Britney was a sight to behold - and I am glad I had the opportunity to behold it - but I'd really like Mr. Lewis to have a chat with that girl about what it means to put on a show.
You couldn't blame Huey if he wanted to be cynical. He probably didn't start out hoping to be known for "that one song from Back to the Future." I'm sure he knows that he hit his celebrity peak during the late 80's. And he knows that even if he wrote the greatest song ever tomorrow, everyone really just wants to hear that aforementioned song from Back to the Future (or maybe "Hip to Be Square"). But he's not cynical! (Or if he is, he hides it well.)
He's been performing as Huey Lewis & The News for 36 years! And last night, the man seemed genuinely happy to be there. Happy that we were there. Happy that this is what he has the pleasure to call a job. He was a consummate professional. He's a born entertainer and we were all entertained...wow, were those 50-something women swarming the stage entertained.Britney on the other hand seemed forced...literally just going through the motions. She lip synced the whole show...okay, fine. It's forgivable if you need to focus on dancing, but she didn't. I could practically see her counting her steps! Nothing spontaneous. Nothing unscripted. Nothing authentic. She had the appearance of a person showing up for work, not a person who is lucky enough to sell out shows night after night. She should be living her dream, but instead she appears trapped by it. Resentful, even.
Maybe someday Huey and Britney will cross paths. In my mind, Huey will take her chin in his hand, gaze at her through his blue-tinted glasses, and tell her to stop wallowing and start being grateful...or he'll have Pat Benatar kick her ass.
