Ask The Band 2009
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"Ask the Band," June, 2010.
Johnny Colla's Q & A's
Frank Nester Photo.
Q: Hi Johnny! When is your band going to come around again? Thanks, and keep up the great work!!
Johnny: . . . Haven’t had a lot of spare time to trot out my own stuff lately. Actually, I had just started pre-production for another solo effort when the decision was made to pursue a new HLN recording project, so I switched gears and jumped on that; you all should be happily surprised!
Q: Currently, there is a very young (10 yo) member of my family exhibiting a tendency toward writing songs (storytelling). I'd like to be a nurturing, positive influence. Which member of your family influenced you early on and what did they do for you? Or basically, did you make your own way?
Johnny: I pretty much made my own way, but on the music side of it my folks bought me pretty much any instrument I wanted to play. On the lyrical side, I suggest you do a search for children’s short stories, then look for age-appropriate short story analysis; that will help get them thinking about what they’re reading. At that age a short story will keep their attention and they will more easily embrace the subject and meaning.
Q: Hi Johnny, Do you think Huey & the News will ever release a DVD of one of the concerts you did with the band Chicago while on tour with them a few years ago......I loved the performance of “I'm a Man” and Huey's "Color my World". Hope you and Chicago will consider it.
Johnny: I don’t think a concert was ever filmed, but I believe there’s a youtube clip somewhere out there with us taking the Chicago stage by storm in kimonos, spoofing the band on the final night of our Japan tour; pretty funny stuff!
Q: Johnny, Did Huey and the News ever play at Farm-Aid II or in any other Farm-Aid concert?
Johnny: No, and I wished we had from the beginning. I support and believe in the cause.
Q: Hi Johnny, Do you and your wife ever collaborate musically? (I know she is talented in her own right as well.)
Johnny: Christie doesn’t compose but she has a beautiful classically trained voice; she’s also a fantastic photographer!
Q: Hi Johnny, Are you going to do any more “Lucky Devil” type shows between the MAIN gig? I promised a friend we would go see you perform if you are planning any.
Johnny: Not until I put out another CD – I’m workin’ on it!
Q: Hi Johnny, I love 'Over and Over' and 'Where are the Words' on your album and I am a fellow (mediocre) guitar player myself. What are the chord progressions and strum patterns of these songs? I'd love to learn how to play them myself one day.
Johnny: Well, that’s a little hard to explain in a Q&A – maybe I’ll make a youtube video one day . . . .
Q: Hi Johnny - have you (with your band not HLN) ever performed outside the US? Are you ever planning to?
Johnny: Somebody make me an offer!
Q: Johnny: Which is the most important HLN album in terms of the career of the band and why?
Johnny: I suppose that’s in the eye of the beholder, but for me it was ‘Picture This’. Our second effort taught us how to make our own records and it brought us our first top-ten hit with ‘Do You Believe In Love’. That record also kindled my interest as a producer/engineer as well as a songwriter; how the sounds get on the tape, how they can be manipulated and how they interact with each other. It still fascinates me and I’m honing my craft every day; I like my job!
“Ask the Band,” April, 2010.
John Pierce's Q & A's
Patti Mroczek Photo.
First of all, please excuse my lengthy delay. My apologies. JP
Q: John, Huey always calls you “The Cat in the Hat.” Is that his nickname for you, or have you always had that nickname?
JP: From the mind of Huey Lewis, an improvisational moment on stage. Maybe 7 seven years old.
Q: Have you ever turned down a job that you wish, in hindsight, that you'd taken?
JP: The Beatles, but I was young, perhaps five years old at the time. Uhh.. actually can't think of one.
Q: What's your favorite golf course? Why?
JP: That's easy. Newport CC in Rhode Island because it's an old fashioned links course and there are no trees.
Q: What one golf course do you wish to play but haven't been able to yet?
JP: Well, Augusta for sure, but the one I really want to play is Seminole, in Florida. Ben Hogan's (my idol) favorite.
Q: What kind of airplane do you pilot? Have you ever flown yourself to a gig?
JP: I'm type-rated to fly a twin engine prop and I am instrument rated.
- When I do fly (which lately is extremely rare) it's usually a single engine Piper from Van Nuys, CA to Santa Barbara, where I'll have 6 shots of tequila, then turn around.
- No. That isn't true. 24 hours 'bottle to throttle', always.
- I've only threatened to fly myself to a gig. In truth, it's a ridiculously expensive way to travel.
