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Flechazos y rechazos: La odisea de un consigliere del rock and roll
An epic tale of self-discovery by a self-confessed Rock n Roll disciple
What story begins in a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early '60s, unfolds on some of the country's largest stages, and then ranges across the globe, demonstrating over and over again how Rock and Roll has the power to change the world for the better? This story.
The first true heartbeat of UNREQUITED INFATUATIONS is the moment when Stevie Van Zandt trades in his devotion to the Baptist religion for an obsession with Rock and Roll. Groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones created new ideas of community, creative risk, and principled rebellion. They changed him forever. While still a teenager, he met Bruce Springsteen, a like-minded outcast/true believer who became one of his most important friends and bandmates. As Miami Steve, Van Zandt anchored the E Street Band as they conquered the Rock and Roll world.
And then, in the early '80s, Van Zandt stepped away from E Street to embark on his own odyssey. He refashioned himself as Little Steven, a political songwriter and performer, fell in love with Maureen Santoro who greatly expanded his artistic palette, and visited the world’s hot spots as an artist/journalist to not just better understand them, but to help change them. Most famously, he masterminded the recording of “Sun City,” an anti-apartheid anthem that sped the demise of South Africa’s institutionalized racism and helped get Nelson Mandela out of prison.
By the '90s, Van Zandt had lived at least two lives—one as a mainstream rocker, one as a hardcore activist. It was time for a third. David Chase invited Van Zandt to be a part of his new television show, the Sopranos—as Silvio Dante, he was the unconditionally loyal consiglieri who sat at the right hand of Tony Soprano (a relationship that oddly mirrored his real-life relationship with Bruce Springsteen).
Underlying all of Van Zandt's various incarnations was a devotion to preserving the centrality of the arts, especially the endangered species of Rock. In the twenty-first century, Van Zandt founded a groundbreaking radio show (Underground Garage), a fiercely independent record label (Wicked Cool), and developed a curriculum to teach students of all ages through the medium of music history. He also rejoined the E Street Band for what has now been a twenty-year victory lap.
UNREQUITED INFATUATIONS chronicles the twists and turns of Stevie Van Zandt’s always surprising life. It is more than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker, and more than a master class in rock and roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts). It's the best book of its kind because it's the only book of its kind.
What story begins in a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early '60s, unfolds on some of the country's largest stages, and then ranges across the globe, demonstrating over and over again how Rock and Roll has the power to change the world for the better? This story.
The first true heartbeat of UNREQUITED INFATUATIONS is the moment when Stevie Van Zandt trades in his devotion to the Baptist religion for an obsession with Rock and Roll. Groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones created new ideas of community, creative risk, and principled rebellion. They changed him forever. While still a teenager, he met Bruce Springsteen, a like-minded outcast/true believer who became one of his most important friends and bandmates. As Miami Steve, Van Zandt anchored the E Street Band as they conquered the Rock and Roll world.
And then, in the early '80s, Van Zandt stepped away from E Street to embark on his own odyssey. He refashioned himself as Little Steven, a political songwriter and performer, fell in love with Maureen Santoro who greatly expanded his artistic palette, and visited the world’s hot spots as an artist/journalist to not just better understand them, but to help change them. Most famously, he masterminded the recording of “Sun City,” an anti-apartheid anthem that sped the demise of South Africa’s institutionalized racism and helped get Nelson Mandela out of prison.
By the '90s, Van Zandt had lived at least two lives—one as a mainstream rocker, one as a hardcore activist. It was time for a third. David Chase invited Van Zandt to be a part of his new television show, the Sopranos—as Silvio Dante, he was the unconditionally loyal consiglieri who sat at the right hand of Tony Soprano (a relationship that oddly mirrored his real-life relationship with Bruce Springsteen).
Underlying all of Van Zandt's various incarnations was a devotion to preserving the centrality of the arts, especially the endangered species of Rock. In the twenty-first century, Van Zandt founded a groundbreaking radio show (Underground Garage), a fiercely independent record label (Wicked Cool), and developed a curriculum to teach students of all ages through the medium of music history. He also rejoined the E Street Band for what has now been a twenty-year victory lap.
UNREQUITED INFATUATIONS chronicles the twists and turns of Stevie Van Zandt’s always surprising life. It is more than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker, and more than a master class in rock and roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts). It's the best book of its kind because it's the only book of its kind.
551 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
March 19, 2023
Stevie Van Zandt has always been more than just Bruce Springsteen's sidekick. This man has been a comet of creative energy ever since he arrived on the scene. His memoir, "Unrequited Infatuations" takes us on a non-stop ride from the first page to the last. We soar up the ladder of rock stardom, the carefully considered solo statements, the film projects, the creation of his radio world, the musical productions for his idols, and his very significant political, educational and humanitarian work. Just summarizing has me wondering how this page turner was not multi-volumes long.
