Foreigner

Foreigner Bio

Foreigner is a British-American rock band from both New York City and London. The band formed in 1976 by British guitarist Mick Jones (December 27, 1994). Jones had already broke into the music scene with features on songs with Peter Frampton, George Harrison and later, became a part of rock band Spooky Tooth. Jones then recruited Lou Gramm (May 2, 1950) on vocals, sax player Ian McDonald (June 25, 1946), drummer Dennis Elliot (August 18, 1950), Al Greenwood (October 20, 1951) on keyboard and Ed Gagliardi (February 13, 1952) on bass. After their formation, Foreigner was signed to Atlantic records and release their self titled debut, ‘Foreigner’, in 1977 with hit singles ‘Long, Long Way from Home’ and ‘Cold As Ice’, eventually turning the album platinum. Their sophomore album, ‘Double Vision’ arrived in 1978 with their hit single, ‘Hot Blooded’. The album was a successful follow up to their debut album and stayed on the Billboard Top 10 Albums Chart for six months. Their third release, ‘Head Games’ arrived in 1979 preceded by their fourth album, ‘4’, where the band was cut bank to just a quarter of Jones, Gramm, Elliot and Wills, along with producer Mutt Lange. From 1989, Foreigner went through shaky ground with Gramm leaving the band to pursue a solo career. Jones ventured to do the same, releasing three solo albums but with the advice of Atlantic Records, Jones and Gramm reunited the band and released a 1992 album titled ‘The Very Best.. And Beyond’. With new additions to the band such as Bruce Turgon on bass and Jeff Jacobs on keyboards, he band released a 1995 album titled ‘Mr. Moonlight’. Throughout the 2000s, Foreigner released four more studio albums of live performances and greatest hits. 2017 marked the 40th Anniversary of Foreigner where the band went on a European tour to celebrate their music and career. The band’s current members are Mick Jones, Thom Gimbel (November 1, 1959) on rhythm guitar and saxophone, Jeff Pilson (January 19, 1959) on bass, Kelly Hansen (April 18, 1961) on lead vocals, Michael Bluestein on keyboard, Chris Frazier (September 7, 1967) on drums and Bruce Watson on rhythm guitar and backing vocals.