FOREIGNER

FOREIGNER
The Titan of Anglo-American Rock: A Half-Century of Glory and Transformation

1. The Definer of Arena Rock and a Transcending Identity

Formed in 1976 in a rehearsal studio in New York, United States, FOREIGNER has carved its name into music history as something far greater than just a rock band. FOREIGNER fused the sophisticated blues-rock tradition of the United Kingdom with the radio-friendly R&B and pop sensibilities of the United States, building the golden age of a genre known as "Arena Rock" or "Stadium Rock" from the late 1970s through the 1980s. With global album sales exceeding 80 million copies—including over 38 million in the US alone—the band has achieved some of the greatest commercial success in rock history.

As the band name "FOREIGNER" implies, the identity of the band lies in the encounter between "outsiders." The initial lineup was a perfect blend of three Englishmen (Mick Jones, Ian McDonald, Dennis Elliott) and three Americans (Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, Ed Gagliardi). Leader Mick Jones conceived the name from the fact that "no matter where we go, half of the members will always be 'foreigners'." This multinational background became the fertile ground for creating a universal sound unconstrained by any specific region or scene. It was a key reason why tracks like "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "Waiting for a Girl Like You" became global anthems that crossed borders and cultures.

2. The Eve of Formation: Crossroads of Destiny (Pre-1976)

2.1 Mick Jones's Wanderings and Searching

The story of Foreigner cannot be told without the career of guitarist Mick Jones, the founder of the band and the only original member still remaining today. Born in England, Jones began his career as a professional musician in the early 1960s. He gained international experience at a young age, being selected for the backing band of Johnny Hallyday, the national rock star of France. Later, he returned to the UK and joined Spooky Tooth, a blues-rock band, where he learned how to construct heavy riffs and melodies.

In 1976, Jones traveled to the United States as a member of The Leslie West Band, led by American hard rock guitarist Leslie West. However, the band fell apart during the tour, leaving Jones stranded in New York with nothing but himself.

In this plight, Bud Prager, who was West's manager, extended a helping hand to Jones. Prager highly valued Jones's songwriting abilities and strongly advised him, "You shouldn't be in someone else's backing band; you should form your own band and write songs." Prager provided a rehearsal space near his office in New York, and this location became the birthplace of Foreigner.

2.2 Recruiting Members: Gathering Anglo-American Talents

Jones initially began looking for members while simultaneously working on demo tapes. The first to join was Al Greenwood, a keyboardist from New York. He had previously played in a band called Storm and possessed a progressive sensibility.

Next, Jones met Ian McDonald, a founding member of the legendary progressive rock band King Crimson. McDonald was a multi-instrumentalist who played not only guitar but also keyboards, saxophone, flute, and even performed backing vocals. He hit it off with Jones through a recording session for Ian Lloyd.

Joining the rhythm section was drummer Dennis Elliott, who, like Jones, was from England. He had experience playing in Ian Hunter's band and was known for his powerful and tight drumming. Through auditions, American Ed Gagliardi was chosen as the bassist. Gagliardi was a left-handed bassist, but due to his admiration for Paul McCartney, he had a unique style of playing a right-handed Rickenbacker bass upside down.

2.3 Finding the "Missing Piece": Lou Gramm

Although the instrumentalists were assembled, finding a vocalist to be the face of the band proved to be extremely difficult. Jones auditioned around 40 to 50 singers, but he could not find anyone with a voice that was "soulful yet possessed a rock edge" capable of embodying the sound ringing in his head.

Hitting a wall, Jones remembered a band called Black Sheep that had opened for Spooky Tooth during a tour a few years earlier. Having been handed their album by Black Sheep's vocalist at the time, Jones pulled it out, listened to it again, and became convinced that this voice was exactly what he was looking for. That vocalist was Lou Gramm.

At the time, Black Sheep was inactive due to an equipment truck accident, and Gramm had returned to his hometown of Rochester, New York. Upon receiving a call from Jones, Gramm flew to New York using the plane ticket sent to him and attended the audition. It is said that the moment he entered the studio and played the song that would become the prototype for "Feels Like the First Time," a lightning-like chemical reaction rushed through the entire band. With Gramm's addition, the band's lineup was complete.

2.4 Deciding the Band Name and Signing with Atlantic

The band initially sent demo tapes to record companies under the name "Trigger," but this name was rejected as it was already being used by another band. Subsequently, the name "FOREIGNER," proposed by Jones, was adopted.

