A rock ‘n’ roll icon selling natural, holistic remedies?
It may sound implausible, but when you talk to Stevie Van Zandt—Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and a founding member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band—about why he wanted to create a line of healthy products, it starts to make sense.
“For me, the message from the pandemic was that we all need to strengthen our immune systems,” says Van Zandt, who grew up in Middletown. “My wife (actress Maureen Van Zandt) is a vegan, so I’ve been conscious of developing good habits for years.”
Little Steven’s Underground Apothecary line of natural, holistic remedies was created to help improve physical and mental health while boosting the immune system.
Little Steven’s Apothecary includes coffees (seen here), teas and more holistic products. Photo courtesy of Astrida Valigorsky
Van Zandt, who starred as Silvio Dante on The Sopranos, as well as in the TV show Lilyhammer, says he noticed a big difference in his health when he cut out sugar. “You’re fighting a war all the time. I’m always taking ginger and blue pepper onstage—I find it really helps my voice,” says Van Zandt, 72.
That’ll come in handy when the E Street Band heads out this year on tour, which includes a special “homecoming” show on April 14 at the Prudential Center in Newark.
The products are now sold in select stores and online at wickedcoolwellness.com and littlesteven.com. They include boutique teas, coffees and lollipops, and use products such as Wakaya’s ginger, turmeric, kava, maca and Manuka honey.
Ten percent of the profits are being donated to Teach Rock, Van Zandt’s music-education initiative.
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