Stockton Sizzles with Huey Lewis and the News
By Tammy Sumner
HLN Today reporter
It was a Hot day in Stockton, CA. and seemed as if it would cool off that evening, but not with Huey Lewis and the News in town. The band played at the A.A. Stagg Stadium at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. The concert was labeled on the tickets as "Rockin on the Green" and fans did just that, Rock.
The concert was all general admission and fans gathered on the grass in the stadium with blankets and their own chairs. It seemed as if it was a huge picnic with music. This comfortable setting made for a fun atmosphere for fans and for people seeing the band for the first time. From the minute that Huey Lewis and the News took the stage, the fans were on their feet dancing and singing. That early energy from the fans, and from the band themselves, stayed throughout the entire show. Huey Lewis and the News made a cool night in Stockton, California turn into a hot summer evening.
The following is the setlist with songs in no particular order:
"We're not here for long time, we're here for a good time"
"My Other Woman's got another man"
"The Heart of Rock and Roll"
"Doing it all for my Baby"
"The Power of Love"
"Plan B"
"If this is it"
"Perfect World"
"Hip to be Square"
"60-Minute Man" -- a capella.
"Under the Boardwalk" -- quasi a capella.
Huey mentioned that "Under the Boardwalk" was rearranged by Johnny Colla. Fans really seemed to take a liking to this song, which also showcased Rob, Ron and Marvin who are the horn players that were added to the band back in 1994.
"Jacob's Ladder"
"Heart and Soul"
"But It's Alright"
"I Want a New Drug"
Encore
"Do You Believe in Love"
"Workin For A Livin"
"Stuck with You"
Before the concert, there had been rumors of Huey Lewis and the News having four new songs for the summer tour. There was no mention of these rumored new songs and nothing that fans haven't heard before was played at this particular concert. However, fans have said that they would like to see some new material from Huey Lewis and the News.
At one point during the show, Huey stopped for some banter with the audience. Huey asked the question, "How many of you have seen us before?" With that, some of the crowd cheered. Then Huey asked, "How many of you are seeing us for the first time?" It seemed as if there were more audience members at this particular concert that were seeing the band for the first time than in past concerts. Huey jokingly commented to those seeing the band for the first time, "Well I guess that's understandable since we're such a new band and all."
After the show was over, there was an unexpected and absolutely beautiful fireworks display. Then fans gathered their things and left the stadium with smiling faces. A fun time was had by all. With the energy of Huey Lewis and the News, their fans, and the fireworks, it made for a sizzling June evening in Stockton, California.
