On January 8, 2017, Foreigner co-founder Mick Jones announced that former members Lou Gramm, Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood would appear on select dates of the band’s mammoth 40th Anniversary world tour.
“They’re not on the whole tour, but there will be some appearances,” Jones told Billboard. “It’s the right time to do this. I’m looking forward to that and we’ll see how it goes, and I’m sure it’ll go down well.”
Fans immediately clamored for that onstage reunion of one of the most successful classic rock acts to emerge from the late ’70s. On July 20 of that year, they finally got their wish as the trio joined the existing band members for three songs at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY.
As the existing members of Foreigner returned to the stage for their encore, Jones said: “Three guys who I love dearly… are gonna jam with us tonight. They include our original keyboard and everything player… wonderful musician, Ian McDonald, and on keyboards Al Greenwood… and, a very special appearance by my dear friend always will be lifelong… Mr. Lou Gramm,” as the three walked onstage to thunderous applause.
A moment later, the combined band, with Gramm singing lead, launched into “Long, Long Way From Home,” from the band’s 1977 self-titled debut. They continued with their #1 smash “I Want to Know What Love Is” with lead vocals shared by Foreigner’s current lead vocalist Kelly Hansen and Gramm, accompanied by the Rhythm of the Night choir from nearby Uniondale, NY.
Watch the reunion
See the combined group finish up with “Hot Blooded”
Gramm was born Louis Grammatico on May 2, 1950.
Related: The inside story of how Foreigner signed with Atlantic Records
Foreigner earned nine Top 10 singles during their career including “Feels Like the First Time,” “Urgent” and “Waiting For a Girl Like You.”
Original drummer Dennis Elliott joined the band for “Long Long Way From Home” and “Hot Blooded” at their August 2 concert in Tampa. Original bassist Ed Gagliardi died in 2014. McDonald passed in 2022 at age 75.
The group commemorated their big anniversary with a compilation titled 40 that includes 40 songs recorded between 1977 and 2017.
Foreigner fans are encouraged to sign a petition to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, asking them to induct the band into the Hall of Fame. Click here to do so.
Foreigner are doing a farewell tour. Tickets are available here and here.
Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours
