Stephen Van Zandt turns the world into his theater

Musician Stephen Van Zandt, better known as Little Stephen, will have two releases in 2021. He was also the guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street band “Mecca to the Cavern Club” (Liverpool) in honor of the Beatles, as well as an extended version (double the material) of their album “Soulfire Live!”

On “Makkah to MeccaHe has a previous post the Beatles Paul McCartney. From his home in the US, Stephen spoke about these projects and his career in general: “From Mecca to Mecca, we did it spontaneously, when we were on a British tour and passed through Liverpool. We wanted to honor the Quartet. I haven’t played their songs since my school days.”

Pestilence took Steven After returning home, after several years of wandering: I was in luck: I was on tour year after year, 2017, 2018, and 2019. First for “Soulfire,” then the “Summer of Sorcery” tour (2019). From that tour there is another album coming out in June. I was on the road for a while. Three years and I felt comfortable to be home for a year. Hopefully in 2022, I will be back with E Street. ”

As a soloist, Little Steven He released seven studio albums and both Relaunch Neighborhood. For the musician, the recording method continues unchanged: “Not much has changed: I keep recording on tape, my performances. The only difference with these records is that they are live. I have a 14-member band, and it’s one of the best bands I’ve ever had. Live recordings aren’t much different from what we do in the studio: we changed some arrangements, and recorded some songs that didn’t have copper vocals or a supporting voice. It’s something different, project art development: we add, we change. It becomes his own appearance. This makes it exciting, especially with a good squad. I didn’t have to change a single note, from any musician. “

Face the cruelty of the world

Steven He was also active. About his role as a spokesperson for causes, he reminded us: “When I made my first five albums in the 1980s, it was very, very political. We were talking about South Africa’s system of government, apartheid, Mandela pulled us out of prison. We did a lot. Now when I’m back. To work as a solo artist, 30 years later, it was very different.In between these years, I did “Sopranos”, I performed “Lilyhammer” (my first Netflix show), I was with Bruce Springsteen with E Street Band. I stayed away from my music for three Decades “.

“When I came back in 2017 Trump card I was adventurous. It’s a very difficult environment now: in the 1980s everything was hidden behind the scenes. You cannot see leads or who did the wrong things. That’s why I thought it was important to point out who did the wrong things, like Ronald Reagan. But Trump bragged about locking children in cages to prevent immigrants from coming. What can you talk about? Nothing is hidden anymore, no secrets: they boast in an authoritarian and fascist manner. How can you be useful as an artist? I thought it might be better not to be so political: It’s better to invite everyone to the concert, to see the music as a meeting point, now that we’re divided on a daily basis. Let’s see music as a common space for unity, we have one thing in common. “

Fascinated by the performance

Steven I was surprised to become an actor in the early 2000s, by starring in “The Sopranos” (the series in which It was tested To drive). He shared with us about this other side of his life: “I love acting. He gave me a new job. It’s a gift to learn something like that.” The Sopranos was my acting school, and no school is better than that. Then Lilyhammer did, I used what I learned it on The Sopranos.

She co-produced, co-wrote, and directed the final episode. It was actually several new trades, which were fun. You always have to keep learning. I really liked it. I would have loved to do it this year because I was free. But maybe after the next round. I don’t see anything soon. The program takes approximately six months to prepare. In 2022, I think I’ll be on tour with E Street. ”

AMD