2002 Huey Lewis and the News Year in Review
By "Razor" Rob Cole
HLN Today reporter
It was another great year for one of America's great rock and roll bands - Huey Lewis and The News. There were lots of great concerts, rumors of new songs, a long-awaited solo record, Huey guest starring on a successful NBC sitcom and a sports anchor singin his heart out; thus was 2002 for HLN.
The band started out the year with a chilly endeavor. It was February 9 and the opening day of The Olympics. Huey and the guys braved 14 degree temperatures to the delight of 30,000 fans at the "Spirit of the West Festival" in Ogden, Utah. It was an honor and great way to start the year for a band of "Sports" fans. Huey was also kind to add his autograph to the official 2002 Olympic Signature Car, a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The car had many autographs from a variety of celebrities, athletes, community leaders and hometown heroes. It was to be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for use in an online auction.
March brought the opportunity for fans to hear some "oldies but goodies" when HLN performed in Las Vegas for three nights. The band kicked out such classics as "Old Antone's," "Time Ain't Money" and "Change of Heart." Plan B was still on Huey and the News' mind as they brought "I Never Think About You" and "Thank You #19" into the regular concert rotation.
In May Huey had a guest starring role on the NBC sitcom "Just Shoot Me" and played air guitarist Gary Rosenberg.
The summer tour included sold out shows, enthusiastic crowds and a few surprises working there way into the HLN concert mix. Some of the songs included:
- Bad Is Bad (Up tempo version)
- Under The Boardwalk
- Perfect World
- Cruisin'
- So In Love
- The Boys Are Back In Town
- Trouble In Paradise
- Surely I Love You
- Whole Lotta Lovin
Huey Lewis and the News fans were also embraced with the possibility of hearing some new songs. In a June interview with pop music critic, Gene Stout, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Huey said the band is working on four new songs, but they won't do another album until they have at least a dozen tunes.
July brought a new CD release into the hands of many HLN fans, BUT it was not an official band release. Sax player, rhythm guitar ace, songwriter/arranger, "Jack of all trades," Johnny Colla released his long awaited solo record, "Lucky Devil." The CD includes ten tracks including a version of Huey and the News' 1991 Hard At Play track "Time Ain't Money," which Johnny describes as being "truer to the original vision of the song." Many recognizable names appear on the album, including HLN drummer Bill Gibson playing on some tracks, backing vocalists Sandy Griffith and Conesha Monet Owens and Alex Call, who wrote "The New Romeo." Johnny is the third member of Huey Lewis and The News to release a solo project, and the horizon looks brighter with the possibility of a new Stef Burns CD. Only time will tell...
ESPN Sportscaster, Chris Berman, joined HLN on stage in Wallingford, Connecticut on August 15. It started with the introductory bars to "Walking On A Thin Line," and Berman snuck on stage to accompany Huey on the song. They had such a great time performing that they did one more classic, "Finally Found A Home." Chris then gave special band introductions to Sean "at the Hopper," John "Pierced Naval," Stef "3rd Degree" Burns, Bill Gibson "Guitar," Johnny "Diet" Colla, and Huey "King" Lewis.
2002 brought some great moments to everyone who loves and appreciates the music of Huey Lewis and The News. 2003 is already looking great with more concert dates, the possibility of a UK tour and some new songs. They say cool is a rule, but Huey and the boys are too cool for school. See you at the shows...
