Foreigner
Foreigner is one of the most iconic and enduring rock bands of all time, known for their powerhouse vocals, unforgettable hooks, and anthemic ballads that have defined a generation. With worldwide sales exceeding 80 million albums, they are among the best-selling bands in rock history — blending the melodic precision of British rock with American arena-rock swagger.
Formed in 1976 by British guitarist and ex-Spooky Tooth member Mick Jones, along with American vocalist Lou Gramm, Foreigner burst onto the scene with a debut album that was an instant classic. The self-titled record, Foreigner (1977), featured smash hits like “Cold as Ice,” “Feels Like the First Time,” and “Long, Long Way from Home” — setting the stage for a career full of chart-topping success and radio staples.
Over the next decade, the band released a string of multiplatinum albums including Double Vision (1978), Head Games (1979), and their crowning commercial achievement, 4 (1981), which spawned mega-hits like “Urgent,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” and the saxophone-laced anthem “Juke Box Hero.”
Their 1984 power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is” — featuring the New Jersey Mass Choir — became their biggest hit, reaching #1 in both the U.S. and UK and cementing Foreigner’s reputation as masters of both hard rock intensity and emotional depth.
Foreigner's music is known for its razor-sharp production, soaring choruses, and genre-defining fusion of rock and pop — combining Jones' sophisticated songwriting and Gramm's dynamic vocal range. Their ability to shift from gritty rockers to tender ballads made them a radio mainstay in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and their songs have remained evergreen across decades of airplay, film soundtracks, and cover versions.
The band has undergone lineup changes over the years, with founding member Mick Jones remaining the creative core. Since the early 2000s, vocalist Kelly Hansen has fronted the band with energy, passion, and vocal chops that have reinvigorated Foreigner’s legendary catalogue for a new generation. Alongside longtime bassist Jeff Pilson (formerly of Dokken), multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel, and a powerhouse touring ensemble, Foreigner has continued to sell out arenas around the world.
In 2023–2024, Foreigner launched their farewell tour, celebrating nearly 50 years of rock excellence with one last run of electrifying shows. Though it may be the band’s final bow on stage, their music — filled with anthems of love, longing, and legendary guitar riffs — will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Essential Tracks:
“I Want to Know What Love Is”
“Cold as Ice”
“Juke Box Hero”
“Urgent”
“Feels Like the First Time”
Foreigner is more than a classic rock band — they are a cornerstone of rock history. With unforgettable melodies, electrifying performances, and a cross-generational legacy, they’ve left an indelible mark on music and continue to inspire new fans with every beat.
2022 Photos
