Before tour with the Boss, Van Zandt stars in new mob series

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Steven Van Zandt plays a mob boss hiding out in Norway in the Witness Protection Program on “Lilyhammer,” a TV series airing only on Netflix.

Updated: March 6, 2012 8:07AM

Tramps like them? Born to run together. Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt are having a big 2012 together with a new CD “Wrecking Ball” (out March 6) and a world tour.

While driving through the streets of New Jersey (where else?), the bandana-wearing man Bruce calls Little Steven gave us a few particulars.

“You’ve heard the first song,” he says, “and it gives you a good indication about this upcoming album. Yes, there are some new elements, but I have to wait for Bruce to explain it. I can tell you that Bruce is doing interesting things even with the familiar elements. And he’s still impressing me and I’m not easily impressed.”

The actor-musician also is back with another familiar group: the mob. He stars in “Lilyhammer,” a direct-to-Netflix series. All eight episodes will be available Monday, allowing viewers to watch the series in its entirety. Van Zandt plays Frank Tagliano, a former member of the New York mob who rats and is sent via the Witness Protection Program to Lillehammer in Norway, one of the least crime-ridden places on earth. He decides to make a few changes.

Van Zandt knows something about organized crime after playing Silvio Dante on “The Sopranos.”

1 After all those years of loyalty to Tony Soprano, you’re ratting now! Say it ain’t so.

Well, no one is more surprised than me. But I’m also happy to star in this quirky little show. We spent a year working on the script, which is really different. We have one guy speaking English and then subtitles for starters. It’s an experiment, but a lot of fun. I hope the audience agrees with me. The creator literally sold me with one sentence: “Gangsters in Lillehammer.” It’s funny. Of course, here comes a one-man crime wave into this country that’s pretty much devoid of crime. Although there is a shady underbelly.

2 When we last saw Silvo Dante, he was shot and
in a coma. Alive or dead in your mind?

In my mind, Silvo is still in his coma, but he’s breathing. He’s fine. If by some miracle there is a “Sopranos” movie, he will wake up. He will be alive. I wanted to keep him alive in my mind. You can pretend Silvo came out of his coma and went into the Witness Protection Program in Norway.

3 What did you think about the infamous ending of “The Sopranos”?

I thought it was the right choice. I ask people: How would you have written it? Did you want the family wiped out? I always hear, “No.” Did you want Tony killed? Again, I hear, “No.” Did you want the kids wiped out? “Absolutely no.” No one has a better ending. How did I see the ending? Here are my thoughts on it: The director said “cut” and the actors went home.

4 How will the E Street Band deal with the heartbreaking loss of saxman Clarence Clemons?

We just started rehearsals. We gotta figure all that stuff out. It remains to be seen. It will be different. You don’t replace Clarence Clemons. We didn’t replace Danny Federici [the E Street organist who died of cancer in 2008]. These guys are totally unique and special people.

5 Is it true Bruce and the band will be playing Wrigley Field this summer?

I don’t know. But I love that city. I love playing there. I loved when we came out last time in fedoras singing “My Kind of Town.” We sang it because it is our kind of town. We meant it.

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