Skip to main content

, @ChrisFHJordan2:25 p.m. EDT April 28, 2016

 

Vincent Pastore, aka Big Pussy from "The Sopranos," knows Asbury Park.

“I’ve been going to Asbury Park since the ’70s and the scene has stayed alive,” said Pastore, who's coming to the Wonder Bar with his band the Gangster Squad to play in Debbie DeLisa’s Boardwalk Animal Rescue Benefit on Saturday. “There’s the Stone Pony, the Wonder Bar and the Light of Day (festival in January) really gave a bolt of energy to Asbury. Bruce (Springsteen) helps by showing up once in a while.”

MORE: Young Bruce Springsteen fan not Blinded by the Light

Pastore was the manager of the Crazy Horse nightclub in New Rochelle, N.Y., in the 1980s before he found fame on “The Sopranos.” The hit HBO series filmed two episodes in Asbury Park, including “The Funhouse” in 2000, which featured the death of Big Pussy.

Steven Van Zandt [left), Maureen Van Zandt and Vincent

Steven Van Zandt (left), Maureen Van Zandt and Vincent Pastore attend “The Rascals: Once Upon A Dream” Broadway opening night on April 16, 2013. (Photo: Getty Images)

 

In 2014, cast members Vincent Curatola, Tony Sirico, Aida Turturro and James Gandolfini’s widow, Deborah, were on hand at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park as Gandolfini was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Springsteen, who was inducting newsman Brian Williams on that night, joined the cast members on stage as a video tribute to Gandolfini played.

“He stood next to Jimmy’s wife and hugged her and stood next to her during the montage with his arm around,” Pastore said. “I knew Jimmy was smiling in heaven at that moment. Jimmy loved Bruce’s music.”

Vincent Pastore is Salvatore

Vincent Pastore is Salvatore ""Big Pussy'' Bonpensiero in The Sopranos. (Photo: HBO)

 

The E Street Band and “Sopranos” connection runs deep. The E Street Band’s Steven Van Zandt played Silvio on the series, and more recently Pastore co-founded the Renegade Theatre in New York City with Maureen Van Zandt, the wife of Steven and also a cast member of “The Sopranos.”

The next show will be at the Cutting Room in New York City in June, Pastore said.

“We use a lot of ‘Sopranos’ actors,” Pastore said.

Now, it’s back to Asbury Park for Pastore, who lives in the Bronx. His band is made up of vets from the Crazy Horse scene, including Tony “Bocci” Amato. Also, you never who will join in — capiche?

Chris Jordan: cjordan@app.com

WHAT: Debbie DeLisa’s Boardwalk Animal Rescue Benefit with Vinny “Big Pussy” Pastore’s Gangster Squad and Tony “Bocci” Amato and Friends

WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, April 30

WHERE: Wonder Bar, Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park

INFO: $15 in advance/$20 at the door. wonderbarasburypark.com.

http://www.app.com/story/enter...connection/83637328/

____________________________________

The SPL Rocks!

Prego che tu stia danzando con San Pietro alle porte perlacee del cielo





Pulled up to my house today
Came and took my little girl away!
Giants Stadium 8/28/03



Oats

Original Post
Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×