Guitar Teacher REACTS: HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS "If This Is It" | LIVE Sports Tour 1985

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[@stephens9462]

Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste. But when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip to be Square", a song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity, and the importance of trends, it's also a personal statement about the band itself.

[@jerrypizzle7433]

I have to return some video tapes

[@Guitargate]

Anonymous Coward I have to return some videotapes.

[@mikesharpsongs]

Alan?

[@jacksorensen-unruh204]

Hey paul

[@shawnmcvey7789]

@John Verne Yeah, basically all of My Aim is True. They were called Clover then, and that album has some fantastic country flavored guitar.

[@TritoneChris]

Finally someone showing Huey Lewis and the News the credit and adulation they deserve. So underrated it hurts.

[@stepladder3257]

They should be in the RRHOF

[@TritoneChris]

@@stepladder3257 Absolutely!

[@iansnyder274]

CHRIS HAYES!!!! criminally underrated.....incredible musician...The News were not the same without him, but ya can't blame a man for wanting to be around for his children!!!

[@MrFinikyfrank]

Came here to say that Chris is a MONSTER player. Definitely underrated.

[@d.wagner9187]

I am a drummer and Billy Gibson has had a huge influence on me when starting to learn playing drums. Such a solid, in-the-pocket drummer. Their music just makes you smile as you show in your video. Great analysis, btw.

[@bearsgonefishing9897]

First concert, back in 85-86 and had Robert Cray open for him. It was magical.

[@richardcaliendo3138]

I play in a national Huey tribute act. This is hands down one of my fav tunes to play. Never get tired of this classic. Amazing!!

[@TUBEMAN192]

Thumbs up for Huey Lewis night! Who's with me?

[@dafud77]

Giant Huey Lewis fan! Maybe my favorite band of all time. Great writing and musicians!

[@drumsNstuff79]

Christ Hayes is a beast on this! Very exciting and fun guitarist to hear live for sure. I love going back and listening to these guys.

[@egrabber]

I saw them play in Old orchard Beach, ME in the 80's and when they played "heart of rock & roll" Huey brought out a red wagon with a drum machine, it was a magical concert and speaks of a time when musicians still played on tour what they did in the studio!

[@jasonmaltz7040]

Love Huey and the News songs. Chris Hayes the lead guitarist was a jazz guy which I think is why the melodies are so well put together!

[@michaelrendon6808]

We want more Huey!!!!

[@orr123]

“It’s the 80’s, man!” I too am a HL&TN-head. You’re excitement and enthusiasm over this song and the band is so infectious. I can’t help buy smile along with ya. I want more Huey Lewis break downs!!

[@Conthan]

My sister met Huey Lewis in the New Orleans airport around 15 years ago. She said he was the coolest guy in the world.

[@mat0920]

Masterfully arranged. Band, horns, vocals, all perfect!

[@LoopConnection]

Btw this live set of Huey Lewis is so tight and it has the best sax solo in rock history:I'm talking about Marc Russo in Trouble In Paradise! Best band in the world!

[@texashazzard7606]

1000% agree

[@Strat642001]

Saw them on the Small World tour, with the Tower of Power horns. Amazing musicians all around. Was an awesome show. Found out around that time, that Huey was on the Thin Lizzy Live and Dangerous album as well, playing harmonica. Criminally underrated players.

[@christosstamato527]

I've seen them close to 15 times ever since 1982, and I recall 'Small World' tour being probably my fav!

[@7Earthsky]

I saw them on that tour as well....Wembley Arena London.

[@RedLion88]

This is one of the songs that pulled me back into playing guitar after a long layoff. The melodic intro and main solos are great. I remember watching this video over and over on MTV in the summer of '84.

[@TMoody]

That original guitarist (Chris.... I think) was awesome. This whole album Spots is a masterpiece and that PRS is sick.

[@willissellars6304]

Man... I lived this. Sophomore year in college... I somehow heard the songs and bought the album (12 inch vinyl) probably during the summer break. My girlfriend and best friend from high school who were in college with me at the time knew I liked the band and pooled their money and bought us all tickets to their concert as a birthday present. It was in a warehouse formerly used for tobacco sales that had been converted to a concert venue called the Greenleaf in Greenville, NC. It may have been the best concert that I ever attended.... I had a chemistry exam the next day - I think I failed..... In hindsight... it was worth it! Thanks Charles and Alesia!