Stevie has no lack of self confidence and is blunt when naming names of the people he has been disappointed in, but this book is not a tell-all project and (thankfully) does not fall into the self-congratulatory exercise a lot of music bios do. We do get insights into his relationship with Springsteen, including the arguments and disagreements, but this is just part of a very rich artistic landscape covered. There is Sun City and The Sopranos, too! A very enlightening and enjoyable read.
Rate this 5 bandanas, 5 stars.
Thank you to Stevie Van Zandt, Hachette Books, and NetGalley for providing the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. #UnrequitedInfatuations #NetGalley
Stevie has no lack of self confidence and is blunt when naming names of the people he has been disappointed in, but this book is not a tell-all project and (thankfully) does not fall into the self-congratulatory exercise a lot of music bios do. We do get insights into his relationship with Springsteen, including the arguments and disagreements, but this is just part of a very rich artistic landscape covered. There is Sun City and The Sopranos, too! A very enlightening and enjoyable read.
Rate this 5 bandanas, 5 stars.
Thank you to Stevie Van Zandt, Hachette Books, and NetGalley for providing the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. #UnrequitedInfatuations #NetGalley
January 24, 2022
Van Zandt to Springsteen (circa 1999)
“I know you’re trying to be funny,” I said. “But it’s only funny if it’s not true! If it was a line from a Dave Van Ronk song, we’d all have a good laugh about it, right? Look, I’m sure it’s more than a little weird to be rich and famous after almost forty years of being poor and struggling, and I know you’re trying to come to grips with how that new reality fits with your working-class persona, but damn!
“Well,” he says, “in a certain way—an exaggerated way—I’m just being honest about my life.”
“Honest?” I was getting kind of worked up. “About YOUR life? I hate to tell you this, but nobody gives a fuck about YOUR life. Your gift, your job, your genius is telling people about THEIR lives! Helping them understand THEIR mostly fucked-up existence! Letting them know that you understand what they’re going through and that they are not alone.”
I am not a Bruce Springsteen fan, though I enjoy much of his music. Neither am I someone who wants to binge-watch The Sopranos. While aware of Van Zandt’s presence in both, I knew little about him and came to appreciate his stage presence and gifts while watching Lilyhammer, where he played Frank "The Fixer" Tagliano turned Giovanni Henriksen in witness protection in a place of his choosing, Lillehammer, Norway, because he enjoyed watching the winter Olympics when they were held there. The three seasons show how this guy comes to have an effect on the town and many of its inhabitants in ways unimaginable from the initial premise. So, having been gifted a copy of this book by a friend, I was not reluctant to dig in…and I am happy that I did.
One of the most interesting aspects of this memoir is how Van Zandt taps into his own empathy and accomplishes important things outside of his good fortune to have been part of Springsteen and the E Street Band.
The book opens, not with a recapitulation of how Little Stevie grew up and met Bruce, but with him lying down in the backseat of a motor vehicle with a blanket over him trying to get into Soweto. His efforts to mobilize opinion are front and center though there is plenty about Bruce, music and the larger entertainment industry.
There’s plenty of variety in this book, I often felt that we were going down a white-water stream of consciousness. Other times, it was as if we were sharing a glass and just letting the conversation meander where it went, skipping from one thing to another. I couldn’t read this this cover to cover over a short period of time. I didn’t even feel like finishing a chapter at a single sitting. Ranging from the political, to the technical aspects of recording music, to the personalities of plenty of people you have heard and thought about, this is a very interesting book.
4.5*
“I know you’re trying to be funny,” I said. “But it’s only funny if it’s not true! If it was a line from a Dave Van Ronk song, we’d all have a good laugh about it, right? Look, I’m sure it’s more than a little weird to be rich and famous after almost forty years of being poor and struggling, and I know you’re trying to come to grips with how that new reality fits with your working-class persona, but damn!
“Well,” he says, “in a certain way—an exaggerated way—I’m just being honest about my life.”
“Honest?” I was getting kind of worked up. “About YOUR life? I hate to tell you this, but nobody gives a fuck about YOUR life. Your gift, your job, your genius is telling people about THEIR lives! Helping them understand THEIR mostly fucked-up existence! Letting them know that you understand what they’re going through and that they are not alone.”
I am not a Bruce Springsteen fan, though I enjoy much of his music. Neither am I someone who wants to binge-watch The Sopranos. While aware of Van Zandt’s presence in both, I knew little about him and came to appreciate his stage presence and gifts while watching Lilyhammer, where he played Frank "The Fixer" Tagliano turned Giovanni Henriksen in witness protection in a place of his choosing, Lillehammer, Norway, because he enjoyed watching the winter Olympics when they were held there. The three seasons show how this guy comes to have an effect on the town and many of its inhabitants in ways unimaginable from the initial premise. So, having been gifted a copy of this book by a friend, I was not reluctant to dig in…and I am happy that I did.
