FULL INTERVIEW: Steven Van Zandt

[@adamlefton2670]

Steven Van Zandt actually is a really good guy. Back in June of 1996 I was working in NYC for McGraw-Hill and once a week I'd take a late lunch at a mexican place called Rosa's (just off the corner of 48th and 8th, but now sadly out of business). It was about 2 or 3 in the afternoon, the place was emptly except for two guys sitting at a table on the opposite side of the room. Steven was easily recognizable (wearing that rag he wears on his head), and I asked my waitress to tske my menu over to Steven and ask for an autograph and to let him know that I'd be happy to pick up the lunch tab for him and his friend. The waitress went over, spoke to Stephen (I couldn't hear because of the distance) and then she came back over to me, menu still in hand. I thought to myself, ok Adam you just embarassed yourself and you didn't even get an autograph. The waitress told me "Mr. VanZandt says that if you want an autograph come over to his table and ask him yourself." Now I felt really embarassed, but I see Steven looking in my direction and figure I'd better get this over with. So I approach the table, introduce myself, and after a minute or two of conversation Steven has me sit down at his table, buys me lunch, introduces me to the guy he's with (his lawyer) and then excitedly tells me that he's about to sign a contract to do a tv show but can't give me the details because he's not allowed to talk about it yet. That show was The Sopranos. What a super nice guy, He deserves every success that comes his way. And yes, when I left the restaurant it was with a signed menu.

[@TheSiscoKid2112]

That's an awesome story, except for one thing that doesn't make sense. If it was in 2009, wouldn't that show have been Liliehammer?

[@adamlefton2670]

+The Cisco Kid I definitely got the date wrong. I had a friend who worked in the accounting department at NBC, and she got me tickets to the second night of the Conan OBrien's first week on Late Night. That was just a few weeks before I ran into Steven, and I remember that because I was able to have a conversation with Max Weinberg right after the taping (Conan's band leader and EStreet drummer) and I was able to tell Steven about that conversation. Was pretty cool (and very luck timing) because Steven hadn't seen Max in quite a while but I was able to relay info from my conversation. Thanks for pointing out that I got the date wrong. I did some research on Wiki and it must have been 1993, which makes sense because I was working for McGraw Hill at the time and I worked for MH from 1985 to 1996, Conan took over Late Night in 1993, and the Sopranos first aired in 1996 (I guess there was a 3 year lag time between when contracts were signed, filming started and HBO aired the first episode). I just edited the original post to correct the date. Thanks again.

[@TheSiscoKid2112]

Adam Lefton Sure, man. That was actually a pretty interesting story.

[@adamlefton2670]

I've had a few lucky run-ins with recognizable folks, but that one of my better encounters. Here's another: In March of 2009, my girfriend Margaret and I went to New York to see Bill Maher debater Ann Coulter at Radio City Music Hall. We attended the meet and greet, which was really a pre-show cocktail reception with a few dozen folks who also paid extra for a photo op with Bill and Ann. We were in a gigantic room inside Radio City having a glass of wine, when I saw Ann and Bill way over in a corner of the room all alone. I took Margaret by the hand and said "let's go over and I'll intorduce you to Bill and Ann." Margaret replied "but you don't know them, do you?" and I responded "never met them but I can still introduce you." We walk up to Bill and Ann, who see us coming. The stop their conversation, look at us, and wait for me to speak. I say "I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation, But I told Margaret I'd introduce her to you. Margaret Skupa, this is Ann Coulter and ..." I stop mid sentence and turn to Margaret and, with a disappointed look on my face, say "hey, I thought you said we were going to see Jon Stuart" Bill Maher fakes a look of shock, then starts laughing so hard he's just about doubling over. Ann is laughing hard too, and moves from Bill's side over to me, gives me a huge hug and still laughing whispers into my ear "that was soooo funny". Spending time with Steven Van Zandt was way cooler, and I'm still awed by his ability to remain approachable, but making Bill Maher genuinely laugh out loud did feel pretty good.

