LITTLE STEVEN GOES UNDERGROUND FOR HARD ROCK

Fortunately for you, Silvio—AKA Little Steven of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band, AKA Steven Van Zandt—is talking about his new syndicated radio series, Hard Rock Cafe Presents Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

The program, which launches Sunday (4/7) on major-market classic rock stations and is the occasion for a lavish throwdown that evening at the New York Hard Rock, celebrates the great down-and-dirty rock bands of the ’60s, as well as their contemporary heirs.

Garage promises tracks from and info about artists as diverse as Them, the Animals, the Electric Prunes, the Music Machine, the Ramones, the New York Dolls and young turks the Swingin’ Neckbreakers.

"Garage Rock is music for older people with young spirits and young people with old souls," the musician/actor declared. "It’s a certain sensibility that you have when you’re 17 or when you’re 67. It never goes away. And in case you’re wondering, I’m still not gonna play Sun City."

The show represents, among other things, the Hard Rock’s ongoing efforts to extend its reach, having established itself as what Van Zandt calls "one of the greatest music brands in the world."

"Through initiatives like Little Steven’s Underground Garage, the Hard Rock Cafe brand has become synonymous with great music, an unparalleled rock memorabilia collection and our commitment to providing a forum for musicians through live caf performances and concerts," proclaimed HR President/CEO Pete Beaudrault. "Radio syndication is a natural next step for us. Steven is an individual with the passion and knowledge for Garage Rock combined with the experience and personality to make this radio show soar. Plus, he promised to introduce me to that babe who plays Adriana."

The series, which is cosponsored by Pepsi and Unilever, is scheduled to air Sunday evenings at 10pm (check local listings—dates and times may vary) on classic rock outlets in New York, L.A., D.C., Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami and other markets.

The 4/7 shindig at Hard Rock New York will be taped live, with an as-yet unnamed array of celebs expected—not to mention go-go girls in vintage togs dancing on pillars and enough memorabilia to fill any garage. Various other cafes will host their own launch parties and promotions, some featuring fave local garage bands.

In a related story, several HITS editors who had bands in the '60s will be cleaning their garages this weekend.