One of the most interesting aspects of this memoir is how Van Zandt taps into his own empathy and accomplishes important things outside of his good fortune to have been part of Springsteen and the E Street Band.
The book opens, not with a recapitulation of how Little Stevie grew up and met Bruce, but with him lying down in the backseat of a motor vehicle with a blanket over him trying to get into Soweto. His efforts to mobilize opinion are front and center though there is plenty about Bruce, music and the larger entertainment industry.
There’s plenty of variety in this book, I often felt that we were going down a white-water stream of consciousness. Other times, it was as if we were sharing a glass and just letting the conversation meander where it went, skipping from one thing to another. I couldn’t read this this cover to cover over a short period of time. I didn’t even feel like finishing a chapter at a single sitting. Ranging from the political, to the technical aspects of recording music, to the personalities of plenty of people you have heard and thought about, this is a very interesting book.
4.5*
October 2, 2021
I’ve been attending Springsteen and the E Street Band concerts since 1975. I haven’t missed one tour.
I say this because I was looking forward to learn more about Steven and his relationships with the band members and some anecdotes from touring.
I got none of it. Steven writes about how he’s the greatest thing since sliced bread and if all these people didn’t shelve his records and ideas, they would have become major stars with monster hits.
He comes across as passive aggressive when it comes to his relationship with Bruce - he even mentions a “band leader and writer of most of the band’s songs” should give the other band members a percent of the publishing rights - “ it wouldn’t kill them”
He comes across as cocky and whiny. Most of the book is about his non-E Street Band endeavors.
Chapter after chapter he wants us to know all the things he’s done but never got the credit for…
He even goes as far as saying that if he hadn’t quit the band at the time he did, maybe Bruce doesn’t marry Patti and never has his three beautiful children.
He even complains that because he wasn’t making any big money since he quit the band, he couldn’t afford to have children- I kid you not!
Did you know Steven was responsible for apartheid ending in South Africa possibly 10 years earlier due his Sun City record? Wow - what an ego!
I did find his stories of meeting revolutionaries interesting as well as some of the sopranos and Lilyhammer back round interesting as well.
Other sections on the various bands that defined each decade were educational. And I do applaud his work to get art and music integrated into multiple curriculum in schools.
Overall, this is a guy who wants us to know he’s as talented, if not more so than Mr. Springsteen - who casts a large shadow over him.
Little Steven, you're not Bruce Springsteen and never will be…
I say this because I was looking forward to learn more about Steven and his relationships with the band members and some anecdotes from touring.
I got none of it. Steven writes about how he’s the greatest thing since sliced bread and if all these people didn’t shelve his records and ideas, they would have become major stars with monster hits.
He comes across as passive aggressive when it comes to his relationship with Bruce - he even mentions a “band leader and writer of most of the band’s songs” should give the other band members a percent of the publishing rights - “ it wouldn’t kill them”
He comes across as cocky and whiny. Most of the book is about his non-E Street Band endeavors.
Chapter after chapter he wants us to know all the things he’s done but never got the credit for…
He even goes as far as saying that if he hadn’t quit the band at the time he did, maybe Bruce doesn’t marry Patti and never has his three beautiful children.
He even complains that because he wasn’t making any big money since he quit the band, he couldn’t afford to have children- I kid you not!
Did you know Steven was responsible for apartheid ending in South Africa possibly 10 years earlier due his Sun City record? Wow - what an ego!
I did find his stories of meeting revolutionaries interesting as well as some of the sopranos and Lilyhammer back round interesting as well.
Other sections on the various bands that defined each decade were educational. And I do applaud his work to get art and music integrated into multiple curriculum in schools.
Overall, this is a guy who wants us to know he’s as talented, if not more so than Mr. Springsteen - who casts a large shadow over him.
Little Steven, you're not Bruce Springsteen and never will be…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2021
Unrequited Infatuations: A Memoir
By Stevie Van Zandt
Highly disappointing-
I had such high expectations for this story. Clearly, someone who was in the E Street Band, the Sopranos, Lilyhammer, and who was a long-time friend of Bruce Springsteen’s would have fascinating stories to tell?
SVZ does, only his storytelling methodology didn’t sit well with me. I found the book filled with digressions and rambling statements and quite frankly too lengthy. Often, I found it hard to follow since he weaves in and out of subjects. Maybe because he decided to leave Bruce and the E street band and become a “political rock artist”, he felt he was so special? After all, he played a part in ending apartheid in South Africa and Nelson Mandela had to ask him what to say before he got to an NYC fundraiser that SVZ helped put together.
