- Lou Gramm and Foreigner is letting go of past issues with the band and reuniting with them on tour in 2025
- When Foreigner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, the singer’s perspective changed
- Foreigner has an anniversary tour and documentary in the works to celebrate 50 years of the “Feels Like The First Time” band
Lou Gramm and Foreigner are reuniting over 20 years since the rock star left the band.
Speaking with Billboard, Gramm, 74, spoke about reuniting with the band, known for hit songs “Feels Like the First Time” and “Jukebox Hero.” After the singer— along with bandmates Ian McDonald, Rick Wills, Mick Jones, Dennis Elliott, Al Greenwood and Ed Gagliardi — were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in October, Gramm’s feeling shifted.
“Ever since [the induction] it felt like, personally, I had to find a way to let go of some of the things I’ve been holding onto for years — and, like the song says, let it be,” he told the publication.
“It’s a hackneyed sentiment, but it’s true — life’s too short,” Gramm, who had been the original singer of the band since its formation in 1976, added.
“And a lot of the things that are blown up and made big deals about are easy enough to get over and humble yourself and reach out a little bit, ’cause what you’ve been mad about for the past 20 years is not a monumental thing.”
In 2017, Gramm began making occasional appearances with Foreigner again. Last month, it was announced that he would embark on the band’s Historic Farewell Tour in Mexico and South America in late April, which then comes to the U.S. in June.
He also touched on his relationship with guitarist Jones, 80, who both were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013 but had feuded throughout their time in Foreigner together. Their early 2000s spat over who owned demo recordings led Gramm to leave the band, per Ultimate Classic Rock.
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Gramm’s perspective changed when being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also amid Jones’ Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which he made public in early 2024. “I hope he was watching the show,” he said of Jones.
“It was a great experience and… a real honor for what all of us, and especially Mick, have accomplished. Our creative partnership was really excellent. I think we were all very proud.”
Foreigner’s lead singer Kelly Hansen who replaced Gramm in 2005, also has a better relationship with the OG singer, said Gramm. “We didn’t have a very good relationship before, either, but it’s good now.”
When Foreigner was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year, Gramm shared his excitement for the three-time Grammy-nominated band to be recognized.
“I’m thrilled that we’re finally a part of it,” Gramm told Rolling Stone in April 2024 upon being nominated into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his bandmates. “For a good number of years, we were not. I racked my brain trying to figure out why we weren’t even nominated. I just couldn’t come up with an answer… [But] justice as been done.”
Foreigner will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026. To commemorate half a century of its existence, the band is planning shows in Australia plus a 50th anniversary tour, along with a documentary.
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