WES ORSHOSKI
STEVEN VAN ZANDT
In his 2021 memoir, “Unrequited Infatuations,” the musician, actor, activist and entrepreneur Steven Van Zandt wrote about growing up in Middletown, among many other things.
“My first epiphany came at the age of ten, in 1961, in my room at 263 Wilson Avenue, New Monmouth, Middletown, New Jersey, during my fifty-fifth consecutive time listening to ‘Pretty Little Angel Eyes’ by Curtis Lee,” he wrote, adding later in the book that listening to that song triggered “a rush of exultation. The music had released my endorphins in a new and unexpected way.”
April 26 at 11 a.m., Wilson Avenue will be ceremonially renamed Van Zandt Way in honor of Van Zandt and his half-brother, the playwright, producer, actor and Emmy-nominated television writer Billy Van Zandt. The street will officially remain Wilson Avenue, but there will be Van Zandt Way signs at various locations.
Steven and Billy Van Zandt are expected to attend the April 26 event, according to Middletown Township communications director Tara Berson, who added that Middletown Township native Brian Williams will serve as MC, and that New Jersey Hall of Fame and Middletown Township officials will be in attendance.
Berson said the idea for the ceremonial renaming came from friends of the brothers, who suggested it to the town’s mayor and administrator in 2019.
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