Bruce Springsteen offered a fitting tribute to his late friend Clarence Clemons by performing at his funeral on Tuesday (21Jun11) before delivering an emotional eulogy in his memory.
The Boss' longtime E Street Band saxophonist, 69, passed away on Saturday (18Jun11) from complications following a stroke.
Stars including Jackson Browne and other members of the E Street Band gathered at the Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach, Florida to remember Clemons in front of 150 friends and family members and the service included a special performance from Springsteen.
The rocker played a soft version of his song Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, which recalls his first meeting with the musician, before speaking to mourners about Clemons, and the star was on the verge of tears as he remembered his late pal, according to the Palm Beach Daily News.
He told the crowd, "Clarence was a man of unconditional love, but his love came with a lot of conditions. He was a complex guy... an ongoing project. But when you were in his presence, it was like being in a sovereign nation."
The service ended with a performance by Springsteen, the E Street Band and Browne, who played You're a Friend of Mine - Browne's 1985 hit with Clemons.