Q: Do you listen to the pilots on the public channel when you are a passenger on a public airliner? (Does it put you to sleep? lol)
JP: Yes and yes.
Q: What is your favorite kind of cake? Thanks!
JP: Tres leches. I think. That's a cake, right?
Q: Your bio says you started playing music at age 5. What instrument(s) did you start playing at that age? How did you finally choose to focus on just one?
JP: Violin, which I quit when I was 12 and transferred to drums (very unhappy parents). From there it was dabbling with guitar and piano.
In junior high I was actually the lead singer in our little neighborhood band, and I started writing our tunes. My favorite part of that process was coming up with bass parts, and since I couldn't really sing bass came to me by default. I was 16 at the time.
Q: Can you sing?
JP: What? Well, better than I used to.
Q: John, many people say the bass is a limited instrument, although players like John Entwhistle and Peter Hook have managed to be imaginative enough to allow it to be used almost like a lead guitar in some songs. Which of your work has the bass right up there in terms of arrangement?
JP: Nothing comes to mind. I'm usually buried, but perhaps I've played on a couple of songs where the engineer forgot to bring the bass fader down.
Q: P.S. Any tips on how to get the girls?
JP: Become a highly skilled salsa dancer.
“Ask the Band,” December, 2009.
Huey's Q & A's
Donna DeLuise Photo.
Hi Huey,
Q: You traveled around Europe after high school. What countries did you go to and which one was your favorite?
Huey: England, France, Holland, Germany, Denmark Sweden, Finland, Yugoslavia, Turkey, and Greece ... they are all different.
Q: When you were in 'Slippery Elm,' what were some of the styles of music you played? Did you or the band members ever write your own songs, and did you ever sing in the band?
Huey: We were essentially a cover band, but we covered what were then , sort of, FM songs ...
Q: What was your favorite movie that you had a role in and why?
Huey: Duets, 'cause I had the most to do.
Let me start by saying thank you for bringing us so many great tunes!!
Q: Do you ever get to go out and have fun or has being a big celebrity made you not get to, say, go to a grocery store, or to a place like Disney World?
Huey: I never go out, and I never have fun *#@*!!
God this is kinda tough! What do you ask your lifelong hero?!
Q: If you could go back, is there anything you would do differently in your career?
Huey: I'd be born about 20 years later, so right now I'd only be 39 years old!
Q: Though you must have many fond memories from such a long and prosperous career, what would you say personally is your greatest achievement or career highlight?
Huey: I'm hoping it hasn't happened yet!
Q: If you could have the ultimate dinner party and invite any 10 people who have ever lived, who would they be?
Huey: Ray Charles, Abraham Lincoln, Jack Kennedy, Louis Armstrong, Teddy Roosevelt,
Q: What places would you recommend for a 30-something married couple to party in?
Huey: Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Paris, London, New York, Copenhagen, San Francisco, Chicago, etc.
Q: What brand of harp do you prefer to play? Why? Do you prefer to play a different make of harp on different songs during your concerts?
Huey: Antony Dannecker harps ... 'cause they are really well made, sound great, have great action, and they give them to me for free!
Q: We see you tossing 'something (harp perhaps?) during your shows and appear to be out-changing them (?) or are you tossing one you've broken the reeds on?
Huey: Sometimes, yeah, I'm throwing an out-of-tune one away so it won't find it's way back on the bandstand!
Q: No doubt you have to bring a few harps to a concert, but, have you ever had to NOT play a song from a set list because of a blown harp?
Huey: Don't think so ... I have lots of spares.
Q: You've became a regular at the Dunhill Golfing tournament in Scotland each year - what do you enjoy about Scottish courses and how do you feel the Scottish hospitality compares with the rest of the world?
Huey: I love Scottish golf, and adore the people ... very warm and funny.
Q: And, have you ever been tempted to wear a kilt?!!!!
Huey: Constantly.
Thanks for allowing the fans to ask questions. Your generosity is very much appreciated.
Q: In a recent interview at your home in Montana there was a scene where you were doing your laundry. In the laundry room was a huge rack of baseball caps. Why do you have so many (for example, were they gifts or you just like to collect them)? How many do you have?
Huey: I have too many, and they are mostly all gifts.
Q: In “Hip to Be Square." would you please consider updating the lyrics from "I watch ‘em on MTV" to “I watch ‘em on You Tube?”
Huey: Maybe ... but it doesn't rhyme, and I'm a little old school like that.
Q: I heard that in the 80's you were going to write something for a Richard Pryor movie - did that ever come about? What movie was it?