Throughout the book, he uses every opportunity to put people down and point out how talented and street smart he is and doesn’t hold back on using profanity. “Sol Kerzner, the main owner of Sun City made the mistake of challenging me on the Phil Donahue Show, spewing the usual bullshit apartheid talking points. I squashed him like the cockroach he was.” Wow, no holding back there!
I wouldn’t deny the fact that throughout his life’s journey, he has met and known riveting, influential people and clearly did take on political agendas and help further children’s education on music. But, with all the negative things going on in the world at this time, do we really need to read an egotistical memoir by some aging rocker? His story had so much potential….
By Stevie Van Zandt
Highly disappointing-
I had such high expectations for this story. Clearly, someone who was in the E Street Band, the Sopranos, Lilyhammer, and who was a long-time friend of Bruce Springsteen’s would have fascinating stories to tell?
SVZ does, only his storytelling methodology didn’t sit well with me. I found the book filled with digressions and rambling statements and quite frankly too lengthy. Often, I found it hard to follow since he weaves in and out of subjects. Maybe because he decided to leave Bruce and the E street band and become a “political rock artist”, he felt he was so special? After all, he played a part in ending apartheid in South Africa and Nelson Mandela had to ask him what to say before he got to an NYC fundraiser that SVZ helped put together.
Throughout the book, he uses every opportunity to put people down and point out how talented and street smart he is and doesn’t hold back on using profanity. “Sol Kerzner, the main owner of Sun City made the mistake of challenging me on the Phil Donahue Show, spewing the usual bullshit apartheid talking points. I squashed him like the cockroach he was.” Wow, no holding back there!
I wouldn’t deny the fact that throughout his life’s journey, he has met and known riveting, influential people and clearly did take on political agendas and help further children’s education on music. But, with all the negative things going on in the world at this time, do we really need to read an egotistical memoir by some aging rocker? His story had so much potential….
December 10, 2021
375 pages of name dropping, complaining about missed opportunities, and how Van Zandt profoundly changed the world.
The name dropping is ceaseless. You can pretty much select any page at random and start making hash marks. By and large Van Zandt laundry-lists every luminary he has ever known and how he impacted all their endeavors; he carps ad nauseam when he does not get credit for what he perceives as his invaluable contributions. Some complaints, such as supposedly having inspired Prince's wardrobe decisions, are beyond petty.
Artists who do not give him his perceived due are characterized as assholes. Zappa is not around to respond. Paul Simon is, so Van Zandt was careful enough to indicate that Simon denied saying some of the things Van Zandt attributed to him. Billy Joel was also given short shrift. These are three musical giants. I wonder if there is professional jealousy at play here.
Van Zandt is no Harry Truman. When his work is ignored, there is always some external reason -- corporate control of media, dj's without any independence, world events, etc. The buck never, ever stops with Van Zandt. "Nobody heard it" and "Nobody saw it" were common refrains; one shot for every time those phrases appeared and you've got yourself a literary drinking game.
There is a difference between a memoir and a biography. The former is highly subjective; the latter is annotated. This is a memoir; the reader must determine if Van Zandt's personal account about his activities on the world's political stage are credible. I suspect the claims were overstated and, frankly, I was not moved enough by this book to do external research to confirm one way or the other.
At the end of the day, this book was about self-validation. I think Van Zandt feels he has not gotten his due (despite numerous protestations to the contrary) and this book was his opportunity to right the "wrongs".
The name dropping is ceaseless. You can pretty much select any page at random and start making hash marks. By and large Van Zandt laundry-lists every luminary he has ever known and how he impacted all their endeavors; he carps ad nauseam when he does not get credit for what he perceives as his invaluable contributions. Some complaints, such as supposedly having inspired Prince's wardrobe decisions, are beyond petty.
Artists who do not give him his perceived due are characterized as assholes. Zappa is not around to respond. Paul Simon is, so Van Zandt was careful enough to indicate that Simon denied saying some of the things Van Zandt attributed to him. Billy Joel was also given short shrift. These are three musical giants. I wonder if there is professional jealousy at play here.
Van Zandt is no Harry Truman. When his work is ignored, there is always some external reason -- corporate control of media, dj's without any independence, world events, etc. The buck never, ever stops with Van Zandt. "Nobody heard it" and "Nobody saw it" were common refrains; one shot for every time those phrases appeared and you've got yourself a literary drinking game.
There is a difference between a memoir and a biography. The former is highly subjective; the latter is annotated. This is a memoir; the reader must determine if Van Zandt's personal account about his activities on the world's political stage are credible. I suspect the claims were overstated and, frankly, I was not moved enough by this book to do external research to confirm one way or the other.
At the end of the day, this book was about self-validation. I think Van Zandt feels he has not gotten his due (despite numerous protestations to the contrary) and this book was his opportunity to right the "wrongs".
