This '80s Pop Icon Was a Hollywood Heartthrob — Now, He's 'Unrecognizable' After He Overcame Dark Thoughts

• This iconic rock star rose to fame in the '80s and captivated the world with his energetic performances and unforgettable voice.
• However, life took a dramatic turn when the singer partially lost his hearing, leading to a dark period in his life.
• Nearly 40 years after his peak, recent photos of the rock 'n' roller have surfaced, leaving some fans stunned by his "unrecognizable" appearance.

This iconic musician is commonly known for being the man, the myth, and the legend behind beloved songs like "The Power of Love" and "Jacob's Ladder." Over the years, he's won hearts worldwide and earned numerous accolades for his talent.

However, this all came to a screeching halt. A deafening sound moments before what the singer called the worst performance of his life led to a diagnosis that left the star battling with depression and even contemplating suicide.

He has had a triumphant return to music in recent years; however, that is not all that has left fans talking. Recent photos of the icon's physical transformation over the years have sparked divided opinions among fans, leaving many stunned by his "unrecognizable" appearance.

Early Years and the Rise to Fame in the 1980s

This legendary musician grew up in Marin County, California, an area known for its proximity to the cultural hub of San Francisco. The icon's mother was one of the original Deadheads, a passionate follower of the iconic band.

The singer's father, a radiologist and jazz drummer, had a more traditional influence on his son's musical journey. After high school, the rock 'n' roller embarked on a year-long adventure busking around Europe, honing his skills on the harmonica.

This stint was followed by a brief period at Cornell University, which he left during his sophomore year to pursue more travel and music. His father supported this decision, emphasizing the importance of mastering the harmonica.

The musician's journey saw him return to London in the mid-1970s with his country-rock band Clover. This period coincided with the rise of punk rock, a movement that, while not musically aligned with the singer's tastes, inspired him with its rebellious spirit.

The singer then returned to Marin Country and formed a band, The News, that would embrace an R&B-based sound. By 1985, he and his band had firmly established themselves in the music industry.

Their song "The Power of Love," featured as the soundtrack for the Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson time-travel blockbuster "Back to the Future," became a monumental hit, topping Billboard's Hot 100 list.

This success was followed by another chart-topping single in 1987, "Jacob's Ladder," penned by the rock star's close friend Bruce Horns and his brother John. This marked the band's third number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

The singer and his band had found their unique sound and a loyal fan base, blending rock and R&B influences into an energetic and distinct style. Their rise to fame in the 1980s was marked by a series of hit songs that resonated with a wide audience, solidifying their place in music history.

The Iconic Look: Thick Brown Mane and Blue Eyes in the 1980s and Early 1990s

During the 1980s and early 1990s, this California native was easily recognizable for his thick brown mane and striking blue eyes, which stole the hearts of many young women worldwide.

Photos of the singer performing during his younger years, his hair perfectly styled and his baby blues sparkling under the stage lights, truly captured his charismatic appearance.

Though no longer a young man, the icon still had a youthful and energetic stage presence. This and his good looks made him a standout figure in the music scene.

Fans were drawn not only to his music but also to his distinctive look, which became synonymous with the vibrant and dynamic era of 1980s rock 'n' roll. Whether performing live or appearing in music videos, the rock star look was a defining element of his persona, cementing his status as a pop culture icon.

As the early to mid-'90s rolled around, photos of the "Jacob's Ladder" singer during public events and live shows still captured his charismatic essence. However, the signs of time slowly began to settle on his face.

Holding Onto Good Looks: The Natural Aging of the Rock Star in the Late 1990s and Early 2000s

As the sand passed through the hourglass, the iconic singer still maintained much of his good looks, though the natural process of aging became evident.

His hair, while still retaining some of its thickness, began to thin and showed a mix of brown and sprinkles of gray, indicating the passage of time. His hairstyle during this period also became more subdued, reflecting a mature and sophisticated look compared to his youthful exuberance.

The rock star's blue eyes remained a prominent feature of his over the years, though they began to carry a deeper, more introspective quality. They developed a slight softness around the edges, with fine lines and crow's feet becoming visible, suggesting a life full of experiences. His eyebrows remained thick but lightened slightly.

The singer's skin began to show the natural signs of aging, with more pronounced wrinkles and lines around his forehead, eyes, and mouth. These features added character to his face, telling the story of his journey through life and his career.