Huey: Yeah ... the song and movie are called "Nick of Time" ... I wrote it with Ry Cooder.
Q: Did Mike Duke ever record "Hope You Love Me" either solo or with Wet Willie? Is it on any album? And did you ever produce Mike like you did for Bruce Hornsby? Or the Nelson Twins (heard you were going to.)
Huey: He demoed it with Jimmie Hall from Wet Willie .... I produced a 3 song Demo on Mike that we later used for "Doin' it All".
Q: Are you planning on participating in any golf tournaments this coming year? If so, which ones?
Huey: The AT&T.
Can't thank you enough for all that you do.
Q: Since your shirt is a "hot" topic on the forum...any special designer (or brand) that you favor over the others?
Huey: Not really ... Always have like Ralph Lauren stuff ... and his designer lines.
Q: What is your favorite memory with the band since 2000?
Huey: Too many to pick a favorite.
Q: I would like to know how long you have known Glenn Frey? Are you good friends? I noticed you played golf with him at Pebble Beach. Thanks!
Huey: Probably 15 years or so, but casually ... I only really see him at Pebble, but I like him a lot.
Q: I noticed in one of the older YouTube videos you were playing a sax alongside Johnny. Do you really play, or were you likely "lip-saxing" as the times often dictated in those old taped shows?
Huey: I really played that part on the demo, and live ... we are "lip-synching" on Dick's show however ... everyone did.
Q: What was the title of the John Lee Sanders album you purchased a bunch of to give out to friends to help plug the album for John. (I read it on his site a few years ago...was it his live cd)? Thanks.
Huey: It's All Blues To Me.
My family went to see the play CHICAGO while you performed in it. I saw it twice and just loved it.
Q: Have you ever thought of reprising your role?
Huey: Well, I certainly loved it as well ...
Q: Any plans for any other theatre or movies in your future?
Huey: Not right now.
Q: When are you going to write your autobiography?
Huey: Good Question ... think I'll work on our new album first.
Q: Did you (or have you) or any of the band members kept props from your videos? I was just wondering if there were any of the old "newspapers" from your MTV Concert out there.
Huey: I don't know ... the crew might have saved something.
Q: Just wondering why, in the mid to late 80s, you never managed to tour NZ? (I know you got as far as Australia in 1989.) Any plans to visit this part of the world in the future?
Huey: [Answer edited due to Australian Tour postponement.]
Sean's Q & A's
Vicki Griffin Photo.
Hi Sean,
Q: My 4 year old, Paul, would like to know if Sean likes animals. Paul wants him to know that he does.
Sean: Paul, I love them all, but many are better from a distance.
Q: At the Cohasset show we had front row seats and my son noticed something hanging off of your mike stand - a rubber chicken! Is that a private joke or are you just a funny guy? He loved seeing it every time the stage came around near us. (He is 8.)
Sean: I didn't put it there, the crew did it to keep me loose. Or maybe they just needed somewhere to put the chicken for the evening.
Q: Do you enjoy/play classical music? If so, who is your favorite composer & favorite piece? In addition, pianos - what is your "brand of choice?"
Sean: I enjoy some of it very much, but I'm self-taught and I don't read so I have no easy way to learn classical pieces. My favorite organ piece is Poulenc's Concerto in C Minor for Organ, Strings & Timpani. I like many violin pieces of different types, but I'm very fond of Aram Khachaturian's concerto for violin. If I had room for a grand piano, it would be a Fazioli. In case you're feeling generous…... I don't have room.
Q: You and Huey have been together throughout this musical journey, longer than any other band members. How have you managed to survive in the industry over all the ups and downs? I think it's amazing! I applaud you (and Huey) for doing so!
Sean: We've been asked this many times, and have given serious answers, but I think it's time to say it's possible we have no idea. Life is a chain of events. It could have gone a million different ways… In fact it still is.
Q: We read that you pilot fixed-winged planes. What powered make do you currently prefer/own and do you pilot/own any unpowered machine toys?
Sean: Pretty sure you're thinking of John Pierce, who has a pilot's license.
Q: We also read you like to ride motorcycles. What brand are you currently riding?
Sean: I have a 2003 Aprilia Tuono Racing, a 2001 Honda CBR929RR, and a 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS. That's a twin, a four and a triple, all around one liter.
Q: You have piqued my curiosity of your interest/hobby in motorcycles. I tool around myself on one I call a "putt-putt" (less than 1000cc) that was basically handed down to me about 20 years ago. My influence being family, (dad, brother, uncle). Is that how you became interested?