August 28, 2021
Music memoirs are a dime a dozen but Stevie Van Zandt’s new entry, #Unrequited Infatuations, is worth a million bucks. for, if nothing else, a glimpse of his raw enthusiasm. Van Zandt, first known as Bruce Springsteen’s Underboss Guitarist in The E Street Band, tells his tales of life in the music business, life as an actor, and life as a renowned activist with refreshing candor and honesty. But more than anything his true love of the music from the 50’s and 60’s shines through as we are given an insider’s view of this music, yesterday, today and tomorrow. The book had particular relevance for me because Van Zandt and I are roughly the same age and new music was tantamount to both our lives, but where he pursued it by being in a band, I couldn’t hold a beat if my life depended on it and therefore was co-owner of Toledo’s only independent record store from 1973 until 2004. Also , I was fortunate enough to attend TheE Street Band show in Akron 8/8/75 which I believe was the final show before their 5 night New York Bottom Line run, which is discussed in the book. And if his music stories weren’t enough, we’re treated to anecdotes about Stevie’s acting career ( The Sopranos, Lilyhammer ) and inside peaks of the many causes he gives his time and money to. And, the book is told with a charming swagger and bravado, which fits perfectly with the narrative of the tale. All in all, #Unrequited Infatuations is a splendid book and as a bonus, after reading it you’ll feel 20 years younger !
November 20, 2021
Wow, Stevie Van Zandt has led an interesting life and did a lot of things that I had no idea about! He comes off as a little arrogant and jaded in this, but he also comes across as thoughtful, wistful, and introspective at times. I greatly enjoyed this. The stuff with Bruce Springsteen was VERY superficial, and I get the impression that he has a complicated relationship with Bruce that he doesn't like talking about. Still, the stuff about his solo work, politics, and acting career were varied enough to keep me constantly interested. I wish there was a little bit more Sopranoes stuff, it seems like Stevie wanted to skim past the two things he's most well known for to highlight some other stuff he wishes he got credit for. Like for instance, helping Nelson Mandela get released.....by recording a song? I get what he was going for but maybe his self-importance got in the way here. I do recommend this memoir, though, if you like Van Zandt or like rock/actor memoirs!
October 27, 2021
This book was fun, informative and very well written. I didn’t know much about Little Stevie before I read this book other than he was a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. I know a lot about him now and appreciate and admire him as a musician, actor, activist and so much more, but mostly as a fine human being. Really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend. 👍
November 4, 2022
With such a rich well-rounded life, Stevie Van Zandt cannot be defied easily. Behind the role of consigliore of glorious leadman Springsteen, also to Tony Soprano, is a razor sharp brain and focussed intellect imbued with an accurate, encyclopedic memory for the history of rock music from its genesis and plans for keeping it alive, vital, accessible in many ways to all generations. Reading this gave me a deeper appreciation of his Norwegian series, Lilyhammer, especially the behind the scenes activity in its creation. Also nice to know Jo Nesbo is such a force in his country.
October 6, 2021
Some good tales in here. Will have to get the audiobook so Steven can read to me.
December 18, 2021
As a fan of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the Sopranos, Lilyhammer, the Asbury Jukes, the Disciples of Soul, and Little Steven's Underground Garage, there was little chance I would not enjoy this book. I know Steve Van Zandt longest as Bruce's sidekick -- his consiglieri -- and I also knew a little bit about his arranging genius. I knew about his political activism, his work in South Africa (Sun City), his Wicked Cool Records label, and producing Darlene Love. I was sad when he left the E Street Band in the 1980s and thrilled when he returned for the Reunion Tour in 1999 and all the tours that followed. And how could you not love him as Silvio Dante or Frankie "The Fixer" Tagliano!
But now I know how incredibly creative, hardworking, and smart Miami Steve is, as well as charmingly self-deprecating even if he can be grumpy. I loved learning the behind-the-scenes details about his various projects, the disappointments, the decisions he made (and why he made them). But what I came away with most is how incredibly generous and kind he is to just about everybody -- until they turn out to be egomaniacal jerks. Written in a conversational style, this memoir showcases all of Steve's various and diverse incarnations, which are tied together with the same underlying thread: his love for and dedication to preserving the centrality of the arts in our culture, and especially music. You don't have to be a fan of him in any of his various life roles to appreciate this memoir; it’s a love song to the Arts.
But now I know how incredibly creative, hardworking, and smart Miami Steve is, as well as charmingly self-deprecating even if he can be grumpy. I loved learning the behind-the-scenes details about his various projects, the disappointments, the decisions he made (and why he made them). But what I came away with most is how incredibly generous and kind he is to just about everybody -- until they turn out to be egomaniacal jerks. Written in a conversational style, this memoir showcases all of Steve's various and diverse incarnations, which are tied together with the same underlying thread: his love for and dedication to preserving the centrality of the arts in our culture, and especially music. You don't have to be a fan of him in any of his various life roles to appreciate this memoir; it’s a love song to the Arts.
