Rock star’s tirade against Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Rock star Steve Van Zandt launched a blistering attack on Liverpool John Lennon Airport today, even calling on Yoko Ono to remove John Lennon’s name from the site.
The E Street Band guitarist posted a Tweet on his account this afternoon, criticising his band’s experience while being checked by security on arrival at Liverpool.
He tweeted: “Warning Rock Bands! Do not leave Liverpool from John Lennon Airport. The most arrogant and obnoxious security in 40 years of travel! Take the hour trip to Manchester it can’t be worse! Liverpool! Of all places! Best audience, worst airport. Yoko should remove John Lennon’s name!”
Van Zandt is currently in the UK touring with his band, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, which played the Liverpool O2 Academy last night, June 30.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) spokesman Robin Tudor was quick to apologise today, explaining that the security handling agent processed the band in the wrong area of the airport on their arrival.
He said Van Zandt’s 26-strong party arrived by private flight at LJLA.
“They took an age to get through security because the handling agent processed them through the wrong area,” said Mr Tudor.
He explained: “The handling agent deciced to process them through CP1, which is an area where staff and vehicles go through to get on to the airstrip.
“There were 26 in the party with all their luggage, equipment, liquids, etc.
“They should have been sent to the terminal and checked as normal.
“It took an age because the handling agent was finding liquids in suitcases and bags.”
He added: “This is not a reflection of the normal security at the airport.
“We apologise. They were taken to the wrong area.”
He said the band and its entourage would have got a much better quality of service, “as our normal passengers do”, if they had been processed in the terminal.
Van Zandt is better known as the guitarist with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.
He is also famous for his roles in TV dramas including The Sopranos, where he played the character Silvo Dante, and Lilyhammer, as the character Frank Tagliano/Giovanni “Johnny” Henriksen.
His solo band has been active on and off since the 1980s.