John Kalodner, an A&R executive at Atlantic Records, accidentally overheard FOREIGNER's demo tape sitting on the desk of company president Jerry L. Greenberg. Astonished by its high level of completion, he recommended signing them. Thus, in 1976, Foreigner signed a contract with Atlantic Records, setting the stage for their debut.

3. The Initial Trilogy: Explosive Success and the Establishment of Arena Rock (1977-1979)

3.1 Debut Album "FOREIGNER" (1977)

In March 1977, the self-titled debut album "FOREIGNER" was released. It was produced by John Sinclair and Gary Lyons, but Mick Jones's direction was heavily reflected in the actual work.

This album became an unprecedented smash hit for a new band, peaking at No. 4 on the US Album Chart (Billboard 200). The album spawned the following three Top 20 hits:

• "Feels Like the First Time"
  Peaked at No. 4 in the US. The band's debut single, characterized by its catchy guitar riff and Gramm's soaring vocals. It became an anthem announcing the birth of a new rock star.
• "Cold as Ice"
  Peaked at No. 6 in the US. A track features an impressive opening piano riff. The lyrics depicting a cold-hearted woman and the dramatic progression became one of the templates for the subsequent Foreigner sound. The Japanese single (Catalog No.: P-215A) was also released, securing early popularity in Japan as well.
• "Long, Long Way from Home"
  Peaked at No. 20 in the US. A hard-hitting number singing about loneliness in the city and longing for home. Ian McDonald's saxophone is effectively utilized.

This album alone recorded sales of over 5 million copies within the United States, catapulting Foreigner into a stadium-class band overnight.

3.2 "Double Vision" (1978)

Without a moment's delay after the success of their debut, their second album "Double Vision" was released in June 1978. Defying the "Sophomore Jinx" that many bands face, this work surpassed the success of its predecessor, reaching No. 3 on the US charts and selling over 7 million copies.

• "Hot Blooded"
  Peaked at No. 3 in the US. A riff-driven, aggressive number that brought Mick Jones's aspect as a hard rock guitarist to the forefront.
• "Double Vision"
  Peaked at No. 2 in the US. A song inspired by a hockey game announcement for the New York Rangers where the goalkeeper was injured and suffered from "double vision" (diplopia). It features a rhythmical groove.

In the Japanese market as well, the band's popularity became unshakable during this period, leading to their first tour of Japan in January 1980.

3.3 "Head Games" and the Departure of Ed Gagliardi (1979)

Released in 1979, the third album "Head Games" leaned toward a rougher, harder sound. Bringing in Roy Thomas Baker as producer (known for producing Queen and The Cars), they sharpened the edge of their sound.

• "Dirty White Boy"
  Peaked at No. 12 in the US. A rock 'n' roll number featuring Gramm's explosive shouts, reminiscent of Elvis Presley.
• "Head Games"
  Peaked at No. 14 in the US. A tight title track featuring an impressive interplay between synthesizers and guitar.

The album cover (a photo of a young girl in a women's restroom that looked as if she were either erasing or drawing graffiti) sparked controversy and drew criticism from some quarters. Commercially, it maintained success by reaching No. 5 in the US, but internal discord began brewing within the band. Bassist Ed Gagliardi was dismissed from the band due to differences in musical direction and dissatisfaction with his playing style. He was replaced by Rick Wills, a bassist from Liverpool known for his work with Peter Frampton and Roxy Music.

4. Reorganization into a Four-Piece and the Pinnacle: The Album "4" (1980-1982)

4.1 The Dismissal of Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood

In 1980, band leader Mick Jones made a cold, calculated decision aimed at further advancement and modernizing their sound: the dismissal of founding members Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood. Jones determined that their progressive elements and approaches to arrangement did not align with the future direction of the band. As a result, the band became a four-piece consisting of Jones, Gramm, Wills, and Elliott.

4.2 The Historic Success of the Album "4" (1981)

The fourth album, released in 1981, was simply titled "4" to symbolize that the band had become a four-piece. Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who would later work with Def Leppard and AC/DC, was brought in as producer. Lange's perfectionist production methods and Jones's songwriting merged perfectly, making this work widely recognized as Foreigner's masterpiece.

The album dominated the No. 1 spot on the US album chart for a total of 10 weeks and became a massive hit worldwide.

