Have You Heard the News?

In the world of popular music, there really is nothing known as an "instant icon." Even the Rock and Hall of Fame and all of its goofy criteria require that in order for an artist's coronation it must be a at least a twenty five year waiting period after their first album release. Great things in the music business really do take time to claw their way through the media muck, but this April 16th a true fan favorite will play their way into the hearts of all rock and roll enthusiasts as Huey Lewis and the News will take the stage for the 12th installment of "Wendy's Old Time Rock and Roll House Party."

It was back in 1972 when singer-blues harmonica player Huey Lewis joined forces with a San Francisco bay area group called "Clover." Bouncing around for a while including the band taking its act to England, several of the members returned in the mid 70's to reunite the bay funk- jazz circuit as "Huey Lewis and the American express." As one might imagine, the credit card company was none too happy with that moniker and it was in1980 the band went from representing high interest rate rip off to become simply "The News."

Huey Lewis and the News exploded onto the pop charts in 1981 with the harmony laden "Do You Believe in Love" that was written by Shania Twain's ex Mutt Lang. The album was "Picture This" and it not only turned gold, but it hung around on the Billboard music charts for an astonishing 35 weeks. After the band's initial break through, it seemed that Top 40 radio just couldn't get enough of the catchy ear candy. Quickly followed were the hits "Workin' For a Livin', "Doin' It All For My Baby," "Heart and Soul," "I Want a New Drug," and "If This is It." As music in the mid-80's began to move to the rap based and a more rhythm sound, Huey Lewis and the News held their pop music ground quite valiantly. It would be a Steven Spielberg movie about time travel that vaulted Huey Lewis to not only record the movie soundtrack, but also play a cameo role that would break Marty Mc Fly and "The Pinheads" dreams of playing at the big dance. "Sorry Fellas…I'm Afraid you're just too darn loud."

It was actually a court battle experience with Ray Parker Jr. over the song "Ghost Busters" that Huey Lewis claims pushed him into pursuing the 'Back to the Future" project. Feeling strongly that the featured tune for the paranormal comedy and "I Want a New Drug" were virtually the same; he sued as the two eventually settled out of court. "The Power of Love" went on to become a monster #1 hit and was nominated for an academy award. Huey Lewis was also a pioneer of the fledgling MTV video movement by creating unique and often humorous videos that constantly showcased the new attitude of combining music and the clever visuals together. The energy of the band was also quite evident in all of the live concert footage that was actively shown throughout his career.

On Saturday night, April 16th, Huey Lewis and the News will bring 25 years of great memories to the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts in a show that promises to be one of a kind. In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Shawnee State University, the timeline couldn't be any clearer. It was just recently that Huey Lewis decided to move away from playing the mega-stages and coliseums to bring a more intimate approach to his concerts. The 1150 seats that will witness the dynamo that is Huey Lewis and he News will most certainly feel a special bond for a performer hat has reached the rare strata but continues to keep his feet planted on the ground.

Tickets for "Wendy's Old Fashion Rock and Roll House Party 12" are priced from $60-$95 and are available at the Mc Kinley box office by calling 351-3600 and also available at all ticket master locations. The show will begin at 8:00 pm with a special pre-party and live broadcast on Mix 99.3 that will begin at 5:00 pm in the Vern Riffe Lobby. In an age where instant access to information is at your fingertips, it's still nice to know that one can still get the news… the way it was meant to be delivered! You're the doc, doc!

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Steve Hayes is a morning radio host and a syndicated columnist for Heartland Publishing.  E-mail Steve your comments... Steve@SteveHayesMedia.com 

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