[@amjrpain919]

It was a phenomenal experience under the stars one fantastic summer night in Oklahoma City! 💯👏👋

[@teamcarroll]

Trouble in Paradise is the best with the Tower of Power horns. Classic! Thanks for the Huey Lewis nod. I live your channel. I'm a sax player and I can't get enough of your energy and knowledge!!

[@m1ghtycs]

Huey Lewis & The News is so underrated man. I remember hearing Thank You for the first time on the radio and I was baffled by how beautiful it was, lol.

[@dzk004223]

Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste. But when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor

[@saymstuff]

@@dzk004223 Why did you copy and paste part of someone elses comment?

[@krash_1]

@@saymstuff Actually it is a quote from the movie American Psycho kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKuxZKSFYtaWbrc . The actor went on to play, arguably, the best Batman role. I prefer Michael Keaton, but that is just a matter of opinion!

[@glencruciani]

Huey Lewis and the News played my high school when I was a kid. Totally pro from what I recall. They were huge at the time. I have no idea how my school got them to play there.

[@jasonaustin3270]

I always knew this song, my sister was a huge fan. But never realized how good the music really was! Thanks for the lesson.

[@Jailem]

I know nothing about any of the notes, the progression, the back and forth, the details your excited about in this video, but your enthusiasm about a song I love is so palpable that I can almost begin to understand what you're talking about. So much so that I've watched this several times even though most of it is lost on me.

[@misteranderson59]

Favorite band of all time...in fact "Sports" my first cassette ever. What a sick track... and Huey's mullet is $$$.

[@TheCatfishcheese]

I absolutely love this band. such catchy/memorable tunes.

[@tonysutton1658]

Oh man I love this guys passion for music and the fact he's willing to share his knowledge. I've only just recently found his channel....a true gem. Dude, thanks for your work.

[@edking14]

Love your work, Michael. I've listened to many of these reaction videos now and they range from sublimely joyful to deeply personal. Your clear love of music, period, is an inspiration and always makes me want to pick up the guitar... but then I can't help but watch another video! This one was particularly brilliant to watch, since Huey Lewis is one of those bands that everyone loves but no-one rates. Having the song broken down for its musical quality is a nod to just how good they are. Pure joy. Thank you.

[@billycarter4832]

I was a golf pro back then and played golf with Chris and the horn guy at Hobbitts Glen before their show at Merriweather Post...He gave me and my friend front row in pit and back stage passes...Totally cool guy..This was early 90's

[@joebaby555]

Met Huey once at a late night sports bar while he was watching the Giants football game and drinking beer... totally cool guy and incredible singer and performer..

[@cmkaco]

This is a fantastic analysis of this wonderful song. I really liked how you analyzed the solo through the chord progression. You could tell you really love this song, this music, and teaching guitar from the smile on your face!

[@j4wn]

This is a very tough song to work out the chords. Well done. This band has some great chord melodies and wonderful harmonies.

[@jasonstamwitz6928]

I have always heard about all these great concerts from other bands. One thing was consistently said, Huey Lewis and the News were the best sounding concerts over all others.

[@JoshDorta1]

I never knew that Huey Lewis can produce this much excitement

[@nalknalk5820]

On the album Small World Huey has THE perfect song for you: "Walking with the kid", given your adolation for doing stuff with your kid. :)

[@davidfleming1012]

loved a comment from Lewis I heard where he was talking about his dad who was telling Huey how the best music was normally not the "popular music" or whatever.. then one day he gets a hit song and he thinks to himself: #1 hit??? I thought we were better than that. Had a totally new appreciation of him.

I love their live version of Jacob's Ladder. Look it up.

[@jimmymcclain6757]

I love playing this song in my band one of my favorites to do, great critique of an underrated band and guitar player

[@bstimy]

Yeah this gets thrown in the bucket with lots of upbeat early to mid ‘80s pop. I was 10 and definitely still evokes a sense of comfort. Life was a bit more simple at 10...

[@Guitargate]

10 Was FANTASTIC.

[@jordancrawford7999]

Nuey Hewis & the Lews

[@Sicram]

Johnny Colla is the unsung hero of this band.

[@orr123]

Harmonies, guitar, horny sax. Oh man that horny sax!

[@dmanorozco]

Chris was one of my fav guitarists. Gave them a rock edge to their Pop sound. Couldn’t agree with you more. They are one of the most underrated bands.

