Lou Gramm Sings With Foreigner at 2017 Reunion

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Lou Gramm (in foreground) reunites with Mick Jones at Foreigner’s June 20, 2017 concert at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater (Photo: Jerry Neubauer; used with permission)

On January 8, 2017, Foreigner co-founder Mick Jones announced that former members Lou Gramm, Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood would appear on select dates of the band’s mammoth 40th Anniversary world tour.

“They’re not on the whole tour, but there will be some appearances,” Jones told Billboard. “It’s the right time to do this. I’m looking forward to that and we’ll see how it goes, and I’m sure it’ll go down well.”

Fans immediately clamored for that onstage reunion of one of the most successful classic rock acts to emerge from the late ’70s. On July 20 of that year, they finally got their wish as the trio joined the existing band members for three songs at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY.

As the existing members of Foreigner returned to the stage 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.

A moment later, the combined band, with Gramm singing lead, launched into “Long, Long Way From Home,” from the band’s 1977 self-titled debut. They continued with their #1 smash “I Want to Know What Love Is” with lead vocals shared by Foreigner’s current lead vocalist Kelly Hansen and Gramm, accompanied by the Rhythm of the Night choir from nearby Uniondale, NY.

Watch the reunion

See the combined group finish up with “Hot Blooded”

Gramm was born Louis Grammatico on May 2, 1950.

Pictured backstage before the July 20, 2017 performance (L-R): McDonald, longtime bass guitarist Jeff Pilson, current singer Kelly Hansen, Gramm, Jones, Greenwood and current drummer Chris Frazier

Foreigner earned nine Top 10 singles during their career including “Feels Like the First Time,” “Urgent” and “Waiting For a Girl Like You.”

Original drummer Dennis Elliott joined the band for “Long Long Way From Home” and “Hot Blooded” at their August 2 concert in Tampa. Original bassist Ed Gagliardi died in 2014. McDonald passed in 2022 at age 75.

After decades of eligibility, Foreigner is finally being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as members of the Class of 2024. Days before the news of their selection, Jones revealed that he is suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

The group commemorated have a compilation titled 40 that includes 40 songs recorded between 1977 and 2017. It’s available here. Foreigner are doing a farewell tour. Tickets are available here and here.