Huey Lewis has revealed that he thought about taking his own life after being diagnosed with Meniere's disease, which has affected his ability to hear and sing.
... I actually contemplated my demise
He told Whitefish Review that it "absolutely ruined everything". "I try not to let it get me down. In the first two months of this, I was suicidal. I can honestly share that with you. I thought, shit, I'm just going to commit suicide. I actually contemplated my demise."
Lewis is grateful for the amazing fan letters and support he received from people. "Because when you do this, you don't think about that. You do it because you're just writing a song. You're having fun, and you don't realize you're affecting people's lives. And I get these letters from people who have cancer or they're debilitated somehow or have life-threatening stuff going on. I was always going so fast; I would never take a chance to really appreciate what that means."
The vocalist was diagnosed with the incurable disease in early 2018. Lewis says there are days where it doesn't affect him. He also cancelled all of his remaining shows that year.
"I've tried all the holistic stuff as well," Lewis explained. "20 supplements in the morning and 15 at night. Living Ayurveda [Indian alternative medicine]. I've done acupuncture and chiropractic. Cranial massage and essential oils. Low salt diet, all organic, no caffeine. I haven't had any caffeine in two years. No chocolate. But none of it works."
Not long ago, Huey Lewis & the News had just announced a new album, 'Weather', due for release on 14th February 2020. You can see the full tracklist and preview the new singles here.
"In it, I'm me, Huey Lewis," he noted. "My professional life is exactly the same as my real professional life. But my personal life is not. I don't live in Montana. I live in Hollywood. I have a pushy manager named Morrie, and now I have hearing loss, so I can't sing anymore. Morrie's always trying to figure out ways that I can make some money. Reality shows, public appearances, ignominious endorsements, etc., and I'm trying to keep my dignity through all this."
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