Steven Van Zandt remembers 'Sopranos' boss James Gandolfini, talks Bruce Springsteen

Steven Van Zandt still has fond memories of his days on "The Sopranos" and his late co-star James Gandolfini.

Van Zandt, 72, made his acting debut on the drama series in 1999 as the lead character, mafia boss Tony Soprano's (Gandolfini) right-hand man Silvio Dante.

The E Street Band member said on Sunday's episode of "60 Minutes" that he had the "utmost respect" for Gandolfini.

Gandolfini died suddenly of a heart attack in 2013 at age 51. Of his absence, Van Zandt said, "I miss him every day."

The rocker said that his off-camera bond with Gandolfini led to his character becoming Tony's consigliere. "Slowly I become the underboss and consigliere," Van Zandt said. "And at that point, I know what I'm doin', okay? Because I had been doin' this my whole life with Bruce (Springsteen), right?"

He added: "I know those dynamics. I know being the only guy who's not afraid to tell the boss the truth. That's the job. That's the gig. If you're the guy's best friend, or the consigliere, or the underboss, you know, somebody has to be the one to occasionally bring bad news."

Bruce Springsteen says Steven Van Zandt is 'the consigliere of the E Street Band'

Van Zandt carried his experience working with his childhood best friend Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band into his role on "The Sopranos."

Springsteen, who also appeared on "60 Minutes," said that it is hard to summarize the impact his guitarist has had on the band. Likening him to his crime underboss role, the "Born in the U.S.A." singer said, "Steve is the consigliere of the E Street Band."

Van Zandt's contribution to the band is one built out of trust and honesty. "If I have questions pertaining a direction for the band, or issues with the band, or something like the set list, I'm not sure what we're gonna play that night, or what we should start with, or if he has second doubts about something, he always comes to me," Springsteen said.

"He's been essential to me since he walked into the studio during the Born to Run sessions and fixed the horns and my guitar parts," The Boss added. "We've been doing it together for a long time. And that's a wonderful thing. How many people have their best friend at their side 50 some years later?"

Steven Van Zandt says E Street Band 'had no idea how much pain' Bruce Springsteen was in before tour

Van Zandt echoed Springsteen's remarks, adding, "People always say, 'Aren't you worried about, being replaced?' I'm like, 'No. I can't be replaced. How many best friends do you have for 50 years?'"

Springsteen and the E Street Band have postponed their remaining 2023 concerts as The Boss is treated for peptic ulcer disease, they announced in September.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steven Van Zandt talks 'Sopranos' boss James Gandolfini, E Street Band