Sean: No, I rode bicycles for many years and for long distances, and used to think motorcyclists were certifiable. Years of cycling assiduously can teach you a lot about road proficiency and 2-wheel dynamics. Add an engine, and you sort of start over, just not at the beginning. It's a long learning experience…but as years go by, one day you wake up and find that you're certifiable too!
Q: Huey refers to you as having a great sense of humor; what’s the funniest story you can think of on your time out on the road?
Sean: Nothing comes to mind. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Q: I've always said that harmonizing is only as good as the person who sings bass. I was wondering if it is something completely natural or something you have to work really hard on. What I’m asking is, do you have different levels of bass singing depending on the song, or is it just the natural tone of your voice?? Keep up the great work.
Sean: I suppose I'm working on it anytime I sing. "Hard" makes it sound as though it's not coming easily, so I leave out the hard part. if you mean different pitch levels of bass singing different songs, then yes, otherwise I would be singing the wrong song. Finally, the natural tone of my voice is bass. Tying to sing these parts without a bass voice could get you killed or injured, or at minimum a strong reprimand from your band-mates. Just ask Huey.
Q: I was wondering if you know if the Judds ever recorded "Danny Don't Lie".....re-named from Alex Call's song "Annie Don’t Lie"?
Sean: I don't! Please get back to me with the answer.
Q: Were you really "nude for Rockfield"? (This sounds odd, I know...but it's Clover's "Keep on Rollin'" for those who haven't discovered the glories of Love on the Wire.)
Sean: Of course not! Why would I take off my clothes for a studio? I'd say they get paid quite enough. Alex says "Nude, from Rockfield!", establishing for posterity that we are in one room of an old farmhouse quadrangle converted to a recording studio, in Wales, standing around an expensive Neumann microphone in a circle with no clothes on. The tone is still demonstrably superior.
Q: We have heard from Bill that “Hard at Play” was probably the bands least favorite album to record. Was the material on “Hard at Play” a direct response to record company pressure to come up with another “Sports?”
Why did you get Bill Schnee back on board as he had produced your only album not to make the charts; and why did Eric "ET" Thorngren only co-produce two tracks?
Sean: Please use a time machine and ask Extra or Hollywood Minute. I've had the answers psychically erased.
Q: You are so surrounded by equipment; it's almost hard to see you live! What is the most important piece you have up there that you can't live without, and what is the most sentimental piece of equipment you own musically?
Sean: The wall plug. After that, a night without the B3 would lead to some teeth grinding. There's four or five ways to get a piano tone up there so it's less of a liability. As for sentimentality, this word sounds like everyone hates it but you insist on using it anyway; I think you mean, what piece of gear am I most attached to? And that would be the B3. No two are alike, just like violins, if they weighed 400 pounds. Some you love, some you hate, and some you make an uneasy peace with, but I'll never be without one.
Q: Are you a Windows or Apple Mac guy?
Sean: I love a good joke! Send more! Apple since 1984.
Marvin's Q & A's
Yaiaso Photo.
Q: Congrats for being part of one of the greatest groups in the world!! You've been playing with HLN for some time now, is this the only group you are a part of, or do you play in many groups?
Marvin: I play in many groups, but I only feel like a member of two, This HLN, and the Fundamentals.
Q: What's your favourite Cockney Rhyming Slang word?
Marvin: China.
Q: What non-musical activity do you partake? Other band members golf, ride motorcycles, fish, play tennis, etc...
Marvin: My activities revolve around music and my family.
Q: Do you sing?
Marvin: Yes. I don’t like the sound of my voice, but I sing very well in tune.
Q: You are just always so wonderful of an entertainer and musician when we see you play. I was wondering, there has to be some kinds of pet peeves or things that you find irritating that we would never guess?
Marvin: Yes, silly questions like this! Just kidding. People speaking loudly on cell phones.
Q: You've done Broadway musicals in the U.S. Have you done any abroad? If not, would you consider doing that?
Marvin: No, and no. The reason I do the musicals is for the pay and to be close to home. If I’m going to travel, I want to do it with HLN.
Q: I read that you started touring professionally when you were 18. What's the history on how you got there at such a young age: how old were you when you started playing? When did you realize you had a talent? Who inspired you to be a musician?
Marvin: I don’t necessarily believe that I have a talent. I’ve been very fortunate and practiced a lot. I still practice everyday. I don’t know how I was inspired. Since I was in the 8th grade all I can remember wanting was to play the trumpet. I still don’t know why, but I really love it and have been fortunate to eke out an existence with it.
