With Founder Mick Jones Still at the Helm, Iconic Band On Farewell Tour, Including North Charleston Show

Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer

One of the most successful recording groups of all time Foreigner has been a rock n’ roll juggernaut since they first popped onto the music scene in the mid 1970’s. Fueled by the guitar wizardry and songwriting ability of legendary rocker and guitarist Mick Jones, Foreigner continue to play to sold out crowds around the world, performing a catalog of pop and rock radio staples that have become anthems for baby boomers and generations to follow. 

For over a decade beginning in 1977 you would have been hard pressed to find any band bigger than Foreigner on the planet, easily filling stadiums during the early 1980's. Behind the original genius of Jones and vocalist Lou Gramm Foreigner became an overnight sensation. A string or multi-platinum albums infused with classic rock radio hits and power rock ballads garnered Foreigner 16 Top 30 Billboard hits, with nine cracking the Top 10 including ’Hot Blooded’, ’Double Vision’, ’Urgent’, ’Cold As Ice’, and ’Feels Like The First Time’.

In 1981 ‘Waiting For A Girl Like You’ spent a record 14 weeks parked at number two on the singles charts with ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ from ‘Agent Provocateur’ topping the charts three years later in 1984. In little less than 10 years Foreigner proved they had the chops and the talent to deliver hard rock anthems alongside some of the most requested love ballads of all time.

In 2023 Foreigner is celebrating in what has been billed as their 'Feels Like the Last Time Farewell Tour'. And although Jones is not currently touring with the band, the rest of the current line-up bring a vast musical pedigree to the band. Among them are some of the hardest working musicians in the entertainment industry, steeped in pop, rock, metal, and classical music. 

The current six member unit are hailed as one of the tightest bands touring today. Among the fold are former 1980's Hurricane lead singer Kelly Hansen who joined Foreigner in 2005 and bass player Jeff Pilson who cut his teeth with Dokken, Dio, George Lynch, MSG, War & Peace, as well as having a principal role in the 2001 Warner Brothers film 'Rock Star', alongside actors Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston.

65 year old Pilson became a member of Foreigner back in 2004 and admits he's having the time of his life. "It's fabulous. It's the best gig I've ever had." Although the lineup has changed a couple of times Pilson says it's always tight. "I thoroughly enjoy playing in this band, and I've been able to surround myself with some of most talented musicians to ever take to the stage."

Regarding the architect of Foreigner, Pilson says Jones remains upbeat despite not being able to tour. "He's doing great. He's in good spirits. I know damn well he'd rather be out on the road with us, but his doctors have cautioned him to take it easy, so that is what he's doing. But make no mistake he's very involved in all things Foreigner."

Pilson admits it's vital to portray the original essence of the band not only for Jones but for the fans. "Being in a band of this magnitude comes with tremendous responsibilty. Myself and the other band members are not unaware of the legacy that comes with Foreigner. Foreigner is Mick's vision, and all of us are extremely grateful to be a part of this legendary band."

Adding Hansen, who's been along for the ride since 2005 is the ideal lead singer. "He's really a great frontman. He's got a great rock n' roll voice, and his vocals just bring the iconic songs to life night after night. Kelly like myself appreciates how fortunate we are to be a part of Foreigner for this long."

When you're talking with someone who has history in a legendary band, with even more legendary songs it's hard not to ask the same questions he might get from several media types. Pilson takes it all in stride. "It's true. We're famous enough to get a bunch of stock questions. Honestly who doesn't know who Foreigner is?" 

The proof they say is often in the pudding, or in this case airplay. "I recall hearing recently that Foreigner was the seventh most played band on classic rock radio. I'm not certain if that includes terrestrial and satellite radio formats, but nonetheless that says something about how significant Foreigner's body of work is."

When not touring half the year or more with Foreigner Pilson feeds his other two passions. "I have a beautiful recording studio next to my house. I love to write music. I love to record music. I love to help my friends record their projects. Honestly, I'm absolutely a workaholic. I just love to make music."

Pilson is every bit multi-talented. He's a songwriter, musician, and a record producer. Does he have a favorite. "I love all three, but really if I had to lean towards one it would be the recording studio." He adds, "I'm still really passionate about playing in front of a live audience, but the older you get the travelling becomes a bit harder."

With such an arsenal of well-known Foreigner songs to perform, Pilson admits it's similar to coloring by numbers. "I'm the musical director for the band. I have to say making out the setlist is kind of like cheating. Foreigner has 16 Top 30 songs, and everyone is a fan favorite. We play them all, because the fans love them and quite frankly they expect them. That's why they continue to come out, and we're not going to disappoint them."

Sadly, after 47 years Foreigner may be slowing down. "That's the plan, at least when it comes to long tours. Would we do any specialty shows, who knows." While they may not be making the usual rounds Pilson hints there might be new music on the horizon. "There's a lot of songs that have not been recorded. Some go back 20 years, others are more recent. Some may be re-recorded. Hopefully we'll have time to work on that and maybe have something new out for fans in 2025."

For over 20 years Foreigner has met all the requirements for entry into the prestigious Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, yet they've been overlooked due to what some fear is a personal vendetta between the HOF and the bands popularity. "It's no secret. There has been a rift over the years, but let's just say that has been loosened up recently." Pilson goes on to say. "Foreigner struck a chord with the fans almost immediately, but for some reason the critics didn't always appreciate the band."

Pilson has gone on record to say he feels the original lineup should be inducted if and when that happens. "That's only fair." Jones says it would be a nice nod, validating the bands legacy and songs, but has said publicly he doesn't loose sleep worrying about it.

Jones turned 78 last December and is the lone original founding member associated with the band. Original vocalist Lou Gramm, who left the band decades ago and occasionally reunited for concert appearances turned 73 this past May. He's had several health issues in recent years. Two other original members, Ian McDonald and Ed Gagliardi, died respectively in 2022 and 2014. Pilson is hopeful the HOF induction will happen while both Jones and Gramm are still with us. "Absolutely!"

At what point Foreigner will be welcomed in the Hall of Fame, no one knows. However, the band has announced after their historic farewell tour concludes in 2024 which includes several dates in residency at The Venetian in Las Vegas, they plan to retire. Beyond that Pilson says it's uncertain. "I don't know what will become of Foreigner after next year. A lot depends on Mick. He laid the groundwork for what Foreigner became."

He humbly adds, "I'm just thrilled and fortunate to have been part of Mick's vision for the past two decades. I was a fan of Foreigner long before I became a member of the band, and having been able to perform their iconic songs on stage for nearly 20 years now just blows my mind."

Whatever unfolds regarding the future of Foreigner remains unknown, but in the present Charleston fans have at least one more opportunity to see them play the low country as they bring their Historic Farewell Tour to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Monday November 13th.

Having played several times in Charleston, does Pilson have any fond recollections. "Sadly, I'm at a loss for any memories of Charleston. We're always in and out very quick. I do know we have lots of fans in Charleston and have always been well received there, as we are in several places in the south. I know Charleston is a very civilized city, and they love their rock n' roll. I'd welcome coming back when I'm less busy to really be able to enjoy all it has to offer."

For more on the North Charleston concert date visit https://www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/foreigner-1