I Want a New Drug

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic "I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis & The News from their iconic Sports album, and we've got some groovy trivia to share. Huey Lewis himself revealed a wild story about the song's creation, saying he came up with the idea one "morning after" while driving to his lawyer's house. He was so inspired that he scribbled the lyrics in his car and begged for pen and paper as soon as he arrived. Talk about a burst of creativity! This track, released in 1984, hit number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and even topped the Dance Club Play chart, proving its infectious energy was perfect for both radio and dance floors.

Here's a fun tidbit: despite its title, "I Want a New Drug" isn't about drugs at all. Huey clarified it's a love song, with the word "drug" just grabbing attention to express that intense craving for connection. He wanted the music video to avoid any literal drug references, so they went with a "day in the life" vibe, featuring actress Signy Coleman, whose mom was pals with Huey's mom. Oh, and did you know this song sparked a legal spat? When Ghostbusters came out in 1984, Huey sued Ray Parker Jr., claiming the film's theme song ripped off "I Want a New Drug." They settled, but drama followed when Huey spilled details on VH1's Behind the Music, leading Parker to sue him for breaching confidentiality.

Now, let's rewind to how Huey Lewis & The News got their start. Huey Lewis, born Hugh Anthony Cregg III in New York City, grew up in California’s Bay Area, where his love for music blossomed. A harmonica player in his teens, he hitchhiked across the country and even busked in Europe before returning to San Francisco. There, he joined a band called Clover, which gigged around the Bay Area and even backed Elvis Costello on his debut album. Clover’s gigs in England didn’t pan out, so Huey came back home and formed Huey Lewis & The News in 1979 with buddies like Chris Hayes and Johnny Colla. Their blend of rock, pop, and soul, with Huey’s charismatic vocals, caught fire with their 1982 album Picture This, but Sports in 1983 made them superstars, selling over 7 million copies.

Want to keep up with Huey Lewis & The News? Check out their official website for tour dates and news. They’re also grooving on social media—follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and throwback vibes. Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans can join the Huey Lewis and The News Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards share memories and celebrate the band’s legacy. While there aren’t many active fan websites these days, the band’s official pages and fan groups keep the spirit alive. So crank up "I Want a New Drug" and let’s keep the Zoo Crew party going!