girlfriend Anna at the four seasons hotel in Boston on 11/19 Are you Still with Anna? Any plans to get married? I tried your favorite drink Margarita with Lemonchello Excellent drink some of my custiomers love it I call it the CC Margarita see you soon Don

[Larry Smith]

Clarence , Do you have a hobby or What do you like to do when your not playing music?
LB

[AmyMac]

With Brothers in Arms coming out this week (YEAH!!)barring conflicts with the E Street Band tour, will you be able to come out an play with Temple of Soul? (Like to CT especially?! :)

[Josh]

How many albums/tours do you think are left for the band?

[fran]

would you be able to meet me at the show in tampa? I have 2 sisters with breast cancer and I have pre-cancerous lesions. I have loved your music for the past 22 years. any chance of you making one of my life-long dreams come true? I am a cancer care nurse and have a family, so this is an honest request, not one from a crazed fan.
thanks,
fran