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.