Huey rocks a happy, full house

Joe Delaney

Friday, April 11, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

San Francisco's Huey Lewis & The News filled the 1,200-seat Caesars Palace Circus Maximus with some very happy fans Thursday and kept them roaring for a full 80 minutes of rock 'n' roll.

It should also be noted that the decibel levels achieved may approach those that earned Cher a $25,000 fine some years ago. The beat is there, authentic and pervasive. Likewise, the musicianship.

After the second assault on the senses, Lewis introduced Sean Hopper, vocals and keyboards; Johnny Colla, guitars, saxophone and vocals; Chris Hayes, vocals and guitars; and Bill Gibson, vocals and drums. But he never acknowledged John Pierce on bass; Jack Jacobsen, keyboards; Ron Stallings, tenor saxophone; Rob Sudduth, baritone saxophone; and Marvin McFadden, trumpet -- equally fine contributors.

"I'm Giving It Up for My Baby" was an early winner, as was "I Like." "Sixty-Minute Man" showed that the ensemble could handle material by others as well as their own repertoire. The introduction to, complete with historical background and due credit to Joe Turner, "Shake, Rattle and Roll" was a personal highlight. It set up the "Working for a Living" closer perfectly. The audience demanded more.

Maitre d' Angelo told us that Huey Lewis & The News was one of the best received New Year's Eve shows in many years. The audience was there to party; many got up and moved to the music. It is not for the uninitiated. We were also informed that, at 5:30 p.m., the Huey & Co. had not decided on the songs for the 8 p.m. show. Selection-wise, for that full house, they were right on the mark. If you sit up close, we advise ear stopples.

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