Springsteen Gives Update on Clemons

E Street Band sax player Clarence Clemons is showing signs of progress after suffering a massive stroke, Bruce Springsteen says, encouraging fans to pray for his "beloved comrade." Clemons, 69, "will need much care and support to achieve his potential once again" and reach greater heights as a rocker, Springsteen said in a statement.

Clemons was paralyzed on his left side after the stroke, but has regained enough strength to squeeze his left hand, according to the New York Daily News. The saxman is surrounded by friends and family, and has received a massive outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians, reports USA Today. His website, clarenceclemons.com, crashed under the weight of get-well messages soon after the stroke was reported. (More Clarence Clemons stories.)