In the realm of music, few experiences are as devastating as losing one’s ability to hear. For singer Huey Lewis, this nightmare became a painful reality. Lewis, renowned for his role in the popular ’80s band Huey Lewis and the News, recently revealed that he can no longer hear music due to a condition called Ménière’s disease. This revelation plunged him into a deep depression, forcing him to confront not only the loss of his hearing but also his identity as a musician. In this article, we will delve into Lewis’ struggles, his journey towards acceptance, and his unwavering resilience.
The Cacophony of Silence
Lewis, now 73 years old, expressed that music is a mere cacophony to him, devoid of its melodic essence. His hearing loss prevents him from experiencing the joy and beauty of his own creations. He explains that the complexity of music, with its harmonics and frequencies, poses a greater challenge for his impaired hearing compared to speech alone. The distortion and loss of the lower frequencies exacerbate the struggle, leaving Lewis feeling disconnected from an art form that once defined his life.
The onset of Lewis’ hearing loss occurred during the height of his band’s success. In his late 30s, the right ear became the first casualty to Ménière’s disease, leaving him frightened and uncertain. However, his ENT doctor offered him a glimmer of hope by reminding him of other musicians who had coped with hearing issues. The iconic Jimi Hendrix and Brian Wilson only possessed one functional ear, yet their talent and creativity knew no bounds. With this reassurance, Lewis began to believe that one ear could still accomplish wonders.
By 2017, Lewis’ hearing in his left ear vanished completely. Devastated, he found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. For six months, he confined himself to bed, consumed by worry and panic. Seeking solace, Lewis explored various holistic treatments, from chiropractors to acupuncture, even experimenting with different diets. Unfortunately, none of these attempts provided the desired outcome. The weight of depression settled upon him, resulting in a significant weight loss and a prolonged state of desolation.
Rediscovering Purpose
A turning point in Lewis’ journey emerged as he realized his two children would not accept his surrender to despair. Slowly, he started to rebuild his life and rediscover his purpose. Although the days of his illustrious career seemed far behind, he shifted his focus towards gratitude. Lewis acknowledged that countless people faced more significant hardships than his own, emphasizing the importance of recognizing his blessings. His life might have changed, but he remained adamant that it was still better than most.
Contrasting Personas
Lewis’ battle with depression starkly contrasts his public persona as a lighthearted and cheerful artist. During the mid-1980s, images of Huey Lewis and the News inundated MTV, with their music dominating the airwaves. The album “Sports,” released in 1983, produced numerous chart-topping hits, propelling the band to unprecedented success. Lewis, reminiscing on this era, openly admits to enjoying the attention, as any artist must. Popularity, after all, forms the lifeblood of pop music.
A Broadway Connection
Recently in New York for the opening night of the Broadway adaptation of “Back to the Future,” Lewis experienced an outpouring of affection from fans. Despite his hearing loss, he embraced the moments, posing for selfies and delivering a heartfelt speech. His appearance in the iconic 1985 film as a teacher and the inclusion of his song “Power of Love” solidified his connection to the production. The Broadway show now pays homage to Lewis, featuring a minor character named Uncle Huey and culminating in an energizing rendition of his classic tune.
Alongside his involvement with “Back to the Future,” Lewis is also working on another exciting project: a musical titled “The Heart of Rock and Roll.” Inspired by his band’s songs, this theatrical endeavor promises to captivate audiences on Broadway. Despite the challenges of his hearing loss, Lewis remains resilient and refuses to let it define him entirely. He looks ahead to the future with optimism, eager to showcase his artistry in new and innovative ways.
Huey Lewis’ journey through the depths of depression and his subsequent resilience serve as a testament to the human spirit. Losing one’s ability to hear music is an unimaginable tragedy for any musician, but Lewis has confronted this adversity head-on. While the silence may forever be his companion, he continues to find solace in gratitude and the unwavering support of his loved ones. As he embraces new opportunities and forges ahead in his musical endeavors, his story inspires us all to persevere in the face of life’s harshest challenges.