FAQ
From HLNWiki
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions here before e-mailing us at: newsnotes at msn dot com.
When is the band playing in my area?
New tour dates are being posted as soon as the band confirms them on the tour dates page! Please don't write and ask when or if they are coming to your city. Other than the listed tour dates, we have no idea when the band will come to a particular city. All the known tour dates are posted.
If the band hasn't been to your area lately and you can't wait any longer, please contact a local venue that books similar acts and suggest that they book the band. The band has very little say in where they play, it is up to a venue or local promoter to book the band.
International trips are even more difficult because of the added cost. Basically, several venues have to group a set of shows together to make it worthwhile.
What happened to Chris?
In the beginning of 2000, Chris decided to leave the band to spend more time with his growing family. Chris did do a lot of the writing for Plan B and played guitar on it because much of that was laid out before he left the band. Stef Burns more than capably fills the slot on lead guitar. Stef has at times taken some time away from Huey & the News when he has other commitments. At times Chris has played with the band again for a few shows especially if they are in the San Francisco Bay Area. At other times, Tal Morris and James Harrah have performed with the band. There is no way to know if circumstances will permit Chris to play with the band again.
Chris is known to play some shows with other performers and friends in the San Francisco area.
What happened to Mario?
Mario left the band shortly after 1994's Four Chords and Several Years Ago album and tour. John Pierce joined the band shortly afterward, and has played with the band ever since.
Mario has played with Quicksilver Gold a group that, "pays tribute to the legendary 60's rock icons Quicksilver Messenger Service." He also has played with some Jerry Garcia Band tribute groups. In August 2007 Mario played with Huey Lewis and the News for the encore set at the California State Fair.
Are there any plans for a new album?
Yes. As a matter of fact, the band is currently writing and recording new material. As soon as anything starts firming up, you'll read it on this web site and Newsline II.
Can I get a photo autographed by a band member?
We're not generally able to take these requests through e-mail. The band's office can't guarantee everyone an autograph, but you can try postal mailing: Huey Lewis and the News P.O. Box 819 Mill Valley, CA 94942
Why are there no sound clips available for downloading on this page?
Due to legal and bandwidth issues we cannot offer them.
How do I send email to anyone in the band?
As of now, Bill can be emailed through the webmaster. All of the band can be sent regular (U.S./snail) mail at:
Huey Lewis and the News
P.O. Box 819
Mill Valley, CA 94942
Which of the band members are married? Why aren't other personal details of the band on this site?
Because people have different definitions of what should be kept private, we've chosen to respect the band's privacy as much as possible. We ask that you respect their privacy too by thinking twice before asking or answering something that it is possible someone would prefer to keep private.
How can I get backstage?
Backstage access is generally reserved for long time friends and family of the band and their guests. Everyone wants to get backstage! Recently in Newsline II, the following was published, and it gives some good insight into this issue:
The Myth of the Amazing Backstage Party...
What spawned the myth of the amazing backstage party? (The artist in question says:) "We've seen plenty of backstages but that happening party scene has eluded us thus far. We've seen our share of deli trays with mystery meat, downed too many cheap beers, and shaken the hands of plenty of people who put the 'strange' in stranger. So where the hell is the party...?"
The article continues: "As far as [we] are concerned, that whole party thing was never part of our fantasy. The 'groupie' thing doesn't do it for us either... I hate to say it," sighed the singer, "but the people who get backstage are not necessarily the people you want to party with!"
Now, the artist in question is not HLN, but who's to say they don't have similar feelings?
Most people can see the difference between being anxious and excited, and being obnoxious. There are some who would push, shove, do almost anything to get backstage, but does that really endear them to the people they are trying so desperately to impress?
What goes on before a show is anyone's guess, but you can bet it is HECTIC! Time is short, millions of things to do, ten thousand people stomping their feet... and to interrupt it all with, "Can you give this to Huey..?"
You know as well as I do that HLN (& their management) LOVE their fans! They go out of their way to be nice and accomodating, but especially before a show, they are BUSY!
Follow the lead of the guy with the passes. If he says, "I'm sorry, it's a bit crazy back there already," or "perhaps another time would be better..." he is trying in the nicest, gentlest way possible to say no.
True fans, those who could be friends, understand this way of thinking. Fanatics do not. Too many cocktails with Timothy Leary I guess...
Is there a fan club for HLN?
Yes, it's called NewsLine II and is currently being incorporated into this website.
Could you add a section on this web site where people send in questions for the band and you post their answers?
The fan club already does something similar. If you join, you can send your questions in for the band and they have a good chance of being answered.
Also, a couple of the band members read the Message Forum. Bill participates the most, but Marvin and Stef have posted a couple of times. However, it is considered poor etiquette to post questions addressed to them or anyone in particular. Please address questions to all readers of the forum, and Bill has said he'll do his best to chime in when he thinks the discussion is going off-course or is inaccurate.
Can you tell me where I can buy a rare/import/bootleg album?
Here are some ideas on where to look:
- Try searching at on-line auction sites, such as ebay.
- Search for some stores that specialize in rare recordings.
- Another approach is to do a search for newsgroup articles at Google Groups for articles containing "Huey Lewis and the News". Many of the articles which will be found will be "for sale" posts.
