Huey Lewis on Hearing Loss, Hitchhiking Through Europe & New Album

TL;DR

Huey Lewis opens up about hearing loss and his musical experiences.

Transcript

SO HUEY, FIRST OF ALL, YOUR HEARING IS NOT GOOD, RIGHT? >> RIGHT. >> Jimmy: YOU CAN HEAR ME OKAY RIGHT NOW? >> KIND OF, YEAH, KIND OF. >> Jimmy: EXPLAIN WHY YOU'RE NOT SINGING TONIGHT. >> I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A THING CALLED MEN YAY'S DISEASE THAT THEY DON'T, I LOST 80% OF MY RIGHT EAR, AND TWO YEARS AGO MY LEFT EAR WENT OUT. ALTHOUGH IT FLUCT... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥰 Hearing loss significantly impacts professional musicians, as seen in Huey Lewis's case with Meniere's disease.
• ⌛ Personal connections and support from peers can provide crucial encouragement during difficult times in one’s career.
• 🛟 Adventure and spontaneity often enrich life experiences, as exemplified by Huey's hitchhiking journey.
• 😀 Resilience and adaptability are vital traits for musicians facing challenges, including health issues.
• 🎼 Cultural engagement and local interactions can deepen understanding and appreciation for music and performance.
• 🥺 Overcoming initial fears during performances can lead to profound self-confidence and career reaffirmation.
• ❓ The importance of perseverance is encapsulated in Tico Torres's mantra, which emphasizes proactive responses to challenges.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Meniere's disease and how has it affected Huey Lewis?

Meniere's disease is a chronic ear condition that can lead to hearing loss, dizziness, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. For Huey, it has resulted in a significant loss of hearing, starting with 80% in his right ear and later affecting his left ear, leaving him unable to stabilize his hearing enough to perform.

Q: How did Huey Lewis first respond to his hearing loss?

Initially, Huey sought medical advice when he lost his right ear's hearing. The ENT specialist advised him to get used to it, providing examples of famous musicians who succeeded with similar hearing challenges. However, Huey's journey was filled with frustration, as he struggled to maintain his musical career without the ability to discern pitch accurately.

Q: What was Huey's mantra shared by his friend Tico Torres?

The phrase "What are you going to do?" became Huey's mantra of resilience, as Tico Torres reminded him that despite his challenges, the most important aspect was how he would move forward and adapt. This mindset has been vital for Huey in coping with his hearing difficulties and pursuing his passion for music.

Q: Can you describe Huey Lewis's hitchhiking adventure through Europe?

Huey recounted an adventurous period after high school when he hitchhiked through Europe, ultimately landing in North Africa. He played harmonica in public squares and immersed himself in the local culture for three months before continuing his travels, showcasing his spontaneity and love for music.

Q: What unexpected event occurred during Huey’s trip in a vintage car?

During his hitchhiking journey, Huey was picked up by a Dutchman driving a vintage 1925 Chevrolet. They accidentally drove off a levee and into water, but the driver managed to dry the engine with a fire extinguisher, allowing them to continue their journey, highlighting the unpredictable nature of travel.

Q: How did Huey Lewis connect with local musicians while in Seville?

While in Seville, Huey engaged with a construction site's night watchman despite a language barrier. This interaction led him to meet college students who were fascinated by his experiences and organized a concert to help him earn money for a passport, showcasing community support and camaraderie.

Q: What feelings did Huey experience during his first performance back in the U.S.?

Huey felt nervous and uncertain when he first performed at a college concert with a new band, worrying they were bombing. However, once they started playing, the audience erupted in applause, solidifying his determination to pursue a music career, indicating a pivotal moment of self-discovery.

Q: What insights does Huey Lewis share about being a musician despite hearing loss?

Huey emphasizes that, although hearing loss presents significant challenges, especially in terms of pitch perception, the determination to adapt and continue pursuing music defines a musician. He highlights the importance of support from fellow artists and resilience in the face of adversity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Huey Lewis shares his battle with Meniere's disease, which has severely impacted his hearing, causing him to lose 80% in one ear.

• He recalls his adventurous youth, including a spontaneous journey across Europe and North Africa, where he played harmonica and engaged with new cultures.

• Lewis discusses the support he received from fellow musicians like Tico Torres, emphasizing resilience and the mantra, "What are you going to do?"