Foreigner Espaço Unimed – São Paulo, Brazil

Foreigner is one of the most iconic bands in classic rock, emerging on the musical scene in the late 1970s, a time of transition within the genre when rock was merging with other influences such as hard rock, AOR (album-oriented rock), and even pop. Formed in 1976 in New York, the band was founded by British musician Mick Jones, who had previously worked with bands like Spooky Tooth and Atlantic Records, and American Lou Gramm, who would become the band’s lead vocalist and later have a successful solo career. Jones and Gramm were the primary songwriters of the band, creating a musical chemistry that would prove essential to Foreigner’s success.

The name "Foreigner" was chosen to reflect the idea of a band formed by musicians of different nationalities and to evoke the sense of something "foreign," given that Mick Jones was British, Lou Gramm, although American, had familial roots in foreign soil (his father was of Italian descent), and other members had diverse backgrounds. The concept was to create a sound that, while influenced by British rock, would appeal to a global audience. This approach proved effective, with the band achieving great commercial success and establishing itself as one of the leading acts of rock during that era.

Foreigner’s debut album, Foreigner (1977), delivered a direct, accessible, and energetic sound that already demonstrated the band’s intent to blend hard rock with more commercial and sophisticated melodies. The album featured the song “Cold as Ice” as its biggest hit, reaching the top 10 on U.S. charts and helping to establish the band’s reputation. The track “Feels Like the First Time” also became a significant hit, further cementing the band’s image as a major force in rock music. The lyrics were mostly centered on love themes, a recurring motif throughout the band’s work, and Foreigner’s sound combined heavy guitars with keyboards and a strong drum presence, creating a unique sonic identity.

In the following years, the band continued its ascent with the release of highly successful albums. Double Vision (1978), Foreigner’s second album, was even more successful, reaching higher positions on the charts and solidifying the band’s image as one of rock’s leading forces. The album title refers to a sense of distortion or illusion, a theme that was reflected in the lyrics and sound of the record. The single “Hot Blooded” became one of the band’s greatest hits and is still remembered today as one of the biggest successes in rock music of that time. “Double Vision” was another major hit, characterized by its danceable rhythm and Lou Gramm’s distinctive vocals.

As the years passed, Foreigner continued to release albums and tour internationally, though several lineup changes occurred over time. The addition of new members like keyboardist Al Greenwood and guitarist Ian McDonald was crucial in shaping the band’s signature sound. However, changes in the group’s dynamic became inevitable, especially with Lou Gramm’s departure in 1990. Gramm’s exit was a significant blow to the band, as he was the lead vocalist, and his voice had become one of the defining features of Foreigner’s sound.

After his departure, Foreigner went through a series of lineup changes, bringing in new vocalists like Kelly Hansen, formerly of The Cars, who took over the lead vocals in 2005. The transition was not easy, but the band managed to move forward and maintain relevance in the music scene. Even with the departure of Lou Gramm and other founding members, Foreigner continued to perform around the world, and the albums released over the years helped to keep the band’s legacy alive.

Despite the lineup changes, the core sound of Foreigner remained rooted in classic rock and 1970s hard rock, fused with elements of pop, progressive rock, and AOR, a musical style that became very popular in the 1980s. The band was a pioneer in this fusion of genres, making it both unique and accessible to a wide audience. The band’s songs were marked by the ability to create catchy melodies while maintaining a heavy sound and impressive stage presence. The mix of rock and pop elements with powerful vocals, particularly from Lou Gramm, helped secure Foreigner’s place as one of the most important and influential bands of its genre.

Among Foreigner’s greatest hits, in addition to “Cold as Ice” and “Feels Like the First Time,” stand out tracks like “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” in particular, marked a pivotal moment in the band’s career. Released in 1984, the song became one of the biggest ballads in rock history and topped the U.S. charts for several weeks. The single remains one of the band’s most beloved songs and is considered one of the greatest rock ballads of all time, with its emotional lyrics and Lou Gramm’s powerful performance.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Foreigner released a series of well-received albums, but the band’s commercial peak had already passed. However, the band continued to tour extensively, especially in the 2000s, when the popularity of their radio hits and live performances once again grew. The band’s strength, with its timeless hits, remained solid during this period, and many of their songs became classic rock anthems. Throughout its history, Foreigner has been regarded as one of the most respected and beloved bands in rock music, with a vast discography, major hits, and a lasting influence.

The legacy of Foreigner is undeniable. The band was part of a generation of artists who helped define rock and pop music in a broad way. Their impact on the music industry is profound, with a series of songs that remain popular to this day, being played on radios and included in classic rock playlists. Additionally, their live performances, always energetic and captivating, continue to attract fans, with Foreigner’s current lineup retaining the elements that made the band beloved by multiple generations.

Even with the passage of time and several changes in its lineup, Foreigner remains one of the most respected and admired bands in global rock. The band is one of the key figures in the transition from 1970s rock to the sound of the 1980s, and their songs continue to be symbols of a rock era that defined generations. With a vast discography, major hits, and a lasting influence, Foreigner remains one of the pillars of classic rock, and their music will continue to inspire fans and musicians for years to come.

Event Name: Foreigner

When does it happens?: 10/05/2025 ~ 10/05/2025

Where does it take place?: Espaço Unimed – São Paulo, Brazil