Foreigner Reveals 50th Anniversary Plans
Legendary rock band Foreigner revealed extensive plans for their 50th anniversary including a tour and new music. The celebration will blend hits from their storied catalog with fresh material, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners. Original singer Lou Gramm also released "Long Hard Look," the second single from his upcoming solo album "Released."
- The band's founder and only remaining original member, Mick Jones, has been less active in recent years after disclosing a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. The current touring lineup features Luis Maldonado taking over lead vocals from longtime singer Kelly Hansen, who announced his departure. - Foreigner's 50th-anniversary tour is part of their multi-year "Historic Farewell Tour" that began in 2023. Select dates in 2026 will feature orchestral arrangements of their hits. - Original members are slated to join the farewell tour for special appearances. This follows a 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony where original singer Lou Gramm, keyboardist Al Greenwood, and later bassist Rick Wills accepted the award. - Two of the founding members, multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald and bassist Ed Gagliardi, are deceased. Original drummer Dennis Elliott now works as a wood sculptor, with pieces in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. - The name Foreigner originated from the initial lineup's mix of nationalities; three members were English (Mick Jones, Ian McDonald, Dennis Elliott) and three were American (Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, Ed Gagliardi). - Lou Gramm's upcoming solo album, "Released," scheduled for a March 27, 2026, release, consists of ten songs originally written and recorded in the 1980s with his former Black Sheep bandmate Bruce Turgon. The recently completed tracks preserve the character of the original analog sessions.
