Foreigner fans had waited years for the Mick Jones to reunite with the band’s original members. They got their wish earlier this summer when Lou Gramm, Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood joined the current lineup onstage for three songs at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY. Two weeks after that July 20 performance, original drummer Dennis Elliott joined Foreigner–as he has done several times–in Tampa, FL, on August 2.
For those looking for more, mark your calendars and pack your bags for Mt. Pleasant, MI. Foreigner’s 40th Anniversary tour resumes next month and the combined, reunited lineup will be performing at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort on Oct. 6 and 7. If you’re unable to get there, the shows will be recorded for a 2018 TV special, DVD and album release.
Things went so well at those summer reunions, says Jones, that it made sense to take it one step further. “One thing for sure is all the musicians are getting on very well together and it’s just refreshing and we’re really enjoying it,” Jones told Billboard.
Gramm said: “I anticipated that it would (be weird), but it’s not. They guys in the new band are terrific, and they’ve helped out in a number of ways. I think they respect the history, and I think they’re enjoying the anniversary tour as much as we are.”
More to come?
At the July 20 performance, as the band’s existing members returned 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.
They then performed “Long, Long Way From Home,” “I Want to Know What Love Is” and finished up with “Hot Blooded.”
Watch the reunion with Gramm, McDonald and Greenwood
At Tampa’s Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Elliott joined for two hits. Original bassist Ed Gagliardi died in 2014.
Foreigner’s current lineup is Jones (lead guitar), Hansen (lead vocals), Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals), Tom Gimbel (rhythm guitar, sax, vocals), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), Bruce Watson (guitar) and Chris Frazier (drums).
Related: Inside story of how Foreigner signed with Atlantic Records
Foreigner 40th Anniversary Tour Dates (Tickets are available here and here)
Oct 06 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort
Oct 07 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort
Oct 11 – Calgary, Alberta – Southern Alberta Jubilee
Oct 12 – Edmonton, Alberta – Northlands Coliseum
Oct 13 – Red Deer, Alberta – Enmax Centrium
Oct 15 – Lethbridge, Alberta – Enmax Centre
Oct 16 – Regina, Saskatchewan – Conexus Arts Centre
Oct 17 – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place
Oct 19 – Dawson Creek, BC – Encana Events Centre
Oct 20 – Prince George, BC – CN Centre
Oct 21 – Penticton, BC – South Okanagan Events Centre
Oct 22 – Abbottsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre
Oct 27 – Riviera Maya, MX – Rock Getaway @ Hard Rock Hotel
Nov 11 – Hammond, IN – The Venue at Horseshoe
Nov 13 – Oshawa, ON – Tribute Communities Centre
Nov 17 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort & Spa
Nov 18 – Robinsville, MS – Bluesville at Horseshoe
Foreigner fans are encouraged to sign a new 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.
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