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Stevie Van Zandt's career is worthy of many volumes. But he has just finished writing his first book. Van Zandt, 70 years old, was finally able to record his amazing journey as a producer, songwriter and radio host.
Van Zandt (aka Little Stevie), began his career as a teenager in New Jersey's music industry. He met Bruce Springsteen, a young musician.
Van Zandt took time off to tour to write Unrequited Infatuations. It was published in September.
Next Avenue spoke to Van Zandt regarding his many facets of career.
Next Avenue: Actor, musician, producer...The list goes on. How did you manage to achieve so much?
Stevie Van Zandt says: Being an artist is a lucky thing when you have an audience. With The E Street Band, I was lucky. Then, I was doubly fortunate that the audience didn't know me as a musician but they were open to me acting [as a gangster] on The Sopranos or Lilyhammer.
Despite this, I have never been able to find an audience for some of my personal work. That is why the title of the book, Unrequited Infatuations. Sometimes, the things you love don't love you back. But I don't take my successes for granted.
Van Zandt (left) and James Gandolfini (right) in the first season. HBO/Everett Collection
You left The E Street Band in the 80s. Do you regret leaving The E Street Band in the early 80s?
It felt like my entire life had ended. I was starting over after 15 years of being in the band. I had no idea what I was doing. Yet, I was able to achieve so many wonderful things from that decision.
In my 30s I was an actor, and in my 40s an artist. Finding a way forward was what allowed me to achieve so much. After disappointment, I learned that sometimes life surprises me and that it is what you do next that matters.
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You became an activist as well [Van Zandt founded Actors United Against Apartheid (Actors United Against Apartheid) in 1985]. What made you want to speak up?
In the 1980s, there was a lot going on that was very secretive. It was clear to me that if I had the microphone, it was my duty to speak up. Celebrities should use their fame and influence to make a difference. That is what I believe. It is important to talk about the issues, even the most frightening ones, and to make it part of your business to help wherever possible.
You have always shared your expertise to assist other artists throughout your career. Why not show your generosity in a business that is often difficult?
My birth father was unknown to me, and that can cause problems. My grandparents and my mother gave me so much love. I felt safe and knew there was always room for everyone.
I never wanted to be in the spotlight. I enjoyed being behind the scenes, whether as a producer or a writer. I was not interested in being a solo artist. I'm a family man and a band is a group. It's friendship, communication, and it's me. When you work together, anything can become something amazing.
This connection should make losses (E Street band members Danny Federici, Clarence Clemons both died) especially difficult. How can you keep the band going,
My method is to deny (laughs). Denial is your enemy when you're young. But as you age, it becomes a useful tool. I don't have a sense of time. Friends I have not spoken to for five to ten years are there, and we continue where we left off. I pretend that I haven't seen them [Federici & Clemons] for a while, and they are still there.
Sometimes I have conversations and sometimes we talk. They will not be replaced, but we can keep going because the music transcends all of us. It's a different E Street Band but it will continue as long as Bruce and Im are there. Van Zandt was a member of the band in 1999 and 1995.
Music can transport people back in time. Many people listen to it. Are you thinking that way?
I don't look back, and I'm not nostalgic. Every day is 1967 to me. That was a magical time that I will never forget. It was the summer that brought me to love. I love the whole psychedelic experience. But I'm not stuck in the past. I'm creating new things using a portion of these traditions. It all connects.
I don't live in the past but I don't let it go either. It flows into the future.
You write about a conversation you had with Bruce. It was about how songs help people understand their lives. Could you please explain?
Music is an easy art form. The right song can convey a message and help listeners better understand their lives in three minutes. Music, particularly rock music, is one of the most effective communicators that we have.
TeachRock.org is an arts integration curriculum that focuses on the history and music of rock n roll. It can make a difference in the world. Schools must shift their focus from STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) to STEAM(Science Technology Engineering and Arts and Math). The arts should be included in the curriculum and not as an after-school activity. It is not enough to tell children what to think. They need to learn how to think. Music is the power that transforms us all. It can make us think, and transform us.
Your wife Maureen and you have been married 40 years. What's the secret to your success?
It's great to be on the road. (laughs). I think it is possible to be together while traveling. Each partner has their own identity and lives a different life. You can grow and learn on your own, while still being able to share in each other's pain. You can also be together for a new experience and complement one another.
Steve Van Zandt with Maureen Van Zandt his wife of 40-years, February 2020 Everett Collection
When you were in your 60s, the E Street Band last performed in 2016. What was it like in your 20s?
We used to perform 4-hour shows with an interval, but now we can do 3.5 hours straight. Songs are probably at a faster tempo than they were in years past. The best part is that there is no pressure.
The first fifteen years of the band were filled with worry. We couldn't help but wonder if we would make it. We no longer worry about that. It is possible to enjoy playing and performing music.
Do you want to age gracefully?
Although I'm slowing down, it is still enough to keep me at a normal pace for most people. I become more productive as I age. Because I still want so much to accomplish, I'm in a rush.
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These past three years, despite the quarantine and pandemic, have been my most productive. I've been very busy writing the book as well as with my bands, Soulfire and Summer of Sorcery. I have scripts that I am interested in returning to television. Bruce is my first priority. I'm there if he wants to tour.
Also, there are no retirement plans.
Retirement? No, I don't even go on vacations. I tried it once, in 1978. It wasn't something I liked. I love to work, so I will go anywhere. It's my passion to be on stage with the band.
Randi Mazzella works as a freelance writer. Her topics range from parenting to pop culture and life after 50. She lives in New Jersey with her son, husband, and three children. You can find more of her work at randimazzella.com.
This article was reprinted with permission from NextAvenue.org, Inc. 2021 Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
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