[@iansnyder274]

Yup, and without Chris they were NOT the same..He wrote some of their biggest hits too. He has a jazz backround which most cats playing soul pop did not. He brought that jazz harmonic knowledge with him. Incredible player and heck of a nice guy too!

[@NickP333]

A perfectly written song. Sports is a total classic. Saw em a few summers ago, and Huey sounded great. Even got the setlist framed on my wall. Side note: I heard that the label just wanted Huey and to replace the band. Huey thankfully said no way. The News are a killer band!

[@thebaronvontito87]

These videos make me happy. Not even a guitar player. Just here for the good vibes!

[@HueyTribute]

Fantastic breakdown Michael. Love to see more HLN. Super underrated band. But we're probably biased.

[@Guitargate]

HA! I suppose you are :)

[@corynorell3686]

Huey Lewis & The News is one of the few bands I've heard that doesn't have a single song I couldn't listen to on repeat for hours. My favorite has to be Workin' For A Livin'. The 60's - 80's put out the best music ever made in my opinion. If my old man hadn't showed me the way when I was young, I could be listen to the soulless cash grab "music" I hear coming out today. Not that there isn't still good music put out today, but it is few and far between. Back in the golden era of rock, every song told a story and did so with soul. You just don't see that anymore.

[@lofispace2384]

I can consider myself lucky to have seen them live many years ago. Still one of my favorite bands of all times ,-)

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

Growing up near SF not only was I huge fan of this local band, but must have saw him sing the Nation Anthem at dozens of Niners, Giants, A's, Raiders and Warriors games!

[@salyer28]

Never realized back in the day how much this band reminds me of steely dan. Wore this cassette out in the mid 80s.

[@delilahjones5561]

I’m fully geeked out on the music theory. Great job! You should do more pop tracks like this one.

[@TheKareal2468]

Word is old Heuy rocked a monster instrument of his own since birth, crackle crackle.

[@pitpride1220]

Sick band! That solo and progression are very Lukather.

[@dtjacobsmusic6123]

This was my favorite song for a while in the 80's!

[@raydanielz9408]

Incomparable great band, Huey Lewis and The News🎉, just like Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were

[@danmurphy9304]

Love Huey Lewis & The News. Great Vid Michael!!

[@jermainesmith2061]

You Mr Palmisano are becoming one of my favorite instructors! 'If this is it by Huey Lewis and the news happens to be one of my favorite songs by Mr Lewis! Early 80's pop .... but with substance. I use to know how to play most of the song except the lead. I agree with what you said in one of your other videos. That if you can learn to play the melody to a song you can improvise of that

[@Guitargate]

Thx!!!!

[@thomasripley1548]

Saw hurt with Tower Of Power horns on a special for PBS I the 80s so good ,so good.... your right about being under rated.. as was Elvin Bishop one of the great bar bands ever, added Mikey Thomas and just awesome.......

[@scotthobin3069]

I'm not sure if it has been mentioned here or not, but interesting enough here, I think, is that Huey and Umphrey's have a strange but amazing relationship. Knowing your somewhat newly found interest in Umph, I wanted to toss this connection at you. Huey played harmonica on one of Umphrey's albums, on a song called Women, Wine, and Song. Great song, unlike any other Umph songs in my opinion, it jsut sort of stands on it's own in my opinion. It's not better or worse than others, just different. Years later though, I had the pleasure of witnessing a live performance of the song with Huey Lewis. Following that Umphrey's set was a once in a lifetime "Huey Lewis & The rUMors" set, where Umph backed up Huey for a full fledged Huey Lewis concert. It was a wild collision of worlds, and just freaking amazing. Huey is pretty outspoken about his love for Umphrey's and Umphrey's obviously returns the sentiments. Figured you might find the connection interesting... Anywho, I loved this video, brother! You da man!

[@Guitargate]

LOVE THIS!!!! Not surprising. Amazing people.

[@HeyImBrim]

Holy cow I never knew this and I’m a huge UM fan. Thanks for this!

[@jasonaustin3270]

I never knew this either, was always a panic fan until I seen them. Now this is some cool info

[@krash_1]

Mentioned in the video is a question about who wrote the song. As surmised it was Huey and another member of the band, Johnny Colla. He plays some guitar but mainly sax.

