Favorite Beatle

Okay, not really Beatle but favorite member of the E Street Band. For many people that person has long been Clarence as the foil to Bruce's "Scooter" the Big Man won over hearts with his wacky ways (count the wives that showed up at his funeral). Garry Tallent is a favorite to many, kinda like "the quiet Beatle" Garry stands quietly off to the side with his Mona Lisa smile firmly in place and keeps the bass line humming. Roy Bittan has his crew of followers as well as do the other members of the band.

For me, Miami Steve VanZandt (no, not Little Steven, I knew him "when") is #1 in my heart and always has been. He's quirky and funny. He's solidly and completely committed to the religion of Rock'n'Roll with unwavering faith and devotion. He MEANS it. He met his gorgeous wife YEARS ago and remains married to her still residing in their Manhattan home of many years. I can only imagine the two of them being familiar faces in their neighborhood haunts stopping for coffee or a bite to eat.

But why is Stevie of the skintight leopard pants and array of bandannas my all around fave E Streeters? It's not what you'd think. It's not his contribution to the band or his stage presence and sure as shit it ain't his vocal skills (sorry Stevie, love ya man, but the vocals? Hmmm).

It's him. In the far distant past we've had our share of conversations but even now with the distance of time and less personal communication I still find him to be smart, witty and engaging...did I say SMART? That's the big one.

He was a guest on Howard Stern this morning and I made sure to stay tuned in just to hear him. He mentioned that he'd been blogging recently for The Huffington Post (who knew) so I hopped on over there to read some of his posts and my heart swelled once again. They're smart, funny and honest and they deal with tough material.

Here's one: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-van-zandt/democracy-in-america_b_1139463.html

I love his middle-ground, populist mannerisms. He's not pompous and he doesn't claim that he's the all-knowing being here, he admits there are smarter folks out in the big world but from his humble observations this is what he sees.

Yes, my thoughts and beliefs do happen to align pretty friggin' closely with his, it's true. But I think I would be able to see his point even if we were idealistically miles apart.

Damn, he's good.