[@monya7]

+Adam Lefton, I love hearing stories of people I admire being nice humans. I met Steven, long ago, it was probably around '80. I was working at the Meadowlands Racetrack and he was dining there, and I guess, playing the horses. The buzz went 'round the room that he was there and I got a chance to approach his table and talk with him. I had seen Bruce & the E Street Band in '76 and the rhythm they put on She's the One had always stayed with me. I had little to talk to him about so I asked if they still did it that way? He said, Oh, you mean with the Bo Diddley beat? Yeah, we do. I still have the paper doily he signed, Love & Horseflesh, Miami Steve Van Zandt. Yeah, I guess I have a crush on a brilliant lover of rock & r'nb, who can play music and act too. Don't care that he's 64 now ;-)

[@tickedoffsheikh8587]

Respect to a humble human being... that's his demeanor all these years.

[@opelmattis]

An amazing man, with a large repertoire, and interest in in many important matters. A model that we all should look up to and follow the example and speak out together, what we think about important societies, issues, throughout the world, and each one try to contribute for a better world together.

[@anthonygallo3576]

I met him a few times in grennwich village in NYC. I had the old men without women CD with me i saw him sitting in his care waiting for his wife whonwas shopping. ,I showed him the disk and be says , dude , this is 20 years old , why in the world are u carrying in with you!!!!! Be was happy to sign it . We chatted on a few other occasions . Down to earth guy

[@alastaircarthew4786]

This guy is so talented with a social conscious to boot. Fantastic person.

[@ziblot1235]

Oh yeah South Afrika is doing so great now that they got rid of those Boers. You can have 11 hours of electricity a day. Highest murder rate in the world. The blacks are wishing Apartheid would come back. At least there was law and order. They were citizens of a 1st wolrd country. Now they are 2nd class people in a 3rd world countr. Stenen should stick to what he knows, because politoally he is naive. Lillyhammer, damn, ist that a pure white country? Why didnt he go to Zimbabwe.Anyway, I saw you in STeel Mill. But you are a better actor. Nils can handle it.

[@robbalink]

Lillyhammer was my favorite show. Bring it back baby!

[@typicalgamer5560]

robyn jones facts

[@briangallacher6475]

Its on netflix again

[@ronhicks5818]

I just started it, I hope it doesn't end abruptly. I didn't research it, I was afraid of spoiling it.

[@wlodell]

Thank you Mr. Van Zandt. We are proud of your work as a musician and as an actor!

[@TraversyMedia]

Watching lillyhammer now. Watched the sopranos twice. This guy is the best. He has the same demeanor as in the shows funny and charismatic, just not an asshole lol

[@catfishvega3728]

Loved the interview. And the thing he said about the differences in bands (family oriented, communal) and pop stars (self-oriented, single) was spot on. I had never realized it before Little Steve said it.

[@Doreana48501]

Steven thankyou for all you've done to help the world. You gave it your all so just know that You did make a difference and I sure wish we had more like you.

[@zoomdaddyo]

Steven Van Zandt is *SO* authentic, honest and straight up. I love him! HE GAVE MORE MEANING TO THE *"BORN IN THE USA"* ALBUM THAN HE WILL EVER KNOW! He fired me up politically in a way I had never been before. Thanks Steven!

[@GoMarkz]

Steven has a kind of charisma that really empathizes with me, he is a great actor, musician and human...

[@karenjohnson576]

Steven Van Zandt is from my hometown of Middletown, New Jersey. I remember those bands in the garage he lived up the street from my cousin. He came to my cousins house to play in their garage it was a great experience . My cousin and I were kids listening to this. It was great.

[@PaulRademaker]

Big fan of the legendary Steven Van Zandt. He is awesome!!

[@BarbButler]

So awesome...I think I've watched it 4 times now...Steven is so down to earth...

[@charlesm6912]

huh, I never put two and two together. Another words I had no idea. You're awesome, Steve!!

[@mickeymousebiker1]

Stevie -- thanks for keeping the true '60s sound alive.

[@MyMREDDIE]

He seems like a Really warm and genuine guy.

[@arkansaswookie]

Steven exudes cool. His show Lilyhammer is great.

