A Foreigner concert from 1978, performed just over one year after their self-titled debut album arrived in March 1977, was finally released on DVD and Blu-Ray via Eagle Vision on March 15, 2019. The concert, Foreigner Live At The Rainbow ’78, has also been issued as a 2-CD set and 2-LP vinyl edition on July 12, via Rhino.
Foreigner was an out-of-the-box smash for Atlantic Records. “Feels Like the First Time” was a rock radio hit and reached #4 on the U.S. pop singles chart. Subsequent singles—“Cold as Ice” (#6) and “Long, Long Way From Home” (#20)—propelled the album to #4 on the U.S. chart.
On April 27, 1978, the band played a sold-out show at London’s celebrated Rainbow Theatre. Opening with “Long, Long Way From Home,” fans were treated to the debut album’s three hits, as well a preview of two tracks from the upcoming (June 1978) Double Vision album, “Hot Blooded” and “Double Vision.”
Watch them perform “Hot Blooded” from the Rainbow concert
Related: The inside story of Foreigner’s debut
The concert features the classic Foreigner lineup of Mick Jones (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Lou Gramm (lead vocals, percussion), Ian McDonald (guitars, keyboards, sax, flute, backing vocals), Al Greenwood (keyboards, synthesizer), Ed Gagliardi (bass, backing vocals) and Dennis Elliott (drums, backing vocals).
Watch them perform “Cold as Ice”
Forty years later, this definitive performance by the original band has been restored from the original film reels, remixed and remastered for this release. Order the DVD or the Blu-ray.
Watch the trailer for Foreigner Live at the Rainbow ’78
“1978 was an absolutely magical time for the band,” remembers Mick Jones, “and to come back over to the U.K. to play a headline show at the legendary Rainbow really was a dream come true. The audience was amazing that night. We couldn’t have wished for a better show.”
Foreigner recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. The current lineup has a busy 2019 tour schedule. Tickets are available here and here.
Listen to “Feels Like the First Time”
Foreigner Live At The Rainbow ’78 Tracklisting
01. Long, Long Way From Home
02. I Need You
03. Woman Oh Woman
04. Hot Blooded
05. The Damage Is Done
06. Cold As Ice
07. Starrider
08. Double Vision
09. Feels Like The First Time
10. Fool For You Anyway
11. At War With The World
12. Headknocker
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