[@takemebacktothen]

Colla is playing the Strat in the video

[@whatifindbeautiful]

I always thought they were a super-tight band. But you know, I had forgotten until I recently stumbled upon them again. And suddenly my "recently played" playlists were all Huey Lewis and The News songs - :) . There's soooo many good ones! I always thought they were tight like Toto is tight. Like REO Speedwagon and 38 Special.

[@mikenadanada7430]

This is awesome 👍👍👍... More Huey Please...

[@thefirebuilds]

When I was a wee pup I was so into Huey Lewis. My family and I would go camping out in the central WI area and one night I told my mom.... "Mom... I hear huey lewis" and she said lol you are crazy but wait... I hear it too! Huey Lewis was playing just down the road at Alpine Valley. I asked mom, can we go?! Let's go! of course we couldn't go, we didn't have tickets, but I was probably 5 or 6. What a bummer. 30 years later he opened for Jimmy Buffett at Alpine Valley. And I was there. and it was a surprise. And I cried. He's every bit as good today as he ever was. also, biggest hog in the business.

[@nightknight6845]

THIS was exactly what I was looking for. Killer job, and thank you!!

[@indiaaa1095]

I don’t even remember how I got here lol...I play saxophone and can’t play guitar to save my life, but these videos are the highlight of my week.

[@TiredWings]

Trumpet player, former music major, haven't played in 20 years........its amazing how much theory sticks with you...

[@indiaaa1095]

Shane Reagan absolutely! I still play but I haven’t studied any theory in about 8 years. This is as close as I’ll get lol

[@charlesrumbaugh3668]

I love Huey, I’m going to check this concert out! Would love to see you check out anything from Genesis live at Wembley, it’s by far my fav concert to watch of all time, it reminds me of my dad so much who has passed 13 years ago, I’d love for you to do something off that show! Much love and I think you are one of the greatest personalities on KZbin, thanks for your content!

[@Guitargate]

THanks!!! I'd LOVE to do genesis... maybe I'll have bukovac on to go over genesis deep cuts.

[@mikelind8607]

Love all you're stuff Michael. I don't play at all but watch all your video's. You're talented, entertaining, great wit and best of all an involved Dad. Fyi. Huey did sit in with the Dead in Eugene, Oregon in 1993. Not his band, just him. By the way. Long way to go on Cornell '77. Been a while. Regardless of who you react to I'll be watching. Good stuff and thanks.

[@johnsoncj2002]

I don’t know why your channel popped up on my feed but I’m glad it did. You seem like a cool dude and your excitement for music is infectious. Keep it up man.

[@davekerr3683]

He was the biggest um teacher in my life back in the 80s

[@crisprtalk6963]

Huey had the 50's vibe going on well! Loved the sound back then!

[@LowTone73]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this video!! Cool song, first off. Just love seeing you enjoy digging through the song and explain what he’s playing. My favorite.

[@Ticonderoga12]

Workin for a living guitar solo is mind blowing for me

[@LoneStarRKW]

Also a big HLTN fan here! Nice video, thanks!

[@aCreepyGnome_]

I think you should check out Tennessee Jed from 10/9/1976. The guitar jam always gives me chills it’s so good. Would love to see you react to it. Thanks! Keep up the awesome videos!

[@jamiecapildeo6278]

Mike, hello from UK, great video, Huey is my hero (child of the 80s…well, 1972, but my teen years were in that greatest decade for sure). Would you look at another 80s classic? Thinking Easy Lover, Phil Collins and Phillip Bailey, the guitar solo is a forgotten gem…! No idea who played guitar on the single but most people have forgotten that it is a guitar-driven tune. Hope you can make this happen. Jamie, Brighton, UK. Stay safe buddy.

[@mikesharpsongs]

Such great right hand technique.

[@atiredblue]

My new favorite channel ☝🏻🤙🏻🔥! Locked in!

[@amjrpain919]

Saw this under the stars and was delighted with the entire concert! Band was so tight!