[@adelarsen9776]

Lillehammer is my kind of town..... :-)

[@lindawhisler4485]

You're a good man Stevie Van Zandt....Loved Lillyhammer.....And I've watched it about 3 times now.....Hope there is a 4th season

[@brownpunk1794]

Such a modest humble and talented dude..so much love for him..long live silvio

[@philipdenoncourt106]

Thank you for sharing Steve, U rock baby...keep tell in' it for real man...Luv U!

[@LekkerRandom]

Lillyhammer is the first next netflix series that I’ve watch for like 6 times. It can’t get out of my mind

[@Michael-ih2hl]

He seems like the most good natured person.

[@fowleheidi482]

Love Steven Van Zandt, from E St . lil Stevie, to Sun City!!!!!!!!!!! Solo albums, Sopranos, and and as a beautiful human being! Lillehammer is great !

[@mariavalverdeboutilier7370]

Love ❤️ him.

[@jtmichaelson]

Love Stevie. I see Bruce and band and he's Silvio. I re-watch Sopranos, it's Little Steven. I listen and watch the Disciples stuff, he's Miami Steve. Greatest rock moment for me was on Fallon he and Bruce doing that version of "Because The Night". Greatest TV moment was easily, "They pull me back in".

[@brucecall1595]

The two part harmony in prove it all night is phenomenal as well. Voices blend best of all the e. Street band members.

[@MrRazorblade999]

I would love to have a drink with this guy. Just imagine all the stories he could tell.

[@dirkbogarde44]

Great interview by both interviewer and Stevie. Very enjoyable.

[@sheikhabrahim3463]

...from what I just saw here i must say Steven Van Zandt is a real down to earth chap. I felt bad for him that he'd left the E Street Band just before the height of the Born In The USA album success. Was he duly compensated for his work done on the album and thereafter? I would really wish to meet him in person. He is indeed an accomplished artist....and has more to achieve. Nuff respect from a Guyanese fan.

[@patrickcash7181]

I wonder how proud you are now of the ANC & how it's treating all the people of South Africa in 2017?????

[@chrisxavier3147]

What a gem, I miss this show

[@karenstrycharz1499]

I so love your music, your personality & your acting ability! You are an amazing musician & so love watching your interaction with Bruce Springsteen! I can see quite plainly how much love and admiration there is between the two of you with your close friendship you have been sharing now for so many yrs! I also loved watching you and your wife on The Sopranos!! You are amazing musician and such an asset to The E Street Band! It “is” such an extraordinary band and you are all fun to watch! Loved this interview & wishing you the very best!

[@Pano526]

I love Steve van Zandt!

[@balerjohnson3099]

Always "Miami Steve" to me. What a gift on many levels...thanks man.

[@ericheine2414]

The lyrics to the song "I am A Patriot" were written by me and provided to Steven Van Zandt in 1982. Along with the lyrics provided for Bruce Springsteen for the album Born In The USA. In my spiral ring notebook that Bruce printed in 2010 entitled Making Of The Darkness On The Edge Of Town also included some lyrics that are on his album High Hopes released in 2014. The lyrics to "I am A Patriot" came from a trip I made with my family for Thanksgiving in 1973. We were hanging at the Blue Hole in Jamaica and we ran into Bob Marley and his brother. Bob had the Wailers first release on 8-track. He tried to sell it to me for $10. We already had it up at the house overlooking Port Antonio. He asked me what I thought about it. I said I don't think it'll sell. Bob asked me why? I replied because people want to hear The Rolling Stones. Bob looked at me and told me he was going to try anyway. I wished him good luck. Bob looked at me and he said "The river opens for the righteous" I repeated it back to him-"The river opens for the righteous?" Bob looked at me and said "Someday." The rest of the lyrics come from a conversation I had with Nevin Miller in Tiburon California. Some of the lyrics we're inspired by a movie entitled Born Free. Steven it's obviously Bruce and you have become very successful with the lyrics I provided the two of you. Please pay me the money you owe me for the lyrics. I wrote some of the songs on the album Darkness on the Edge Of Town. I wrote some of the songs on the album Born in the USA. And I wrote the lyrics to "Looking East" as performed by Jackson Browne that I provided to Jon Landau in 1981. Jackson Browne is aware of it and he's not happy about it. He'd come to my parent's home previously. The truth eventually outs. What Steven and Bruce did to me is probably one of the largest artistical abuse to ever have occurred. I was ten years younger and they took advantage of me. I met them when I was 15 years old working in a recording studio in Sonoma California. This is the story of older artists stocking a younger artist and ripping off my work. This is what my standing agreement with Bruce was in Bruce's words "I will take the songs and I will pay you if I use them depending on how good they are." Bruce wanted to be a rockstar. I wanted to be an an orthopedic surgeon. My parents wanted me away from drugs and rock and roll. The money they were supposed to have paid me would have helped me through medical school. They took my lyrics and they abandon me. Oh Steven came by in 1988 and gave me 8 tickets so I could go watch them work at the Amnesty International concert on September 23rd in 1988 but that's not really fair compensation. I had to pay for my own limousine. I hope this story gets out and people learn the truth. Sincerely Eric Heine Glen Ellen California.

