Springsteen guitarist anticipates emotional shows

Actor and musician Steven Van Zandt poses for a portrait, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, in New York. Bruce Springsteen guitarist Steve Van Zandt says touring without the late sax player Clarence Clemons is sure to be emotional for the E Street Band and its audience. Van Zandt said Thursday that the band’s work will always be a tribute to Clemons and the late organist Danny Federici. Springsteen and the E Street Band will kick off their tour in Atlanta on March 18. (AP Photo/Carlo Allegri)

The Associated Press Updated 7:41 PM Thursday, February 2, 2012

NEW YORK — Bruce Springsteen guitarist Steve Van Zandt says touring without saxophonist Clarence Clemons is sure to be emotional for the E Street Band and its audience.

Clemons died at age 69 last year after a stroke. Van Zandt said Thursday that the band's work will always be a tribute to Clemons and keyboard player Danny Federici, who died in 2008. Springsteen and the E Street Band begin a long tour next month.

Despite the emotion, Van Zandt says band members have to ask themselves whether their colleagues would have wanted them to carry on with the work. The guitarist said: "I think the answer's yes."

Besides the music, Van Zandt is promoting "Lilyhammer," Netflix's first original series. It is set in Norway and begins streaming Feb. 6 on Netflix.

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February 03, 2012 12:36 AM EST

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