After months of speculation, now we know: Bruce Springsteen will tour with not one, but two saxophonists on his upcoming Wrecking Ball tour. And while the Big Man, Clarence Clemons, can never truly be replaced, Springsteen needs sax. What warms my heart, as a fan, is that one of the sax players he's hired is Clarence's nephew, Jake Clemons.

Personally, I think this is an excellent decision (not that The Boss asked me, but still). Having two sax players, including Jake Clemons and veteran saxophonist Eddie Manion, is a great idea.Bruce Springteen made it official earlier today, announcing on his official website that Jake Clemons and Eddie Manion will split time on sax during the Wrecking Ball tour (which starts on March 18 in Atlanta at Phillips Arena). Not only that, but the lineup also includes a horn section, featuring (among others) brilliant and super talented Curt Ramm on trumpet. I had the pleasure of seeing Ramm several times with Bruce on the last tour, and he is fantastic. Definitely adds a lot to many of the songs.

If the name Eddie "Kingfish" Manion sounds vaguely familiar, it should: He's been with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes for ages. He also toured with Bruce on the Seeger Sessions tour. I really don't think Bruce can go wrong with this one-two sax punch. I've always hoped Ed would be The One, but the addition of Clarence's nephew pulls at my heartstrings. He's certainly talented enough, and I have no doubt he'll get into the E Street Band groove quickly.

Here's Jake playing sax on Bruce's iconic song "Drive All Night":

Gorgeous. I'm thrilled that Jake has this opportunity.

I'm also really excited that singers Cindy Mizelle and Curtis King are back for the Wrecking Ball tour, too. I saw Cindy last summer on the Steely Dan Shuffle Diplomacy tour, and she always brings it. Great choices, again, Bruce!

I have tickets for the FIRST official show of the tour in Atlanta next month. To say I'm counting the hours is an understatement. If it's possible, I'm even more excited about the Wrecking Ball Springsteen tour now. Tick, tock....