Steven Van Zandt on Howard Stern



Originally, we thought the cast of The Soprano's were greedy when they staged that whole "We Want More money" negotiation ploy that put the final season in jeopardy. After listening to Steven Van Zandt on Howard Stern's Sirius Show this morning, we are not so sure. HBO -- God bless them -- sound ridiculously cheap, especially considering the quality of acting that goes on on The Sopranos. From Marksfriggin:

"After the break Howard said he had actor/musician Steven Van Zandt there. He wasn't sure what to call him, Little Steven or Steven ... Howard asked Steven about James Galdolfini's weight and why he's so big. He said that he blew up on the show but now that it's over, he's trying to lose it. He said they all kind of blew up on that show ... Howard asked Steven about the deal he had over there because HBO is infamously cheap. Steven said that the money for him is just a sign of respect as far as he's concerned. He said he reworked his deal and it never got all that ugly for him. He said he talked about leaving the show but they kept him around. He said they don't get any residuals from the show so what they make that week working is all they get paid. they sell tons of their DVDS too and they don't get a part of that. Artie said that the DVD thing has changed the business because they do sell so many, it's like another form of syndication."

Now we know how HBO offsets the high production costs for their series -- like the beloved "Rome."

The Corsair's Soprano's Prediction: A.J. is kidnapped by Phil's Leotardo's Brooklyn crew from his "institution." Tony, amidst the scorching gang war, offers himself up as a sacrificial lamb to save his son. After a bloody contretemps in the exchange, A.J. dies (too fragile for this world), and, as a result, Tony turns on the mob to those two FBI guys he's been helping with the terrorists, ultimatley testifies, and goes -- with Carmela and Meadow in tow -- underground, under the Witness Protection Program. His new identity? Kevin Finnerty. (Marksfriggin)