Foreigner frontman Kelly Hansen shares insights into the band's enduring success, the impact of health issues on its members, and their long-awaited induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
After nearly five decades of captivating audiences, Foreigner remains a formidable force in the music industry. Since their inception in 1976, the English-American rock band has achieved immense popularity with timeless hits like "Cold as Ice" and "I Want to Know What Love Is."
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, frontman Kelly Hansen and founding member Al Greenwood unveiled the secrets behind the band's enduring success. According to Hansen, the foundation laid by previous Foreigner members has been instrumental in maintaining their legacy.
Foreigner's Success Unraveled: Longevity, Health Challenges, and the Honor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
"As a singer, I don't think that you could hope for a better catalog of songs with just wonderful arrangements, beautifully recorded originally and performed," Hansen expressed. "To be able to carry around and try to conserve the legacy of this catalog of songs... It's a really rare thing."
Despite their triumphs, Foreigner has faced its share of adversity. Band members have grappled with serious health issues, including Lou Gramm's diagnosis with a brain tumor in 1997 and Mick Jones' ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease.
Foreigner's Success Unraveled: Longevity, Health Challenges, and the Honor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Greenwood provided an update on Jones' health amidst his rehabilitation. "He has some serious health issues that he's taking care of. We all hope that he'll be with us at the induction ceremony," Greenwood remarked.
Despite Jones' absence, the band remains hopeful that he will be present at their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. "I know from all the times that I've spoken to him previously that this is a big deal for him to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," Hansen shared.
Foreigner's Success Unraveled: Longevity, Health Challenges, and the Honor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Hansen emphasized the importance of maintaining Jones' vision: "Even if he's not with us on stage... his thought process, and his vision is always being funneled through us. I think that has something to do with the reason why this band is still successful, because we're not trying to take it out of the vision... We understand what this is and what it should be."
Reflecting on their long-awaited honor, Greenwood expressed gratitude to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. "I'm grateful to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to finally, finally receive the recognition for our achievements... I was just elated," he stated.
Foreigner's Success Unraveled: Longevity, Health Challenges, and the Honor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Foreigner's induction represents a pinnacle in their illustrious career. Their unwavering dedication to their music and their ability to overcome challenges have earned them a place among the legends of rock and roll. As they continue their farewell tour, the band will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on the music world.
