Do you know why Huey Lewis doesn't perform anymore? What he's been diagnosed with and how many hits the band has had?
Find out this week as Bill Gibson, Huey's friend and drummer for Huey Lewis and the News shares the stories that led to the band's global success.
Bill has been a vital force behind the band’s distinctive sound since its formation in the late 70s. Growing up in Northern California, he was immersed in the local rock and blues scene, which shaped his versatile drumming style. His early passion for music led him to master multiple instruments before dedicating himself to drums.
Gibson joined Huey Lewis and the News just as the band was finding its footing, bringing a solid rhythmic foundation that helped propel them to stardom.
The band’s rise paralleled that of their charismatic frontman, Huey Lewis. Born Hugh Anthony Cregg III in New York City, Lewis moved to California and, after stints in various bands, joined the Bay Area group Clover, which later evolved into Huey Lewis and the News.
Known for his soulful voice and stage presence, Lewis brought warmth and humor to the band’s image, setting them apart from other rock acts of the time. His childhood wasn’t easy, as his parents divorced when he was young, yet he channeled his experiences into music, developing a unique vocal style that blended rock, soul, and blues.
Huey Lewis and the News saw a major breakthrough with their 1983 album Sports, which went multi-platinum and solidified them as one of the defining acts of the decade. Bill Gibson’s drumming provided the pulse for hits like “Heart and Soul,” “I Want a New Drug,” and “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” songs that exemplified the band’s energetic mix of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues. Gibson’s style, combining precision with a deep sense of groove, became crucial to the band’s commercial success and unique sound.
Following the success of Sports, Huey Lewis and the News released Fore! in 1986, which featured smash hits like “Stuck with You” and “Jacob’s Ladder.” The band’s brass-heavy arrangements and harmonized vocals distinguished them further in the rock world, with Gibson’s drumming as a consistent, driving force.
Their iconic track “The Power of Love” gained additional fame after being featured in the Back to the Future soundtrack, earning them a Grammy nomination and cementing their cultural impact. Gibson’s drumming on “The Power of Love” demonstrated his adaptability, seamlessly shifting between energetic rock tempos and a bluesy, danceable beat.
The band’s lineup stayed remarkably stable, creating a sense of family and camaraderie that resonated with fans.
Over time, Huey Lewis emerged as a beloved figure both on and off stage, known for his sharp wit and commitment to his craft. Despite facing hearing issues that began affecting him in 2018, Lewis has remained determined to keep performing. The band continued recording and released Weather in 2020, showcasing their resilience and commitment to fans even after four decades.
Bill Gibson has stayed deeply involved with the band’s creative process, contributing to songwriting and recording. His rhythmic approach and technical skill have earned him widespread respect, making him an influential figure among drummers and rock enthusiasts. Both Gibson and Lewis, along with the rest of Huey Lewis and the News, have created a legacy rooted in the authenticity and relatability that made their music timeless.
Huey Lewis has just picked up The Lifetime Achievement Award from Rockers on Broadway. To learn more about him head to his website https://hueylewisandthenews.com/
I hope you enjoy exploring the story of Huey Lewis and the News.
