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After nearly 50 years, legendary rock band Foreigner has reached new heights of musical glory.
Since beginning his music career in 1976, the British-American rocker has skyrocketed to fame with smash hits like “Cold as Ice” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Foreign frontman Kelly Hansen and founding member Al Greenwood talk to FOX News Digital about the ups and downs of touring, how health issues have affected the band, and their upcoming addition to the band. He talked about what it’s like to receive one of music’s highest honors. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Foreign frontman Kelly Hansen reveals ‘wild’ fan interactions as band embarks on final tour
From left: Tom Gimbel, Michael Bluestein, Kelly Hansen, Mick Jones, Jeff Pilson and Bruce Watson of Foreigner in 2017 (AP Images)
Foreigner was formed in New York City in 1976 by guitarist Mick Jones, vocalist Lou Gramm, drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Ed Gagliardi, and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald. was formed. Hansen has been Foreigner’s lead singer since 2005.
The band topped the charts in the ’70s and ’80s with songs like “Hot Blood” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” but founding member Greenwood first faced He talked about the pressure and the ups and downs of being constantly active. on the road.
“When you’re just starting out in a band and you’re trying to be popular, there’s a lot of pressure on you, and there’s a lot of pressure on the musicians,” Greenwood explained.
From left: Luis Maldonado, Kelly Hansen, Chris Frazier, Bruce Watson, Jeff Pilson, Paul Milkovition. Behind the scenes as the Band Foreigner performs during the “Fox & Friends” Summer Concert Series held at FOX Studios on July 22, 2022. (Getty Images)
“There were fights in the beginning, definitely arguments and things like that. But… you can get through it.”
Greenwood’s comments come in the wake of a recent violent onstage brawl between members of the rock band Jane’s Addiction. Frontman Perry Farrell punched guitarist Dave Navarro during a concert performance, and the group subsequently canceled their tour after an onstage fight.
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“A band really is a family. We all have different personalities and we all come together and play every night…it’s both work and fun,” Greenwood continued.
“A band is really a family. Everyone has different personalities and we all have to get along.”
— Al Greenwood
“Arguments are bound to happen with people, because we don’t always agree…and that can cause bands to break up.Not everyone always gets along with other people… But there are growing pains and egos and things like that in a band, and sooner or later it’s going to come out, so that’s understandable.
Clockwise from back left: Tom Gimbel, Paul Milkovich, Kelly Hansen, Jason Bonham, Mick Jones, Foreigner’s Jeff Pilson. (Getty Images)
Foreigner faced some disagreements early on on the tour, but said the band was “really lucky” to have been able to put their differences aside and “enjoy” playing with each other.
Foreigner has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, and their songs have been featured on popular shows such as “Miami Vice,” “The Simpsons,” “Arrested Development,” and “Stranger Things.”
During their 50-year musical career, several band members suffered from serious health problems. Gagliardi and McDonald died of cancer in 2014 and 2022, respectively. Graham was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor in 1997. And Jones is currently battling Parkinson’s disease.
The company’s foreign founder, Mick Jones, is battling Parkinson’s disease. (AP image)
The band is hopeful that Jones will attend the upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and Greenwood shared an update on his health.
“He has serious health issues and is currently receiving treatment. We all hope he will be able to attend the inauguration,” Greenwood said.
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“I want him to be there… He’s the founder. He’s the visionary. He’s the creative force behind Foreigner. So I want him to be there right away. I hope you get better and stay with us.”
“I know from my previous conversations with him that being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a big deal for him,” Hansen added.
Foreign frontman Kelly Hansen has explained how the band has overcome founder Mick Jones’ health struggles. (Getty Images)
“As Al said… it’s been a long time and they deserve this honor… even if he’s not with us on stage… his thought process and his vision will always be… It’s pouring through us.”
“I think that has something to do with why this band is still so successful, because we’re not trying to take that away from our vision…We’re not trying to take away from the vision of what this is and what it should be. Because I understand,” he explained.
WATCH: Foreign frontman Kelly Hansen reveals the key to the band’s success
After 22 years of eligibility, Foreigner will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the 39th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday.
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Foreigners pose in a photo studio in New York, circa 1976 (Getty Images)
The band received promotion from Jones’ son-in-law Mark Ronson and scouted fellow musicians such as Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Slash, Jack Black, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
“I was really surprised. I mean, we’ve been waiting for this for a long time. This is the highest honor in music. Number one,” Greenwood told Fox News Digital.
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“Thank you to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for finally, finally recognizing our accomplishments… I was just over the moon.”
When asked what is the secret to his continued success as a member of the band nearly 50 years later, Hansen credits his former members of Foreigner Band with laying a great foundation for the rock group.
Foreign lead singer Kelly Hansen tells Fox News Digital the secret to being part of a successful band after nearly 50 years. (Getty Images)
“As a singer, I don’t think you could ask for a better catalog of songs, original and beautifully recorded and performed, with nothing but great arrangements,” the frontman said.
“To be able to carry around this catalog of songs and try to preserve that legacy…it’s really rare…to be in the position that I am now and to do everything I can to ensure that. I feel really lucky to have been able to maintain the standards we have and give these songs the true meaning…with the fortitude and presentation they deserve. ”
Clockwise from left: drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, singer Lou Gramm, rhythm guitarist Ian McDonald, lead guitarist Mick Jones, bassist Ed Gagliardi, circa 1977 (Getty images)
Led by singer Gramm and guitarist Jones, Foreigner had nine Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including their fourth studio album, 4, which spent 10 weeks at the top in 1981. , and had six top 10 albums on the Billboard 200.
This legendary band includes Cher, Peter Frampton, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, the Dave Matthews Band, the late Jimmy Buffett, the MC5, Dionne Warwick, the late Alexis Corner, and the late John will be participating. Mayall and the late Big Mama Thornton inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
