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Unrequited Infatuations

A Memoir

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Unrequited Infatuations

Written by: Stevie Van Zandt
Narrated by: Stevie van Zandt
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About this listen

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 likeminded 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 21st 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 20-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.

©2021 Stevie Van Zandt (P)2021 Hachette Audio
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What listeners say about Unrequited Infatuations

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what a ride! thank you stevie!

I was sad that it had to end. what an extraordinary life this great man has had!

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I want more!

Stevie Van Zandt gives a stellar performance, reading his brilliant memoir. I wouldn’t have minded one bit if it had been twice the length. I loved the parts where he goes a little bit into the technical aspects of music, and I loved hearing the behind-the-scenes stories. I’d love to hear all those tracks about which he said, “Nobody heard it.” I wish I knew him in real life, because he seems so sincere, so caring, loyal, and hella smart and talented. Planning to re-binge Lilyhammer over the holidays. The book has turned me into a dedicated fan. It was a privilege to hear this story in his own voice, with the inflections, pauses, and chuckles exactly as intended by the author.

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Gobsmacked! Highly recommend

Inspiring, thought provoking, hope reinforcing. The quiet yet profound influence of a decent human. A rare gem.

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Loved hearing Stevie tell phenomenal stories!

Stevie has led an amazing life with hopes & dreams of improving life for others who struggle. He has accomplished more to help society than people realize. What a talented & beautiful person he is!

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A true renaissance man!

I had no idea that Stevie was anything more than a lead guitarist, occasional front man and actor. There is so much more to his interesting life than "just the E-Street band". Let that sink in for a minute.

Well worth the listen! I bought the hardcover as well as the audiobook, because I will keep the book, but also loved hearing Stevie narrate it himself.

The only negative is that it could use some better editing. There were several instances of what I thought were "glitches" in the audio, because it repeated, but that was just Stevie stumbling over his own narration and backtracking, without editing it out.

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Steve’s story

I enjoyed it but he comes off as if he thinks he’s been screwed and is smarter than most. Maybe he is.
Good book tho.

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Everything he touches turns to shite
Ignore him and become a legend
Never have I heard of someone over emphasizing his own self worth

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