Tune In, Turn On
While Bruce Springsteen is widely acknowledged as one of today’s biggest rock stars, “The Boss” has a pretty darn good second banana, if you will: “Miami” Steve Van Zandt, his primary lead guitarist in the E Street Band, where he’s been a fixture in the New Jersey band since 1975.
Van Zandt – like “The Boss” – still very active into his seventies (he’s 75) – will host the New Jersey debut of Malvado Maple Mezcal from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Given that it’s a free event, expect a huge crowd, so make sure to get there early.
Van Zandt and his company, Wicked Cool Spirits, has partnered with St. Johnsbury Distillery in Vermont and Malvado Maple couldn’t have picked a better ambassador.
Van Zandt rose to fame as a core member of the E Street Band, where he plays guitar and mandolin. He was instrumental in shaping the band’s signature sound and worked closely with Springsteen behind the scenes, even co-producing and arranging music. He also has his own group, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, blending rock, soul and R&B influences. His solo work often carries strong political and social messages.
Many will remember Van Zandt for his recurring role as Silvio Dante in the hit HBO series “The Sopranos” where he played a calm but ruthless mob consigliere. Despite having little prior film experience, Van Zandt’s acting in “The Sopranos” became iconic.
Van Zandt also hosts the popular Sirius XM radio show “Little Steven’s Underground Garage,” a syndicated program spotlighting garage rock and new artists. The show’s Coolest Song in the World segment shines a light each week on new and sometimes established garage rock acts, occasionally even highlighting a blues band now and then. The show also features conversations with artists and occasionally hosts a Battle of the Bands segment.
While he could be enjoying retirement, instead he is as active as ever doing more than people half his age. Van Zandt’s Grammy-nominated HBO film, “Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple,” was released in 2024.
In 2021, he wrote and published his autobiography, “Unrequited Infatuations,” an honest and eye-opening read chronicling his life as a rock musician, songwriter, activist and actor.
The book also discusses in depth, Miami Steve’s decision to briefly depart from the E Street Band and pursue a solo career, which the musician refers to wryly as the “Seven Years in the Desert” phase of his career. The book also details Van Zandt’s passionate work as a political activist in the ’80s, especially his efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. His 1985 record, “Sun City,” is credited with playing a big part in breaking down the South African apartheid movement.
On a completely different note…ever wonder why Van Zandt is never seen in public without a colorful bandana wrapped around his head? It’s to cover permanent scarring and hair loss from a serious car accident when he was young, in which his head went through a windshield. The look started in the 1970s as a way to hide his injuries, but it eventually became his signature style and a personal brand.
In his autobiography, Van Zandt also mentions that his first guitar was an acoustic belonging to his grandfather.
“I took one lesson, and they start to teach you the notes. I don’t care about the notes,” Van Zandt told Premier Guitar in a 2025 interview. “There was no concept of rock ‘n’ roll lessons. School of Rock wouldn’t exist for another 30 years. So, you had to go to school yourself.”
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
