When Clarence Clemons passed away last month, the Boss (and Clemons’ actual boss) Bruce Springsteen posted a moving eulogy on his website. Since then he’s remained out of sight, grieving for his old friend. Last night, though, Springsteen came roaring back with a 45-minute covers set in – where else – Asbury Park, NJ.
Before a crowd of about 400 at the famed Wonder Bar, Springsteen played with headlining act the Soul Cruisers after an opening set by Nick Clemons (Clarence’s nephew). The night was billed as a “Tribute to the Late, Great Clarence Clemons” and it delivered feel-good soul covers with plenty of sax. Videos of six have surfaced and watching them, you feel like you’re right there. Watch Bruce Springsteen and the Soul Cruisers perform rollicking takes on “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Sweet Soul Music,” “You Can’t Sit Down,” Bruce’s standby “Raise Your Hand,” “Knock on Wood,” and “634-5789” below (via Rolling Stone).
Bruce Springsteen and the Soul Cruisers – Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (The Temptations cover) & Sweet Soul Music (Arthur Conley cover)
Bruce Springsteen and the Soul Cruisers – You Can’t Sit Down (The Dovells cover)
Bruce Springsteen and the Soul Cruisers – Raise Your Hand & Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd covers)
Bruce Springsteen and the Soul Cruisers – 634-5789 (Wilson Pickett cover)
Check out more Bruce Springsteen at his website. Image via Flickr.
Great tribute.