During an interview with Real Music With Gary Stuckey, Foreigner’s Jeff Pilson weighed in the fan criticism over the band’s current lineup, where some fans argue that Foreigner is a cover band without the original members.
Here’s what Pilson said:
“You know what’s funny? You see some of that on the Internet, but it’s not as pervasive as you think. And I’m actually amazed because when we play, we get no negative feedback.
”So, sure, people are gonna say stuff like that online. It only takes one or two people to make it sound like there’s a bunch.
”What I tell people is anytime anybody has a problem with the no-original-members thing, I just say, ‘You know what? I get it. But come and see the band. And then you tell me whether we do Foreigner justice or not.’ And I’ll stand by what we do a thousand percent.“
6 comments
Foreigner is fantastic.
I’ve seen them with all original members and lineup with different members.
Kelly has a fantastic voice, enthusiastic attitude. Some bands all you get is here we are let’s make some money and suck.
I have 5 bands but only will see 4, because of lineup and so much drama within that I just won’t see Journey again Neal’s attitude and ego are freaking ridiculous.
Foreigners line up is a cohesive one, they all play great together and no ego.
Def Leppard is another one great line up and cohesive.
Same with REO and last but not least STYX.
I understand that the bands I’ve mentioned have most of the original members, but all the bands have one thing in common they all still rock and sound great
I saw this band last year and they sound so good you don’t know that this isn’t the original lineup. Their sound is spot on. And that lead singer is better in my opinion than the original. Hell, he’s been with the band 20 years.
Jeff, i saw your lineup and you guys were very good but to advertise as Foreigner you are not. None of todays band members performing have anything to do with the creation of the songs. Hense “COVER BAND”..Most cover bands charge around $40- $60 per ticket not over $100 like I paid. I was very disappointed when Mick Jones wasn’t even there. Maybe when Mick Jones was performing with you guys you could of got away with it!
I saw Foreigner live 1981, 82, 85 and 2011, 15, 16, 17
In the early years it was original, but sometimes not so good (82).
With Kelly it sounds much better and Mick ist a good composer, but guitarist – no…
I wouldn´t miss him. At the last concerts he was a little bit absent…
Some can say whatever they want, it’s their choice, but let’s be serious, all the ROCK Bands we grew up is now at the end of an era.
Vince Neil of Motley Crue sound terrible, there are very few bands that can live up to the voices they once had. Aerosmith is one of them, Steven Tyler still can carry notes and not embarrass himself. The you have Robert Plant, who still amazes me at his age.
So, with Kelly Hansen, I was shocked how good Foreigner sounds on stage. Probably the best successor to an original lead singer you may find.
Lou Gramm is who I want to hear. He defined that vocal style of the time. Everyone else just takes his lead. Lou has some medical issues but he still has the fire and the chops. Just doesn’t look the same but that’s okay by me. He’s still Lou