Let’s get our timelines so as. The E Road Band was fashioned 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 am unable to suggest 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 nearly to the date. Nonetheless, whereas “The Sopranos” was choosing 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 take into account, ought to I am 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 utterly into it. I need 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 choice for me to return to the E Road Band. However I felt I wanted closure there.”

In the long run, Van Zandt did not should decide — David Chase was in a position to schedule his capturing days across the E Road Band’s touring schedule. Van Zandt continues to be unsure if he made the fitting choice or not, as he would’ve appreciated to be extra concerned in “The Sopranos,” ideally getting to write down or direct. For what it is price, he received that likelihood on Netflix’s “Lilyhammer” — and he is nonetheless touring with the E Road Band.