[@theresemarie9569]

Well, that kind of sucks, Eric. I do hope this gets to then and they pay you. If they don't, chalk it up to tuition for the early education you received. I'm certain you've never been taken advantage of like that since. Did you ever become a doctor?

[@octoboss2443]

Bob Marley played just about every night of November in England 1973 so how did you meet him in Jamaica?

[@carlyscharactersliverpool5042]

i love him so much 😍😍😍

[@terimarkel1731]

Stevie IS THE COOLEST ❣️And, he is So socially conscious & All the things he does & even teachers, besides being a fantastic musician & actor ❣️Love Stevie’s style, too ❣️A True American Icon in SO Many ways, Love Underground Garage, too

[@TREDEGARtom3]

He's a good man and he has a lot to be proud of. Good human being.

[@soulfox619]

Amazing guy. Very inspiring.

[@ladylydia762]

The man of the hour. Steven Van Zandt

[@jwang9989]

I had no idea Silvio was a rock legend. He should've had a scene in Sopranos where he showed off his talents.

[@mobettatoon7098]

i always wanted to see that to just once pick up a guitar and go

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

It's hard to get used to him dressing like a bum after he was always dressing sharp on the Sopranos.

[@askjrvbjkrfbvhjbdjf]

Jimmy Darmody and the hair, i always see him with a bandana now...

[@TheSiscoKid2112]

If you watch the show you can notice random Bruce Springsteen references when Sil is in the scene.

[@markgray8065]

Jw4n9 Get out of here? You really didn't know who he was? When he started out in Sopranos! Why not?

[@jennifermudie3279]

Steven is such a sweet, humble guy who knows what he's talking about.

[@misaelperez9768]

I never miss his radio show on radio futuro here in Chile!! Cool music!! Never thought he was the guy next to springsteen on glory days! I was 12 then!!

[@TheBlueskyson]

New respect for Stevie! Good man.

[@Anandaunited]

He made me more sensitive and understanding of the issue as did Springsteen on a lot of issues. My career in some ways carries forth the ideas that Bruce and Steven shined a light on.

[@SteveDronzewski]

Lillyhammer is the best show I have seen in years! I don't care how much it cost Netflix should never have cancelled it!

[@brucelee9941]

Steve Dronzewski My favorite show, I used to look forward for new episodes, was a warm feeling watching it, I used to make my fire and snacks and watch it

[@KarlHamilton]

It's because Netflix got shafted by the Norwegian broadcaster.

[@brucelee9941]

I still watch it till this day, at night alone it's the best

[@stephanielayton433]

love Steven van Zandt

[@nicholascooper8843]

He is pretty cool guy.

[@stellathequeen97]

This man is a legend!!! Damn great!!

[@thesentinel5523]

Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in

[@nutt1674]

Love Little Stevie...

[@AlmostGinger95]

That's one good looking guy!

[@grannysan]

love your candor, man Thanks for keepin' on

[@charlesnorwich5932]

Seriously? 🤣🤣🤣

[@jaygee9337]

Steven Van Zandt, American Hero

[@DYNOBOMB1]

Great interview, thanks!

[@tobydean7097]

I love Miami Steve Van Zant!!! I can't wait to see his new show on Netflix!!!

[@markmaranta1979]

What a wonderful human being.

[@georgebrooks7809]

miss hearing the under ground garage,little steven was so Informative.

