During a recent interview on the Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show on New York City’s Q104.3, original FOREIGNER frontman LOU GRAMM opened up about his surprise return to the stage with the legendary rock band. Known for his iconic vocals on hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Cold as Ice,” GRAMM is now joining select shows on the band’s current tour — and fans couldn’t be more thrilled.
This special tour features GRAMM performing alongside guitarist Luis Maldonado, who has temporarily stepped in for Kelly Hansen, the band’s current lead vocalist.
Reflecting on the experience, GRAMM shared his excitement and appreciation for the opportunity.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
“Honestly, to step on stage as part of FOREIGNER again after a lot of years of being away from it, it still has that magic.”
He went on to praise the musicianship and chemistry of the current lineup, noting that the transition back onto the stage felt seamless:
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
“And the current lineup is fantastic. They’re great players and a great bunch of guys. We get along famously, and they’re a lot of fun and they have a great deal of respect for the songs and the way they should be played.”
According to GRAMM, being part of the performances has not only rekindled his love for the music but also validated the band’s enduring legacy.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
“And I have no bones about being on stage with them at all. They do the name proud.”
🔁 A Full-Circle Moment for Lou Gramm
For longtime fans of FOREIGNER, seeing LOU GRAMM return — even for select performances — is more than a nostalgic treat. It’s a full-circle moment that reconnects audiences with the band’s original sound and energy.
GRAMM, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier in 2024 as part of FOREIGNER, has had a complicated but ultimately respectful relationship with the band over the years. His return to the stage showcases a mutual appreciation that has matured with time.
🎤 A Spotlight on the New Voice: Luis Maldonado
While Kelly Hansen is known for skillfully carrying the torch as FOREIGNER’s frontman since 2005, fans are now getting the chance to experience a new dynamic. Guitarist and vocalist Luis Maldonado, known for his work with Train and other acts, is temporarily stepping into the spotlight.
By sharing the mic with GRAMM, Maldonado brings a fresh energy to the tour while paying tribute to the original vocal stylings that helped shape FOREIGNER’s identity.
🤘 The Legacy Lives On
With chart-topping hits and a sound that helped define arena rock in the late ’70s and ’80s, FOREIGNER remains a key player in the classic rock scene. Their music continues to influence new generations, and their live shows prove that the band still knows how to electrify a crowd.
The band’s ability to blend the old with the new — pairing GRAMM with current members — keeps their performances relevant and emotionally charged.
