MARK WEISS
Eddie Brigati with Stevie Van Zandt at The Two River Theater in Red Bank, in 2018.
Stevie Van Zandt is confirmed to be a presenter at this year’s New Jersey Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which will take place Sept. 24 at the Dream Live theater at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, with Danny DeVito hosting.
While it is not confirmed that Van Zandt will induct the three Rascals members who are joining the Hall — Eddie Brigati, the late Dino Danelli and the late David Brigati — I think it is safe to assume that he will, given his close association with the band.
It is also confirmed that Harry Carson will be a presenter. Again, I think it is safe to assume that he will induct his ’80s Giants teammate, Lawrence Taylor.
Van Zandt inducted The Rascals into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. His speech, which you can watch below, famously led to him being offered a role in the landmark television series, “The Sopranos.”
In the speech, Van Zandt remembered seeing The Rascals perform at The Matawan-Keyport Roller Drome in the ’60s, when he was a teenager.
In 2012 and 2013, Van Zandt was the main driving force in reuniting The Rascals for a theatrical rock show, “The Rascals: Once Upon a Dream,” which was presented on Broadway and in other venues.
Other Sept. 24 inductees will include SZA, former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, and radio personality Big Joe Henry.
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