The previously smooth skin developed a textured look, with the presence of laugh lines that suggested a man who has smiled often and lived well.

Despite these changes, the rock star's smile remained warm and engaging. His expression began to carry wisdom and contentment, reflecting his evolution from a young rockstar to a seasoned musician.

The singer's style evolved as well, to a more understated and refined look compared to his earlier colorful attire. This change in style complements his matured appearance, adding a touch of elegance and grace.

Aged Charisma from the Mid-2000s

As the years flowed from the 1990s to the mid-200s, this rock star continued performing during live shows, showcasing his enduring charisma and energy. However, his hair, still predominantly brown, continued graying, particularly around the temples.

This salt-and-pepper look added a distinguished quality to his appearance. His hair was styled in a neat yet slightly tousled manner, maintaining the effortless style he has always been known for.

His blue eyes, though slightly less vibrant, still shine with a twinkle of his enduring spirit. His facial features show further signs of aging, with more pronounced wrinkles and lines that add character and depth to his face.

Tackling Hearing Loss While Aging Gracefully

By the time 2017 rolled around, the natural aging process was more evident on the rock icon's face, marked by deeper lines and wrinkles.

Yet, he continued to carry it with style and grace. He was often spotted smiling and exuding a relaxed air of maturity. However, little did the singer know his world would collapse a year later with a career-halting diagnosis.

For three decades, the rock star managed his career while relying on just one good ear. His right ear had failed him just before a gig in Boston in the mid-eighties, and a specialist in San Francisco advised him to adapt.

"You only need one ear," the singer said, a sentiment echoed by The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and his similar struggle. However, on January 27, 2018, the musician was backstage at a gig in Dallas when he experienced a sudden and alarming distortion in his hearing.

The opening act sounded like "warfare," with a noise resembling an airplane taking off. Determined, he went through with the performance, but even the sound in his in-ear monitors was a chaotic jumble. Unable to find a pitch in his own music, he described it as "the worst night of my life."

Following this incident, the famous singer consulted an ear specialist who prescribed a twenty-eight-day steroid regimen but to no avail. His journey for answers led him to a rheumatologist, an immunologist, and finally an otolaryngologist at Stanford.

The eventual diagnosis was Ménière's disease, a syndrome characterized by vertigo, ear fullness, hearing loss, and tinnitus — all symptoms he had experienced. Despite the diagnosis, the exact cause of Ménière’s disease remains a mystery, as does its cure. Lewis struggled with intense depression in the wake of the diagnosis.

He revealed, "I just laid in bed. I had terrible thoughts. I contemplated my own demise, actually." Fortunately, with the love and support of those closest to him, this star has been able to come out on the other side.

Releasing New Music and Facing Divided Opinions on His Physical Transformation over the Years

The famous singer is Huey Lewis, who, following his diagnosis, was forced to cancel his 2018 tour to focus on his health. He had also taken a step back from music during this time, revealing that he went from enjoying music to struggling to carry a pitch.

However, in 2020, the rock star revealed that he and his band would be releasing, "Weather," an album the musical group had been working on for around 20 years. They had picked up the project in 2018 but production halted due to Lewis' state.

Although the singer has still not been able to sing again, he's just glad he's able to give his fans something new. However, the exciting news of his new music slipped into the background of fans' attention, as many were astonished to see the singer's transformation over the years.

Lewis, now 73, was recently seen on a rare outing in New York City, with one online user commenting, "He's unrecognizable. What happened to him?" Another shared, "Unrecognizable, looks a little fragile," and a third typed, "He's really hardly recognizable, but still looks great."

Other fans shared the same sentiment of Lewis looking good, with one person typing, "Still a very handsome man. Thanks for the memories, Huey." Another shared, "[...] Huey is looking great and he is completely recognizable as he's barely changed. He's just a bit more of a silver fox."

"I love Huey! What a great voice!" one user shared and another commented, "He looks great, just older. One of the best concerts I've been to in the '80s." A fifth fan typed, "I think Huey looks terrific! Blue eyes and smile."

Lewis spends much of his time on his Montana ranch, indulging in his favorite activities like fishing and horseback riding. He emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, revealing that staying creative and thinking of new ideas help make him feel better.