Key Hit Songs Included

• "Urgent"
  Peaked at No. 4 in the US. A funky rock number featuring an intense saxophone solo by legendary soul musician Junior Walker, who participated as a guest. The Japanese single (P-1555A) was also a hit.
• "Waiting for a Girl Like You"
  Peaked at No. 2 in the US. A power ballad that blended a floating synthesizer sound with Gramm's delicate vocals. Blocked by Olivia Newton-John's "Physical," it established a record of 10 consecutive weeks at No. 2 on the Billboard chart. This song significantly expanded Foreigner's fan base to include a larger female audience. Thomas Dolby participated as a guest keyboardist, contributing to its transparent sound. The Japanese single (P-1594A) was also released.
• "Juke Box Hero"
  Peaked at No. 26 in the US. A song that tells the story of a boy standing in the rain because he couldn't buy a concert ticket, who eventually picks up a guitar and becomes a rock star. With its dramatic structure, it is still performed today as a highlight of their live shows.

5. The Cost of Success and Internal Strife: From "Agent Provocateur" to "Inside Information" (1983-1988)

5.1 "Agent Provocateur" (1984)

Following the monumental success of "4," after facing pressure for their next work and taking a long period of rest, the band released their fifth album, "Agent Provocateur," in 1984.

This album spawned "I Want to Know What Love Is," which became the biggest hit of the band's career. Backed by the gospel vocals of the New Jersey Mass Choir, this grand ballad topped the charts in various countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In Japan, it was used as a commercial song for the Suzuki Alto, gaining national recognition. The Japanese single also exists as a white promotional record (P-1916), making it a collector's item.

Additionally, the second single "That Was Yesterday" struck a chord with the Japanese audience due to its sorrowful melody, boasting high popularity particularly in the Japanese market.

5.2 Lou Gramm's Solo Career and the Rift

Ironically, the global success of "I Want to Know What Love Is" created a deep rift within the band. Vocalist Lou Gramm strongly resisted the band being perceived as a "ballad band" and sought a more straightforward rock sound. Meanwhile, Mick Jones continued to pursue a sophisticated sound heavily utilizing synthesizers.

Growing frustrated, Gramm released his first solo album "Ready or Not" in 1987. The single "Midnight Blue" became a Top 5 hit in the US, giving him success outside of the band.

5.3 "Inside Information" (1987)

Produced alongside his solo activities, the sixth album "Inside Information" was released in 1987. Singles like "Say You Will" and "I Don't Want to Live Without You" became hits, with "I Don't Want to Live Without You" reaching No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. However, the atmosphere in the studio during production was the absolute worst, and it is said that communication between Jones and Gramm had almost completely broken down.

6. Split and Chaos: Lou Gramm's Departure and Return (1989-2002)

6.1 Lou Gramm's Departure and the Johnny Edwards Era

In 1990, irreconcilable differences in musical direction led Lou Gramm to finally leave the band. To keep the band alive, Jones recruited Johnny Edwards as the new vocalist. Edwards was an accomplished singer who had been active in bands like Buster Brown and Montrose.

In 1991, the album "Unusual Heat" was released under the new lineup. Although it was a high-quality melodic rock work, the music scene at the time was shifting toward the golden age of grunge and alternative rock. Furthermore, fans turned a cold shoulder to a Foreigner that had lost "the voice of Lou Gramm." As a result, the album was a commercial disaster, peaking at No. 117 in the US, putting the band's survival at risk. Following this failure, long-time members Dennis Elliott and Rick Wills also left the band.

6.2 A Miraculous Reunion: "Mr. Moonlight" (1994)

During the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Mick Jones happened to be staying at the same hotel in Los Angeles as Lou Gramm. Under the curfew imposed by the riots, the two got in touch, cleared up past resentments, and reconciled.

Thus, the "golden duo" was resurrected, and the album "Mr. Moonlight" was released in 1994. The Japanese edition (BVCA-648) was released with specifications that included bonus tracks. The single "Until the End of Time" was a hit on the Adult Contemporary chart, but the overall sales of the album failed to recapture their former momentum.

6.3 Gramm's Illness and Second Departure

Following the reunion, the band toured energetically, focusing on live performances. However, tragedy struck in 1997 when Lou Gramm was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor. Gramm underwent surgery and made a miraculous return, but he had to struggle with weight gain, changes in voice quality, and decreased stamina due to the side effects of medication. The band kept pushing forward, but friction arose again between Jones, who wanted to maintain the performance level of live shows, and Gramm, who was not in peak condition. In 2003, Gramm left the band for a second time to focus on his solo career.

