Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales
by Clarence Clemons, Don Reo
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Book Summary Information
Author: Clarence Clemons, Don ReoForeword: Bruce Springsteen
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-10-21
ISBN: 0446546267
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Book Reviews of Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales
Book Review: More Tall Tales Than Real Stories
Summary: 3 Stars
The new book about Clarence Clemons is mostly "Tall Tales" vs "Real Life".
Advance copy: Missing photos and Bruce Forward.
Note: MANY SPOILERS!
For the casual Springsteen/E-Street Band fan looking for some items of general interest and a light/easy read - and one that enjoys fantasies or "tall tales" - it's an enjoyable read.
If you're a hardcore fan - "Bruce tramp" - you will be disappointed by this book.
I've read many of the Springsteen books out there and they are more like tributes to Bruce than an analysis of his music, the band, the performances, etc. I really thought that Clarence would write a more personal story but like many of the other books, it's a very sanitized version of Clarence and the band. Bruce has always been a private person and his management team have always protected his privacy. I've read that anyone involved with Springsteen must sign a confidentiality agreement - this must also include Clemons, since it's like Clarence was given "privacy guidelines" before he and Reos published this book.
I'm hoping one day we will get the full, uncensored, unsanitized history of the E Street Band by either Bruce or a key member of the band.
Some overall take aways from the book:
* No detailed stories about the making of songs, some of the elite or unique performances and venues, no real details on personal or band relationships. No verbatim nor anecdotal behind the scenes stories.
* There are so many things a "tramp" would want to know but 1/2 the book is spent on these fictional accounts of meetings with Dylan, Sinatra, Mailer etc. While some of them are entertaining, I would rather read about "actual" events.
* Very sanitized! Typical of the type of books written about Springsteen and the band. It does not peel off the outside layers and get at the heart of things.
* Has a lot of "F" words - which I found surprising - just thought that Clarence would have made the book more family friendly (not that I was offended).
* Reo is a close friend of Clemons and a TV producer.
* Reo writes more about his own accomplishments and just heaps praise on Clarence and Bruce. He's seen many shows since 1975 and believes the 7/31/08 Giants Stadium and 8/30/08 Milwaukee (Harley Festival) shows were the best he's ever seen but acknowledges that every fan has their top 10 shows and many are different.
* Most of the book is focused on the Rising and Magic tours since Reo followed the band during these tours - it seems that Reo wrote the actual book with input from Clemons.
* Reo name drops throughout the book. Although he does make fun of himself for it by saying that "Elvis Presley once said he was a name dropper". :-)
* During a show at SING SING prison the power went out and Clarence and Vini Lopez had to play the same song (Them Changes by Buddy Miles) over and over on sax and drums while Bruce danced around on the side of the stage. Towards the end, Bruce says "When we're done, you can all go home!" :-)
* For the casual fan: An easy read (Fast and Light) - For hardcore fans, you just keep reading, anticipating and hoping for a personal story about Bruce and Clarence, etc. Note: Clemons does include compilations of conversations he and Bruce have had over the years to try and provide a feeling for their relationship - but they felt watered down.
* The photo on the back of the Wild, Innocent and the E Street Shuffle album was taken directly after the band went surfing (no showers or hair combing, etc) - photographer wanted that Jersey Shore look.
* I found it strange that there were no comments by any past/present band members.
* Reo really believes this will be the last tour since Clemons will have a 2 year recovery after back surgery and will be 70 years old. He believes Clarence will want to stay in Florida at home and go fishing but that the band (in some configuration) will continue to play on - especially Bruce.
* E Street got its name from band always parked on that street in Belmar WAITING for David Sancious.
* The band members rarely socialize outside of touring.
* Robert DeNiro "borrowed" his famous ad lib from Taxi Driver "You Talkin to Me" after seeing Bruce do the same thing in concert and asked Clemons not to say a word for at least 25 years when he didn't think it would matter.
* Everyone in the band is on salary.
Clemons Factoids:
* Ugly looking scar on one knee caused the military doctor to send Clemons home and avoid the draft.
* Married 5 times (or is that 6?) and is now married to a 29 year old Russian woman named Victoria.
* Big Ego - comes across a bit misogynistic - lots of women in his life. Older and overweight women won't be as fond of Clarence after reading this book.
* Has had both hips and knees replaced and plans on having serious back surgery when the 'Working On A Dream" tour ends.
* Gave Bruce and ultimatum: Mad Dog Lopez or Him - Welcome Max Weinberg!
* Concert regimen included pot and tequila.
* Had a heart attack sometime in 2008 and has now sworn off cigars and drinking.
* Best night of his life was seeing one of his sons in Sweden (he lives there with his mother) and playing 'Dancing in the Dark" together.
* 1st time Clarence heard Jungleland was on the actual record.
* Stays in hotels under the fictitious name "C.O. Jones" as in "cojones".
* Decided to NEVER cut his hair since he got the call from Bruce while in a Tokyo hotel room with Ringo Starr (they were on tour as part of the All-Stars) that Bruce was breaking up the band (and still hasn't).
* Does Meditation Daily and goes by his spiritual name of "Mokshagun"with close friends.
* Dressing room is called the "Temple of Soul".
Springsteen Factoids:
* Is an Atheist - which is interesting considering all of the religious imagery in his lyrics.
* Bruce and Patti will not fly to gigs together unless they are with their children. They take separate jets to ensure their children do not become orphans in the event of a plane crash.
* Wrote "Hungry Heart" in ten minutes.
* Had 2 mandatory rules for band: No Drugs and Be on Time!
Summary of Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales
For the first time ever comes the inside story of Clarence "Big Man" Clemons--his life before, during and beyond the E-Street Band, including unbelievable, never-before-told adventures with Bruce Springsteen, the band, and an incredible cast of other famous characters recounted by himself and his best friend, television writer/ producer Don Reo.Here are just a few things you'll get from reading it:
- The truth behind the final hours of making Born To Run
- The real story of how the E-Street Band got its name
- What happened when Clarence and Ringo Starr were sitting in a hotel room and Clarence got the call that Bruce was breaking up the band
- How Bruce and Clarence met that dark, stormy night at the Student Prince
- The E-Street band's show at Sing-Sing prison where all of their equipment blows out right as they take the stage
- The secret that Robert De Niro told Clarence and Bruce they had to keep for 25 years
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