Huey Lewis has bravely shared his personal journey with severe hearing loss, expressing his unwavering determination to not lose hope in returning to the stage for performances and recording music. His resilience shines through as he navigates the challenges posed by his condition, showcasing a spirit that many admire.

Huey Lewis, who gained immense popularity as a member of Clover and as the charismatic frontman of Huey Lewis and the News, has been noticeably absent from the music scene since 2018. This hiatus was necessitated when he had to cancel all his scheduled tour dates following his devastating diagnosis of Meniere’s disease, a condition that has significantly impacted his life and career.

Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition that affects the inner ear, leading to debilitating symptoms such as vertigo and a profound sense of disorientation. This illness adversely affected Lewis, making it difficult for him to hear during rehearsals and ultimately forcing him to retire from live performances until he could observe any signs of improvement. In a candid interview with Today back in 2018, Lewis expressed the emotional weight of his situation, stating, “I haven’t come to grips with the fact that I may never sing again.”

In a recent interview with People, Lewis opened up about his experiences living with Meniere’s disease. He shared the positive news that he has received a cochlear implant, which has significantly enhanced his ability to hear speech “much better.” This advancement represents a pivotal moment in his journey as he strives to reconnect with the world of music and communication.

Lewis elaborated, saying, “I lost bilaterally, my hearing … the intense vertigo — knock on wood — I have kind of outgrown.” He described his current state as being “mildly dizzy all the time,” and mentioned how his hearing had dropped to zero prior to receiving his cochlear implant. Although he acknowledges improvements in his hearing, he expressed his disappointment in not being able to enjoy music, a passion that has been central to his life and career.

“The worst part is that it’s bad enough not to be able to perform and sing and play, but it’s truly heartbreaking to not even be able to enjoy music,” he lamented. His words resonate with many who understand the deep connection between an artist and their craft, highlighting the emotional toll of such a profound loss.

Despite his challenges in performing, Lewis’s band, Huey Lewis and the News, was able to release a new album titled Weather in 2020. This album features seven tracks that were recorded shortly before his diagnosis, showcasing the band’s enduring talent and creativity. Lewis remains hopeful yet realistic about the prospect of returning to the stage, stating that performing is “the best feeling in the world” and acknowledging the uncertainty of his future in music.

However, he is also realistic about the hurdles he faces, admitting, “But I’m never going to get there.” He expressed a desire to try and not give up on his passion for music, stating, “I might get to where I can try to, and I’m not going to give up. I’m going to try.” Yet, he also reflects on the bittersweet nature of his journey, recognizing that the vibrant experiences of performing live may be something he may never fully experience again.

Even though Lewis has been unable to perform or collaborate on new music with Huey Lewis and the News, he has continued to stay engaged with the music industry. Notably, the jukebox musical inspired by the band’s iconic songs, The Heart of Rock and Roll, has been successfully staged in both San Diego and on Broadway in recent years. Additionally, Lewis recently gained attention for his involvement in the ongoing search for the guitar that Michael J. Fox played in the classic film Back to the Future, further solidifying his connection to the music and entertainment world.