[@PeterM1-qx1tz]

Power of Love has a really catchy main rhythm part that is a bit unusual the way he plays it gives the song that underlying ''bounce'' that makes it sound so good. Honestly, not many guitarists use it actually, really worth looking into. Forgot the guys name, but the guitarist(s) in Huey Lewis was very good. One of those underrated guys that get overlooked in those ''top 100'' lists that always do the rounds. He should at least get a mention ; ]

[@theateroftheabsurd2168]

Thays first 20 second lead intro aint no joke

[@chrissiler6075]

Huey was hired as the drummer and the first time he sang harmony, they knew they had something. The story he told was the lead singer of record was ruff of voice one night and never returned as Huey stepped in and never looked back

[@adamc7341]

I absolutely LOVE the way you walk through songs and explain everything in its finest detail. What I want to know, as a total newbie to guitar, if I was to join your guitar teaching site would I be able to understand what you are talking about? Haha, I can play a little bit from fiddling, but don't know anything about the fretboard and all the technical stuff you talk about. I would love to finally understand that sort of material. Huey! When I was a kid in Cali we lived four houses away from him in the Bay Area.

[@echardcore]

I am strangely drawn to Huey Lewis and the News but I always knew why. It's cuz they're really good. Thabks for confirming.

[@AARONDAVIDGLEASON]

Your joy at doing this is really awesome man. rock on.

[@salsplace]

Chris Hays is a great guitar player. I remember seeing them live twice in the 80's.

[@Guitargate]

Yeah man!

[@Jopeymessmusic]

I'm so impressed by the instrumentation. Rehearsal must have been intense. You don't get much in the pop/rock music vein these days in terms of arrangement.

[@Thesavagegrizz]

Jason Isbell, tied to the whipping post is amazing!

[@guitarplayer11112]

FYI Umphrey’s did a whole set backing Huey at summer camp 2011. Love me some Huey and the News.

[@Guitargate]

No way. That’s not real life. God I love that band.

[@guitarplayer11112]

Michael Palmisano the former LD used to do this cool series about life on the road and he documents it. Look up Jeff Waful +1 Huey Lewis if you’re interested. Pretty cool.

[@westvinster]

Darling, darling darrrrrling...that's EXACTLY how i reacted to this particular tune... I have the whole concert on video. Hey dude, you must be exceptionally talented to learn and remember all t the arranngement of those cord Jeees;- ) Huey Lewis and The News was the first ever baand that i followed as a teenager. Back then, it was unusual for a young black girl to be a fan of this rock, bluesy music but I was so, so hooked on them,. During my final year of studies at college, I based my art assignment on these talented guys and achieved top marks. :-)

[@Guitargate]

Love it my friend!!!

[@westvinster]

@@Guitargate Epic!! ❤️

[@305dadecounty_grabberbluem5]

Huey's guitarist was like a 16 or 18 year old kid....and he was the hidden gem of the 80's .....as good a guitar player as you could find!!

[@wizoneway]

more vortex mash UMPHREY'S McGEE w/ Huey Lewis : I Want A New Drug : {1080p HD} : Chillicothe, IL : 5/29/2011

[@peterosky790]

They toured with Huey for the better part of a year. He’s on the record for Women Wine and Song too!

[@SeldomSeen31]

Some of the riffing you were doing as the guitar solo kicked off had me reminded of another 80s classic, The Police: King of Pain

[@bobbythecajun7869]

The horns are from the great Tower of Power.

[@takemebacktothen]

According to the wiki this is written by Johnny Colla and Huey Lewis. But that's probably the lyrics.

[@kudgeond755]

Well that was unexpected. Thanks for giving me a new appreciation for them. Saw them at a pre-debut industry showcase at the Old Waldorf in SF (Bill Graham's club) and was really impressed by how tight the band was but their music was too pop for my taste. They kind of reminded me of a suburban version of J Geils plus a horn section but minus the grit I loved in the Geils band. Thanks again! Btw, wikipedia says Johnny Colla & Huey Lewis co-wrote If This Is It.

[@tdelrio]

While we’re young! GREAT SONG!!

[@RobertEMuir]

Brian Setzer orchestra is amazing

[@MatthewPapenfuss]

As a kid I can remember my dad (and old Zeppelin, etc, rocker from way back) mentioning on more than one occasion that of all the shows he's ever seen...Huey Lewis & The News was the best performance, bar none. I probably just rolled my eyes and resumed Sixteen Stone spinning in my Sony Discman. Now that youtube exists...I can't believe I've never looked up a live show of them in their prime to see if my old man is full of shit. Wow. This band is TIGHT. Guess I'll have to hear more.

[@magicdaveable]

One of the most musically sophisticated "rock bands" ever. Harmonically equal to "The Dead."

[@chinarider2778]

Huey and Bob Weir definitely know each other. They are current or former neighbors I believe!