November 15, 2021
Two and a half stars, rounding up.
I didn't really know much about Little Steven before I read his book. I knew he is a talented musician in a great band and a successful actor who has obviously lead an amazing life. Unfortunately, he's one of a few people whose memoirs made me like them less after I read them.
I was really looking forward to this one. I like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and I love reading rock memoirs. There are so many great partnerships in music - Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Lennon and McCartney, Elton John and Bernie Taupin. I was excited to read about his partnership with Bruce Springsteen, his music, his inspirations and as well as him successfully making the leap to acting. What I got was Little Steven's ego, and lots of it. He was apparently personally responsible for everything from Bruce's marriage and family to ending apartheid and diverting a nuclear war (No, really. I'm serious.) I know it's a memoir and it should be about him, but it was just so self-indulgent it became unbelievable and outright cringy after a while. I think the only thing Steven is infatuated with is himself.
Definitely, go ahead and read it if you're a fan, otherwise... meh.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hachette for the opportunity to read and review Unrequited Infatuations.
I didn't really know much about Little Steven before I read his book. I knew he is a talented musician in a great band and a successful actor who has obviously lead an amazing life. Unfortunately, he's one of a few people whose memoirs made me like them less after I read them.
I was really looking forward to this one. I like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and I love reading rock memoirs. There are so many great partnerships in music - Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Lennon and McCartney, Elton John and Bernie Taupin. I was excited to read about his partnership with Bruce Springsteen, his music, his inspirations and as well as him successfully making the leap to acting. What I got was Little Steven's ego, and lots of it. He was apparently personally responsible for everything from Bruce's marriage and family to ending apartheid and diverting a nuclear war (No, really. I'm serious.) I know it's a memoir and it should be about him, but it was just so self-indulgent it became unbelievable and outright cringy after a while. I think the only thing Steven is infatuated with is himself.
Definitely, go ahead and read it if you're a fan, otherwise... meh.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hachette for the opportunity to read and review Unrequited Infatuations.
January 12, 2022
Can you believe this guy?
November 8, 2021
What a fascinating life Stevie has had. This book is educational, funny, poignant, and vulgar (in the best way). A real page turner of an iconic, unique artist and man.
I'd have given it 5 stars but for two things:
- Stevie's influence both musically and politicially is well-documented and important, but you'd think every good thing that happened in Springsteen's career was down to SVZ and that Mandela only made it out of prison cos of SVZ!
- You can teach girls martial arts all you want, Stevie, it won't stop rape. That bit pissed me off.
4/5.
I'd have given it 5 stars but for two things:
- Stevie's influence both musically and politicially is well-documented and important, but you'd think every good thing that happened in Springsteen's career was down to SVZ and that Mandela only made it out of prison cos of SVZ!
- You can teach girls martial arts all you want, Stevie, it won't stop rape. That bit pissed me off.
4/5.
abandon
August 8, 2022I love Little Steven's Underground Garage on SiriusXM, but at 100 pages into this memoir, it turns out I really only like him in 1 minute chunks with several songs in-between. I may try again at another time.... but probably not.
September 23, 2024
Absolutely fantastic memoir.
November 4, 2021
Unrequited Infatuations may be the first rock memoir to include a complete nine-point presidential agenda. (Item four: “become a democracy.”) If that seems ambitious, Van Zandt has learned over the course of a half-century career not to rule anything out. Who could have guessed that a kid from New Jersey would become a bona fide rock star, be recruited to star in one of the most influential shows in television history, invent two genres of music, turn Netflix into an entertainment giant, and free Nelson Mandela?
Okay, Van Zandt doesn’t take complete credit for either of the latter two accomplishments, but he proudly points out that his show Lilyhammer was the first Netflix exclusive, paving the way for Stranger Things and Bridgerton - not to mention The Irishman, which featured Van Zandt in a cameo role as crooner Jerry Vale. As for Mandela, well, it’s fair to say Van Zandt helped to fuel the fires of freedom. But who got the photo with the towering icon? “A little guy with a big shit-eating grin.”
Yes, that would be Paul Simon. I reviewed Unrequited Infatuations for The Current.
Okay, Van Zandt doesn’t take complete credit for either of the latter two accomplishments, but he proudly points out that his show Lilyhammer was the first Netflix exclusive, paving the way for Stranger Things and Bridgerton - not to mention The Irishman, which featured Van Zandt in a cameo role as crooner Jerry Vale. As for Mandela, well, it’s fair to say Van Zandt helped to fuel the fires of freedom. But who got the photo with the towering icon? “A little guy with a big shit-eating grin.”
Yes, that would be Paul Simon. I reviewed Unrequited Infatuations for The Current.