[@crimony3054]

His portrayal of Winston Churchill in "The King's Speech" was truly memorable.

[@leonlenix80]

Love his work

[@bigpun220]

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

[@planetcidemadness]

What a down to earth guy.

[@anelladambrosio2513]

Il nostro simpaticissimo Steve!!!😅😀😇🌟😍😍😘🎸🎸🎶💎♥️💋

[@marcojustino1]

Fantastic ...Mister Van Zandt - grande musico e artista!

[@joeymsmith7593]

Great interview. Strombo was the only person I could think of who could replace Jian on Q.

[@arkansaswookie]

For sure, and do a better job at it too.

[@crimsletons90]

George really is a great interviewer.

[@robertcubinelli4961]

Total respect for a great artist who is launching and promoting 100s of garage bands, many of which are sensational (see Cocktail Slippers....).

[@skatemobster]

Im so happy Sil woke up!!!

[@mickeymousebiker1]

Steven's Garage show is keeping a lot of obscure (and great) music alive. His Underground Garage showcases some great new bands, as well. He's a bit of alright.

[@StratsRUs]

I was 16 when Bitter Fruit came out and it is still a perfect song to me.

[@francinecalo]

what about Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes? no mention of them????/

[@tammierose-kirk4660]

Fran Calo No loyalty . fuk stinkystein

[@TheFpCassini]

Asbury *J*ukes, my friend

[@iloveamerica007]

i have to watch this....only because he's gonna be in it, and from what i saw in the sopranos, he a damn good actor

[@xxgamexxps3]

Legend! I love the lillyhammer serie he is awesome!!

[@garylochbaum5253]

Best thing ever on Netflix! Wish there were gonna be more but don’t look that’s gonna happen

[@garypoulter5216]

Steve is a great man and a even better musician, great person o talk too as well.

[@zorro3279]

I like him!

[@dermotgodfrey1454]

Such a charismatic nice guy!

[@skinmomz88]

love him love him love him so much talent OMG

[@americanbiker7568]

Greatest series I’ve ever seen on Netflix.

[@dontlookforme1999]

He is all of the above.

[@staceymarie6895]

I love Stevie Van Zandt

[@mataahkuoi9491]

I love this shirt. Love him and his style

[@hanschouwman4536]

Brilliant show and underrated

[@mrzog12]

He also has the BEST station on XM.

[@herefordmsv]

He is amazing. I can see totally why he got cast in Sopranos, its in his character!

[@brucecall1595]

Looks the most like a wiseguy.

[@dombrunelli5082]

Good man. Good musician

[@Cerceify4645]

Really enjoyed Lillihammer on Netflix

[@mobettatoon7098]

I love this guy...

[@valeriehildebrand9316]

Great interview!

[@michaelnorman3393]

Love Stevie!!

[@vanessamilonas5745]

What a lovely soul

[@sohy79]

Can someone please tell me what part of Bruce Springsteen's song is being played at 10:46? Please share complete URL of the song if possible. Thanks.

[@sohy79]

Found it, finally! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWGpaJ1vorulhZI (4:12)

[@dafalzonAUS]

I love his singing (miming) in the irishman

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Stevie! Stevie! Stevie! The man who made The Boss famous!

[@markkelly940]

Great guy, respect!

[@philippides]

I can't tell if it's better to find out that the soprano actor's accent is nothing like the character's accent....or if it's way more amazing to discover that they actually sort of do talk like that in real life.

[@kperez-wq3iy]

Thank you Steve for not playing in Sun City. I was a kid at the time, but I understood.

[@gangesexcavating]

This guy's great. Springsteen, Sopranos, and Sirius Underground Garage, how does it get better?

[@ianosborne188]

Stevie is a Cool Guy.. Humble... And GREAT MUSICIAN! Princess of Lil Italy.. Dear to My Heart♥️🌹... Sadly.. Apartied Is Alive And KICKIN In South Africa.. 🌍😱. Check out Farm Murders in Sth Afrika.. 😰 Never to Old To Learn.

[@HeitnerOneOne]

I fucking Loved that part...We actually kept watching that episode just for that!

[@vamtheanomaly]

0:05 only time Ive seen "Sil" smile!