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The 1980s band that saved Clarence Clemons after The E Street Band broke up
Clarence Clemons said joining Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band helped rescue him after Bruce Springsteen disbanded the E Street Band in 1989. The saxophonist compared Springsteen’s decision to a divorce, but the new project gave him a renewed sense of purpose and demonstrated that he could work beyond his long-standing role as Springsteen’s musical partner.
Clemons joined Starr’s touring group alongside musicians including Joe Walsh, Billy Preston, Dr John, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Nils Lofgren and Jim Keltner. He was touring Japan with the band when Springsteen informed him that the E Street Band would no longer be needed; Clemons later described the All-Starr experience as one of the happiest periods of his life.
In short
- Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band gave Clemons a fresh start after E Street’s split.
- Springsteen ended the band’s regular work in 1989.
- Clemons called the All-Starr tour one of his happiest experiences.
Explained simply
Clarence Clemons was a saxophonist who spent decades as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. The E Street Band was one of rock music's most successful groups, and Clemons' saxophone playing was central to their sound.
In 1989, Springsteen disbanded the E Street Band, ending what had been the central focus of Clemons' career. This was a significant moment for a musician whose professional life had been so closely defined by his work with the group.
After the breakup, Clemons joined Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band, a touring group that featured accomplished musicians from different eras of rock. The opportunity allowed him to continue his career and demonstrated that he could succeed as a musician independently of his long-standing role with Springsteen.