7. Regeneration and Succession: The Kelly Hansen Era (2005-2023)

7.1 Kelly Hansen Joins and the Rebranding

After Lou Gramm's second departure, Mick Jones looked for a new frontman without disbanding the group. In 2005, Kelly Hansen, formerly the vocalist of Hurricane, joined the band. Hansen possessed an overwhelming high-tenor voice reminiscent of Lou Gramm in his prime, along with an energetic stage performance comparable to Steven Tyler. Furthermore, Jeff Pilson, the former bassist of Dokken, also joined, dramatically improving the band's musical performance.

7.2 "Can't Slow Down" (2009)

After Hansen joined, the band gradually regained trust through live activities. In 2009, they released "Can't Slow Down," their first original studio album in 15 years. Its exclusive distribution format through Walmart became a hot topic, but the content was a powerful effort that modernized the classic Foreigner sound, performing well by breaking into the US charts at No. 29. Hansen's singing voice was recognized by old fans as "this is truly Foreigner," and the band achieved a complete comeback.

7.3 Mick Jones's Health Issues and "No Original Members" Tours

From the 2010s onward, Mick Jones began facing health issues, including heart surgery and the onset of Parkinson's disease. As a result, the number of shows where Jones did not stand on stage increased, eventually leading to a situation where touring with "not a single original member" became normal. In response to this, critics argued, "Isn't that just a tribute band?" However, thanks to the high professional standards and performance quality of current members like Hansen and Pilson, audience numbers did not decline. Instead, the live shows continued to enjoy great success as venues to reconfirm the greatness of the music.

8. Journey to the Final Chapter: Farewell Tour and Hall of Fame Induction (2023-2026)

8.1 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction (2024)

Despite low critical acclaim relative to their commercial success for many years, Foreigner was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. At the ceremony held in Cleveland, Mick Jones and Dennis Elliott were absent (Jones due to illness, Elliott due to a conflict with management), but Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, and Rick Wills attended to share the joy of the award. In the performance section, Sammy Hagar, Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, along with Slash and Chad Smith, performed Foreigner's classic hits, honoring their legacy.

8.2 Historic Farewell Tour and Vocal Succession

The "Historic Farewell Tour," which began in 2023, received enthusiastic support from fans and was decided to be extended into 2025 and even 2026. Notably, it was announced that for some tour dates from 2025 into 2026, Lou Gramm would participate as a special guest and perform lead vocals. This provides long-time fans with a final opportunity to hear "the real voice."

Additionally, Kelly Hansen, who has supported the band for about 20 years, has hinted at his retirement from touring, and Luis Maldonado, who is also the band's guitarist, has been designated as the successor for lead vocals. Maldonado has already demonstrated his vocal abilities live, suggesting a future where the "band" called Foreigner moves beyond the hands of its founding members and continues to exist as an "institution" that passes down its songs.

9. Discography

Below is a list of major studio albums and significant works, including those from a unique Japanese perspective.

9.1 Studio Albums

Year	Original Title	US Chart Position	Example of Japanese Release Catalog Number (LP/CD)	Remarks
1977	FOREIGNER (栄光の旅立ち)	No. 4	P-10376A	Debut work. Surpassed 5 million copies.
1978	Double Vision	No. 3	P-10523A	Recorded the highest initial sales in the band's history.
1979	Head Games	No. 5	P-10698A	Japanese edition features a "Japan Tour Commemorative" obi.
1981	4	No. 1	P-10981A	No. 1 in the US for 10 consecutive weeks. Masterpiece.
1984	Agent Provocateur (プロヴォカトゥール(煽動))	No. 4	P-13060	Contains the first US No. 1 single.
1987	Inside Information	No. 15	32XD-855	Last album during Lou Gramm's tenure (Phase 1).
1991	Unusual Heat	No. 117	ALCB-345	The only album featuring Johnny Edwards (Vo).
1994	Mr. Moonlight	No. 136	BVCA-648	Lou Gramm's comeback work. Released first in Japan.
2009	Can't Slow Down	No. 29	VIZP-86	First album featuring Kelly Hansen (Vo).

