Unrequited Infatuations: A Memoir

In Steven Van Zandt‘s memoir “Unrequited Infatuations” you learn the behind-the-scenes details about his various projects, the disappointments and the successes (which seem to keep slipping through his fingers), his grudges and regrets, and the decisions he made (and why he made them).

Van Zandt’s career covers a very rich artistic landscape as well as significant political, educational and humanitarian work. He’s a man with fingers in a lot of pies and seems to possess a never ending creative energy. He takes credit for a lot but also seems to have a hardened attitude towards his own success. He often sums up his projects with the comment: ‘Nobody heard (or saw) it.’

As a fan of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the Sopranos, Lilyhammer, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, the Disciples of Soul, Little Steven’s Underground Garage and TeachRock there was little chance I would not enjoy this book.

However, it is not a tell-all project so don’t read it if you expect to find details of life on the road with the E Street Band or Sopranos anecdotes. There are some insights into his relationship with Springsteen, including the arguments and disagreements, but it’s a very small part of this memoir.

I really liked the direct, conversational and educational style the book was written in. Van Zandt never misses a chance to lecture you in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. The part about Lilyhammer and the Norwegians was very entertaining, probably because I’m Swedish and I recognise myself as a fellow Scandinavian.