Foreigner is embarking on one of their largest-ever tours this year, a sign of their recent resurgence in popularity thanks to a Soundstage appearance, a new single in “Too Late“, a Billboard magazine cover shot, and not to mention the fact that the band is sounding better than they have in over a decade. It’s clear from watching the Foreigner’s Soundstage performance that there’s a new spark in the air, and some of the magic from the early days has been re-captured. Powerhouse vocalist Kelly Hansen is a perfect fit for the group, guitarist Mick Jones is the backbone and driving force, and incredible talent in the form of Tom Gimbel on guitar and saxophone, Jeff Pilson on bass, Bryan Head on drums, and Michael Bluestein on keyboards rounds out this amazing line-up.
The great thing about going to a Foreigner concert is that the band has so many hit songs, so it’s a given that you can sing along to just about every word during the show. Whether it’s “Feels Like the First Time” and it’s immediately recognizable guitar riff, the pulsing bass buildup of “Jukebox Hero“, that explosive saxophone solo during “Urgent“, or the sultry vocals on “Waiting for Girl Like You“, it’s undeniable that the music Foreigner has created over the years is some of rock’s best. Today Foreigner is a supergroup of sorts – not only do they have the ability to put on a terrific live performance, but they have a great songwriting team that is bound to create even more classic songs in the future. Mick Jones has been the primary writer for the band throughout its history, and bassist Jeff Pilson has the distinction of helping to craft many hits during the 1980s as a member of Dokken.
For the rest of 2009, the band will be busy playing shows in the United States, Sweden, Germany, and France just to name a fest. As the title of Foreigner’s latest compliation album suggests, there is No End in Sight for this dynamic rock band.
For all the latest on the band turn to www.foreigneronline.com, and be sure to check out the tour dates; 52 in all. On May 15 the band will take the stage in Red Wing, Minnesota at the Treasure Island Casino, and we will be covering the show. Be sure to keep a watch here on the site for the review and photos.
