From TV Guide, July 17-23, 1999

Joe Queenan's Column, INSIDER

Between A Rocker and A Hard Place



The article refers to Steven Van Zandt's performance on HBO's The Sopranos. "The obvious question is whether Van Zandt's success will encourage other aging rockers to try their luck as TV gangsters. Here, the musicians must be very careful, because not every rock star has the physique, carriage or facial expressions to carry off a hit-man impersonation." They go on to say no to Keith Richards, Ron Wood,and a few others. "But many other rock stars could pull it off. Here are a few possibilities." The list includes The Edge, Peter Tork,Ozzy Osbourne,..... and The Artist Formerly Known as Prince. "This one is a layup, since the Artist has already appeared in several films, including the legendary "Purple Rain." Ideally, the Artist could be cast as the Button Man Formerly Known as Tony "The Chicken Man" Soprano. Or something."