On June 17, a severe thunderstorm caused a power outage in a leafy section of Caldwell when lightning struck a tree and toppled a utility pole.

As crews worked to remove the tree and restore electricity, Caldwell resident and rock and roll performance photographer, A.M Saddler, stood quietly among onlookers.

While other residents waited for the power to come back on, Saddler felt a solemn sense of urgency as he considered the irony of the dark day that might lie ahead for members of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band.

Clarence Clemons, the band’s beloved saxophonist, was enduring complications from a recent stroke and his condition had become very grave. Inside sources had asked Saddler to compile his most memorable shots of Clemons, in preparation for the flood of media requests expected in the event of his passing. Saddler’s magical images of the band have graced the pages of magazines like Rolling Stone and Backstreets, in addition to tour programs and BruceSpringsteen.net.

“I try to capture the energy that these performers bring, and bridge the gap between the stage and the audience,” explains Saddler of a job many a fan would envy. But he admits working with Springsteen and Clemons has always remained an extraordinary experience.

“Clarence and Bruce have been favorite subjects because on stage they are larger than life. Their emotional interactions as 'brothers' makes my job easier,” Saddler says. ”Like an old married couple…on stage they can finish the other person’s thought,” he jokes.

After power was restored, Saddler was finally able to put together a photo history of the “Big Man”, a nickname given to Clemons not only for his physical height and booming voice, but also for his role as a prominent front man for the E-Street band. Sure enough, the following day, news of Clemons’ passing sent shockwaves through media outlets and social networks, with family, friends and fans mourning his loss. 

Clemons was best known for his rich and colorful sax solos that danced along with Springsteen’s vocals, adding a touch of enchantment to some of the band’s most renowned songs like "Tenth Avenue Freezeout," "Born to Run," "Jungleland," and others.

“Besides being a physically big man, he has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met,” says Saddler. “He was family to so many people—you felt that way with him, you never felt like he was a celebrity,” he recalls.

Saddler considers himself the “ultimate fan,” and over the years the NJ native has worked with numerous rock legends, including Phil Lesh, Furthur, Elvis Costello, and others.

In the aftermath of Clemons’ passing, many Springsteen fans wonder if his shoes are literally too big to fill. When asked about his thoughts on the band’s future without their ”Big Brother,” Saddler reminds us that E-Street persevered after losing bandmate Danny Federici less than 3 years ago. 

“I doubt they’ll put their signature songs away forever,” he says. “Will they be re-imagined? No one can say for sure what will happen.”

You can see A.M. Saddler’s photo galleries and published work at www.amsaddler.com.