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Bruce Springsteen & Clarence Clemons, Oakland Colisium, Oakland, CA
Clarence Clemons is really gone. Here's an account of today's memorial service, and reading it removes all hope that the Big Man is somehow going to find the strength to come back and play for us...and pal around with Bruce just like the old days...and show up at the Pony and ask why everyone's so sad...and tell us all there's been a big mistake. It remains so sad. Every E Streeter I know is still talking about it, and wondering what the future will hold. Just today a friend sent me a color copy of his first-ever concert ticket. And it had me remembering all over again: there were no tickets for the first E Street concert I attended. It was at the Pony, and it was hot and crowded and it was wild and we knew it was something new. People filed past the stage at the Pony on Father’s Day Sunday like they file past a tomb at Arlington. Don't let anyone ever tell you it’s just music.
We hope you can join us tonight.
Leave a Comment:
"Don't let anyone ever tell you it’s just music. "
-- Amen.
Hey Brian,
Very well put, but FYI the memorial service was yesterday (Tuesday), not today. I don't know if you just saw that because you were in DC yesterday or because Backstreets just posted about it today but technically the service was yesterday.
Keep up the great work,
Jeremy
Heaven has a great one and the music will go on forever. The sixties was the best because no one was a star it was all about the music and old people had their group of musicians. I could myself as lucky to have grown up listening and watching the artist that are stars today. Going to Asbury Park beach was normal and going to the Stone Pony or Convention Hall was normal too. The E Street Band always called Asbury Park home and the guys always performed for free. I moved to California and Bruce and the East Street Band had sold out tickets. A friend laughed as she said you lost out, I replied you can hear the group for free just go to the Stony Pony on Asbury Park Beach they perform all the time just for fun. Brian's right, only one who goes to Asbury Park must visit the Stone Pony as it's the heart of Bruce and the East Street Band. Clarence will always be in the band as all you have to do is listen and his sound will be heard by those who love the music.
"Don't let anyone ever tell you it’s just music. "
Thank you, Brian, for doing what we often we count on Bruce to do, putting our collective thoughts/feelings into words. I love that you get it. I am so grateful for the Joy and the Grace that Clarence leaves in this world. I am hanging on to them tonight even through the sadness.
Regarding the story of patting down children by the TSA, anyone of sound mind knows a five year old child is not capable of hijacking a plane and crashing it into a tall building, it’s some of these crazy parents out there that we have to be careful of, because they might put something in the child’s clothing thinking that they won’t be searched. I think that’s part of the reason why the TSA finds it necessary to pat down the children as well. I’ve read several stories of women being arrested for shoplifting and they stash the clothes in the baby carriage or in the child’s jacket or underclothes.
A 7-year-old-boy was "fondle" in the restroom at King's Island about two weeks ago, so I suppose it
can happen with patting down children. (King's Island-Cincinnati) An alternative to breast implants is
to gain too much weight and then go on a crash diet to loose it and violer(ms) you have ample
cleavage. Whatever works. Great to see former pres. GWB who is cool in those shades. Have a nice
evening, Brian.!!!! Phyllis
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. And looking forward to your coverage of President Obama's Address to the Nation on US Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In relating to your posting this evening I agree with you. "Don't let anyone tell you it's just music." Clarence Clemons was certainly a great person and musician and he will be missed greatly by many, many people. Thank you for sharing what was said at his memorial service. A fine tribute.
Now on to the broadcast.
First of all the report by Mr.Tibbles frm Minot, North Dakota along the Souris River which is rising to catastrophic levels due to massive rainfall and snowmelt causing 11,000 residents to move to higher ground. Hearing it will crest 8ft higher than the last flood is staggering and terrible for all the people who have to leave their homes. Not knowing what they will find when returning to their homes it will be an extremely difficult next few days and into next week. Ones thoughts and prayers go out to all the residents of the area.
The report by Mr.Truong from Texas tolld of the opposite in which there is not enough rain and making it truly difficult for ranchers to keep their cattle healthy. The tremendous wildfires all over the State and the terrible drought have destroyed so much land with around 3 million acres scorched. And more hot weather forecasted for the coming days is not welcome news to the ranchers since many had to sell off their cattle. Hoping the cattle can live long enough for the ranchers to get enough hay and grass to feed them. A desperate situation.
The report by Mr.Todd on the subject of President Obama's speech on US Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan told of several measures to be met for the US Troops to leave and come home. Bringing home 30,000 troops from the "surge" does help, yet many will still remain in the region. Stopping al-qaeda, Pushing back the taliban and Raising Afghan Security Forces are all steps in leading to more US Troops coming home. One does hope that by 2014 all the US Troops will be home. It just seems like it doesn't come fast enough. One wishes them to come home soon.
The series, "Far From Home' by Mr.Maceda about the medic Kelly Talavera on the frontlines of Helmund Province told of a woman soldier who is truly saving lives of other soldiers. Being the only woman living in the base and having her own tent by herself must be extremely difficult, Yet, she is brave and dedicated to her mission of treating casualties before sending themm to hospitals for further treatment. Thinking of her husband also in the military and her two cute dogs must help greatly everyday. It is a tough region and she is doing a fantastic job on her first deployment. God Bless her and all the Brave and Dedicated Soldiers!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Looking forward to you coverage of President Obama's Address to the Nation tonight. Peace to You and to All!
Be Well Everyone!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Always Richard! Looking forward to seeing you on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" tonight!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
Lisa
Thank you for your thoughtful words and shared compassion. I don't think it really hit me until your report on Monday night. Though my fellow fans and I had read all the condolences & tributes posted, I know we weren't 'accepting' this until your piece aired. We knew, as a fellow fan, you would do right by him because you 'get it'. Your thoughtful words brought solace and articulated our heartfelt sadness.
The last time I saw you in person was in Buffalo at the last show of the tour, I remember seeing you with arms around your lovely wife getting ready for the show. Your brilliant smile, mirroring ours, in anticipation of the joyous night we were in store for, and what a night it was! We were all so blessed to have been there. Thank you again for sharing our passion, our love and our sorrow. May Clarence's larger than life legacy always bring that knowing smile and set our hearts dancing.
the australian aboriginals have a creation myth that the universe was created to music. reading about tolkein's ring trilogy and 'the silmarilion' the other night, the two elven trees that gave off the silver light and the golden light were sung into existence and somewhere along the way, a new world is sung into existence with new music. all stories to be sure, but who knows what happens in the higher realms? it's a whole 'nother language!
Good evening, Brian. I have meant to come here and post about Clarence Clemons' passing since finding out first thing in the morning here because of our +6 hour time difference. First thing I thought of was his family, second was Bruce, and third was his fans (including you)--the best fans of any band out there. I used to think as a huge fan of U2 (of which I remain) that their fans were the all-time best, but after becoming a huge Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band fan, I discovered something different, something special. Although I am young and didn't get to witness and experience the band like you and other die-hard, life-long fans, I am so grateful that my first concert was Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band, May 5th 2009. It was so wonderful to see them on stage together, and to finally see for myself what makes that band special. It won't ever be the same without Clarence (how will they ever perform "Jungleland" again?), but he will forever live on in his music.
The best thing you said in this post, which many of us will agree with, was "don't let anyone ever tell you it’s just music." I wholeheartedly agree and take those words to heart. You did a fantastic job remembering the life of Clarence "Big Man" Clemons.
Take care,
-Cary