As anyone on Twitter this weekend knows, Clarence “Big Man” Clemons passed away Saturday night. More than just Bruce Springsteen’s incomparable sideman (though he was certainly that), Clemons took on a larger-than-life persona that embodied what fans loved about the E Street Band. All throughout the weekend fans poured out tributes to remember “the biggest man you ever seen” and last night in Portsmouth, VA, Phish did the same with a cover of “Thunder Road.”
In their near 30-year history, the quartet has never played this song before, but what could be a more appropriate tribute? Of course, the band doesn’t have a sax player, but as Trey Anastasio played the solo on guitar, surely everyone there was imagining the Big Man blowing away. No video has surfaced yet, but download an excellent audio recording below. Update: Video added.
MP3: Phish – Thunder Road (Bruce Springsteen cover)
[audio: News0611/20ThunderRoad.mp3]
Watch “Thunder Road”
Purchase the whole show at LivePhish.com.
Dany was a bit alone up in the clouds, now he could swing with Clarence ..
I find Phish fascinating in theory but have never really clicked with their music. A few flubs aside, this is a really sweet take, and a nice tribute–as are all the fans “Broooocing” at the end.
“Thanks for putting up with our shakiness” I was at the show, and no, it wasn’t spot on. But it was heartfelt. Obviously a late addition. Probably didn’t help matters that it was Father’s Day, and all 4 bandmembers had their family in town (not much time to practice it). Glad they played it anyway. Nice moment. RIP, Clarence