December 31, 2021
Van Zandt can frequently be a blow hard, and he often goes beyond his own areas of expertise. His career has some incredible highlights (Everything with Bruce Springsteen, Sun City, Sopranos). But you can't be expected to be especially interested in a lot of his "B" efforts -- and there are many of them. Still, his passion for 1960s rock music and his zeal for the musicians and our society and culture shines through. Along the way, he sheds a lot of insight into his close friend Bruce Springsteen, plus cameos with Dylan (funny!), McCartney, Billy Joel, James Gandolfini, Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love and more; he paints quite a picture of the 1950s Rock and Roll Revival circuit that I love; 1970s Las Vegas and the music business and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also takes unabashed credit for many big and small things he is not often associated with -- perhaps some of the boasts are true. And he slanders Paul Simon for no evident reason. Faults and all, I ended up liking him and liking his book.
October 11, 2021
This book has a credited editor, which I bring up only because I wonder how much different the unedited version could possibly have looked; this feels less written than transcribed (Pet peeve of mine: when authors, not in dialogue, leave conversational tics in, such as "Now, you may be wondering..." or "Oh, by the way...") Maybe the audiobook is the preferred way to experience SVZ's tale, because prose-wise, it's tough sledding.*
*Candidly, I had the same problem with Springsteen's memoir, which also felt transcribed at times. Probably why the Broadway show he adapted from his book was so good.
*Candidly, I had the same problem with Springsteen's memoir, which also felt transcribed at times. Probably why the Broadway show he adapted from his book was so good.
May 26, 2022
I’ve known of Stevie Van Zandt as a member of the Estreet band with Bruce Springsteen and also from
The Sopranos.
I didn’t know he is a Vegan, Something that I also am .and also that he has world views exactly like mine. You can tell that over a lifetime, he must’ve had many conversations, and really educated himself on what is going on in the world politically. It’s very interesting to hear what he thinks, and I have learned things and clarified my own ideas about our country, and the rest of the world by reading his book
The Sopranos.
I didn’t know he is a Vegan, Something that I also am .and also that he has world views exactly like mine. You can tell that over a lifetime, he must’ve had many conversations, and really educated himself on what is going on in the world politically. It’s very interesting to hear what he thinks, and I have learned things and clarified my own ideas about our country, and the rest of the world by reading his book
September 12, 2021
A revelatory memoir from a multi-faceted, incredibly talented artist who’s led a full life. Van Zandt packs his book with stories of music and activism, offering up fascinating anecdotes that involve many recognizable names.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 17, 2021
Inspiring- what a solidly good person who is truly committed to his art and social justice!
November 21, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a well written memoir of this musican in Bruce Springsteen's band. He lived an interesting life so far.
December 17, 2021
Oh this was brilliant!
Not just a rock memoir, but an insight into show biz since the 70s, and told by one of the funniest story tellers I have ever read.
Thank you, Stevie!
Not just a rock memoir, but an insight into show biz since the 70s, and told by one of the funniest story tellers I have ever read.
Thank you, Stevie!
December 6, 2021
Stevie Van Zandtin "Soulfire! Minun tarinani" (Minerva, 2021) oli oikein oivallinen kurkistus muun muassa Bruce Springsteenin oikeana kätenä, Sopranosista tuttuna näyttelijänä, radiotiskijukkana ja Etelä-Afrikan apartheidia vastustaneena aktivistina tutun miekkosen elämänvaiheisiin. Karismaatisen persoonan ääni vaikutti tallentuneen hienosti kirjan sivuille. Viihdyin oikein hyvin alusta loppuun asti.
December 16, 2022
A TOP TENNER FOR SURE! A keeper.
February 17, 2023
Being a long time fan the East Street Band, I wanted to listen to Stevie's audibook, which he narrates. All very interesting information about rock music through the decades, his friendship with Bruce Springsteen and other artists, his role in the Sopranos and Stevie's ideas (which didn't always pan out). I liked some parts more than others and I learned a lot about the music industry and other artists. (He really like's Darlene Love!). It is a long book, so buckle up, make a Stevie-colada and get a lesson on rock and roll. See you in Boston next month!
January 6, 2022
I picked this book because I'm a fan of rock n roll, and a fan of Stevie. But I had no idea what I was getting into. I'm going to need to chew on this one for a while. And oh yeah, I absolutely recommend it! But listen/read this with a notebook nearby, because there are some albums, movies, TV shows mentioned that you are going to want to check out!
December 4, 2021
As a fan of “Underground Garage,” I thought I would really love this one. It’s a pretty long book, and I listened to the audiobook as read by Van Zandt himself. I enjoyed the parts about the music, and his knowledge about music history, and some stories about the inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Thus, the 2 stars.
The rest was very rambling, with Van Zandt starting out as very self-deprecating, which was annoying to me. Then, everything flipped, and the listener heard a lot of stories that really showcased the author’s ego. It was a real turn off for me. And it was never ending.
