By Andy Greene

Rolling Stone can confirm reports that Clarence Clemons has had a stroke. The news broke this evening at 411.com, which reported that Clemons is "seriously ill after a stroke at his home in Florida." We have no information on the severity of the stroke, but we have independently confirmed that the E Street Band saxophonist has suffered a stroke.

Clemons has gone through a series of medical ailments - mostly involving his back and knees - over the past decade. He hasn't missed any concerts, but the conditions caused him to suffer a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort. "That last tour was hell," Clemons told Rolling Stone in February. "Pure hell." In the past year Clemons had both knees replaced and spinal fusion surgery. "The timing was perfect because it didn't interfere with a lot of stuff that was going on in my life," he says. "It made me stronger, and for the past year I've been in physical therapy a few days a week working my ass off to get back in shape. I'm walking better now, though I still use a cane and crutches. But now I'm having hip problems again. I don't know why."

[Edited 6/19/11 17:14pm]

Pray that Clarence has a healthy recovery.

Everything Ive read says "seriously ill".

fuck=-[ one of my favorite Sax player man i hope that he will be alright

Poor guy. Let's hope he makes a full recovery.

So sad. He just performed with Lady Gaga a few weeks ago! Hoping for a speedy recovery .

Sad news. Get well soon Clarence.

Aging is a mutha.

sosgemini said:

Aging is a mutha.

ABC reported that he had a major stroke and has undergone 2 brain surgeries.

lazycrockett said:

ABC reported that he had a major stroke and has undergone 2 brain surgeries.

yeah i heard this morning that it wasnt good at all, and hearing that is not any better

Wow, this doesn't look good

but I'm fearing the worst (most natural thing) now, two brian surgeries is too much...

and if Clarence dies, the E Street will basically disappear...

[Edited 6/13/11 16:13pm]

The news seems to be getting worse...hoping for the best still .

lazycrockett said:

ABC reported that he had a major stroke and has undergone 2 brain surgeries.

Oh yeah he gone.

Oh wait... I'm hearing he's actually improving... I hope that's true!

[Edited 6/13/11 16:51pm]

Fans gather in Asbury Park to mourn death of Clarence Clemons

Photo credit: Getty Images

Fans reeling from the death of Bruce Springsteen's famed saxophonist Clarence Clemons gathered yesterday in Asbury Park to honor the burly wailer, who died Saturday at age 69.

More than 300 people turned out to support Clemons at the storied venue Stone Pony, where mourners listened to music from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and traded memories, the New York Times reported. Outside, some left flowers and signs, and the club's marquee read, "God Bless Clarence Clemons," the Times said.

Clemons, aka the "Big Man," started working with Springsteen in 1971 and was a charter member of the backing group that came to be known as the E Street Band. He died six days after suffering a stroke.

"His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 years," Springsteen said.

Clemons' death came three years after organist Danny Federici, Springsteen's longest-serving musical partner, lost a battle with cancer.

The iconic saxophonist had been in poor health for years, suffering back and hip problems. He had double knee-replacement surgery in 2008, and walked for the first time in three months when Springsteen and the E Street Band played the Super Bowl early in 2009. The band's eight-month world tour that year was "pure hell," he told Rolling Stone earlier this year.

He is survived by his wife and four sons.