Let’s get our timelines so as. The E Road Band was shaped in 1972 and stayed collectively till 1989. They briefly reunited in 1995 however solely returned full-time in 1999. (In order for you the complete story of the band, I can not advocate Springsteen’s autobiography — titled, what else, “Born to Run” — extremely sufficient.)
“The Sopranos” season 1 additionally premiered in 1999 and it was a success. HBO wasted no time in ordering a second season, which might debut a 12 months after the primary virtually to the date. Nevertheless, whereas “The Sopranos” was selecting up steam, the E Road band was planning a comeback. Their reunion tour kicked off in April 1999, a mere 5 days after “The Sopranos” season 1 finale.
Van Zandt defined the bind this left him in: “I actually, actually needed to think about, ought to I’m going again into the band or not, as a result of I actually thought, ‘Okay, this performing factor goes to be my future. I am fully into it. I wish to evolve into writing for TV, directing TV.’ I simply fell in love with the entire course of. And it was a really, very, very onerous resolution for me to return to the E Road Band. However I felt I wanted closure there.”
Ultimately, Van Zandt did not need to decide — David Chase was in a position to schedule his capturing days across the E Road Band’s touring schedule. Van Zandt remains to be unsure if he made the proper resolution or not, as he would’ve preferred to be extra concerned in “The Sopranos,” ideally getting to put in writing or direct. For what it is price, he obtained that likelihood on Netflix’s “Lilyhammer” — and he is nonetheless touring with the E Road Band.