It was hard to believe some of his personal stories (he was supposed to be cast as Tony Soprano in “The Sopranos” but he graciously gave the role to Gandolfini) when some of his claims in the book included assisting greatly in ending Apartheid and helping to stop a nuclear war. Again, the ego! Oh, as an aside, he doesn’t like Trump—Perhaps he needs to look into a mirror, because everything about Trump that I don’t like seems to be the same thing that Van Zandt is to his core.
I guess I was hoping for more information. What was it about his future wife that he liked so much that he pursued her for years? Why did he leave the E Street Band? What really motivated him politically? I don’t want rumors and gossip, I just want some more detail instead of sections that seem more like a timeline or textbook.
Unfortunately, I started out really liking him, and ended up not liking him so much. He seems to think that people are either atheists or over the top religious fanatics… Nothing in between. I’m not religious, but that’s both insulting and incorrect. He also thinks there’s something wrong with people who do not like Bruce Springsteen’s “Western Stars” album… Seriously? I personally love that album, but just because someone’s opinion differs from mine doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with them.
I’m going to stop. This just wasn’t for me.
The rest was very rambling, with Van Zandt starting out as very self-deprecating, which was annoying to me. Then, everything flipped, and the listener heard a lot of stories that really showcased the author’s ego. It was a real turn off for me. And it was never ending.
It was hard to believe some of his personal stories (he was supposed to be cast as Tony Soprano in “The Sopranos” but he graciously gave the role to Gandolfini) when some of his claims in the book included assisting greatly in ending Apartheid and helping to stop a nuclear war. Again, the ego! Oh, as an aside, he doesn’t like Trump—Perhaps he needs to look into a mirror, because everything about Trump that I don’t like seems to be the same thing that Van Zandt is to his core.
I guess I was hoping for more information. What was it about his future wife that he liked so much that he pursued her for years? Why did he leave the E Street Band? What really motivated him politically? I don’t want rumors and gossip, I just want some more detail instead of sections that seem more like a timeline or textbook.
Unfortunately, I started out really liking him, and ended up not liking him so much. He seems to think that people are either atheists or over the top religious fanatics… Nothing in between. I’m not religious, but that’s both insulting and incorrect. He also thinks there’s something wrong with people who do not like Bruce Springsteen’s “Western Stars” album… Seriously? I personally love that album, but just because someone’s opinion differs from mine doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with them.
I’m going to stop. This just wasn’t for me.
November 5, 2021
Unfortunately, for me this was another autobiography that caused me to like the individual a whole lot less upon finishing the book than I did before starting.
I think the biggest turnoffs were the repeated instances of self-aggrandizing tales and overstating his own influence on some people and on world events. Through his eyes (with a lot of imagination and exaggeration on my part to create fictitious examples to illustrate), he wrote a song and perhaps brought South African apartheid to an end. Picked up the phone, called a world leader he didn't know, and talked him out of an act that would have led to global nuclear obliteration. Spoke to a movie director and suggested changes that resulted in the movie receiving an Oscar for Best Picture, started a foundation that found cures for inner city childhood diseases. Sorry, no. Call up Graham Nash, who also has similar delusions, and the two of you can exchange stories of greatness.
I respect his knowledge and analysis of the origins and different styles of rock and roll over the years (though not to the extent he values his knowledge himself). He is good guitar player, not more. I can't think of any riff, any iconic part of a BS/E Street Band song that he's responsible for. I don't think he wrote any of the band's best known songs.
What that leaves - he's a survivor, a member (not a leader) of an important band that owes its success to its leader. A man who successfully transitioned into a second career as an actor. Probably a nice person. It was an okay book, not more. Too much baloney to be enjoyable.
I think the biggest turnoffs were the repeated instances of self-aggrandizing tales and overstating his own influence on some people and on world events. Through his eyes (with a lot of imagination and exaggeration on my part to create fictitious examples to illustrate), he wrote a song and perhaps brought South African apartheid to an end. Picked up the phone, called a world leader he didn't know, and talked him out of an act that would have led to global nuclear obliteration. Spoke to a movie director and suggested changes that resulted in the movie receiving an Oscar for Best Picture, started a foundation that found cures for inner city childhood diseases. Sorry, no. Call up Graham Nash, who also has similar delusions, and the two of you can exchange stories of greatness.
I respect his knowledge and analysis of the origins and different styles of rock and roll over the years (though not to the extent he values his knowledge himself). He is good guitar player, not more. I can't think of any riff, any iconic part of a BS/E Street Band song that he's responsible for. I don't think he wrote any of the band's best known songs.
What that leaves - he's a survivor, a member (not a leader) of an important band that owes its success to its leader. A man who successfully transitioned into a second career as an actor. Probably a nice person. It was an okay book, not more. Too much baloney to be enjoyable.
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