9.2 Key Singles and Japanese Titles

Year	Original Title	Album	Remarks / Japanese Release Number
1977	Feels Like the First Time (衝動のファースト・タイム)	FOREIGNER	P-176A
1977	Cold as Ice (冷たいお前)	FOREIGNER	P-215A
1978	Long, Long Way from Home	FOREIGNER	P-247A
1981	Waiting for a Girl Like You	4	P-1594A
1981	Urgent	4	P-1555A
1982	Juke Box Hero	4	P-1636
1984	I Want to Know What Love Is	Agent Provocateur	P-1916
1985	That Was Yesterday	Agent Provocateur	P-1944
1987	Say You Will	Inside Information	P-2351
1988	I Don't Want to Live Without You	Inside Information	10SW-27 (8cm CD)

9.3 Important Compilation and Live Albums

• Records (1982): The first greatest hits album. Sold explosively worldwide. Sometimes includes a live version of "Double Vision."
• The Very Best... and Beyond (1992): A greatest hits album including three new songs (such as "Soul Doctor").
• Classic Hits Live (1993): A collection of live recordings from their prime.
• 40 (2017): An all-time greatest hits album celebrating their 40th anniversary.

10. FOREIGNER in the Japanese Market (FOREIGNER in Japan)

FOREIGNER has a deep relationship with Japan, and unique marketing strategies have been deployed over the years.

10.1 The Aesthetics of Japanese Titles

Japanese titles such as "Eiko no Tabidachi" (FOREIGNER) or "Shodo no First Time" (Feels Like the First Time) are not literal translations of the original titles, but rather elaborate designs intended to convey the energy of the music and the band's massive scale to Japanese fans. In particular, the sensibility of matching the kanji characters for "Sendo" (instigation) to "Agent Provocateur" allows one to feel the dedication of the Western music directors of the era.

10.2 Japanese Releases as Collector's Items

Japanese pressings of records (especially those with an obi strip) are traded at high prices by collectors around the world.

• Promo Pressing (Promo White Label): Promotional records with white labels printed with "Mihonban" (sample disc) and "Hibaihin" (not for sale) carry high scarcity value. For instance, a white label pressing of "I Want to Know What Love Is" (P-1916) has been identified.
• Japan Tour Commemorative Obi: To coincide with their first visit to Japan in 1980, a special obi strip marked "Japan Tour Commemorative" was attached to LPs like "Head Games." These feature different designs from standard obi strips and are highly coveted items for enthusiasts.
• 8cm CD Singles: The rectangular-shaped 8cm CD singles (such as "I Don't Want to Live Without You") that uniquely spread in Japan from the late 1980s to the 90s are also popular overseas as a rare format.

10.3 Expectations for Future Visits to Japan

From March to April 2025, bands active during the same era, like Winger, visited Japan on their final tours, continuing a final rush of visits by '80s rock legends. FOREIGNER is also strongly expected to give a final greeting to their Japanese fans during their ongoing farewell tour.

11. Member Timeline Summary

Key Members

• Mick Jones: Gt/Vo/Key (1976-Present) - Founder. Currently recuperating.
• Lou Gramm: Vo (1976-1990, 1992-2003) - The voice of the golden era.
• Ian McDonald: Gt/Key/Sax (1976-1980) - Former King Crimson. Passed away in 2022.
• Al Greenwood: Key (1976-1980) - Founding member.
• Ed Gagliardi: Ba (1976-1979) - Passed away in 2014.
• Dennis Elliott: Dr (1976-1993) - Supported the rhythm of the golden era.
• Rick Wills: Ba (1979-1991) - Bassist who supported the second phase.
• Kelly Hansen: Vo (2005-Present) - Current vocalist who revitalized the band.
• Jeff Pilson: Ba (2004-Present) - Former Dokken. The cornerstone of the current lineup.
• Luis Maldonado: Gt/Vo (2021-Present) - Next lead vocalist.

12. Conclusion

Foreigner's half-century history is a story of glory, setbacks, and regeneration. The body of songs created by the extraordinary songwriting partnership of Mick Jones and Lou Gramm still retains its brilliance today as a soundtrack symbolizing the era when "rock" was the ruler of popular music.

FOREIGNER's music, which questioned the meaning of love in "I Want to Know What Love Is" and inspired a boy's dream in "Juke Box Hero," continues to be sung by new performers long after the original members have left the stage. This means that the band called Foreigner has moved beyond a mere collection of individuals and established itself as a "cultural heritage" or an "institution."

The collaboration with Lou Gramm scheduled for 2026 and the succession to Luis Maldonado will serve as a highly suggestive example of a rock band's "end-of-life planning." FOREIGNER is literally showing the path for its music to live on forever right now.