First it was Elton, now it is Foreigner. What’s with all these goodbyes?! Well this time, the band in question has just turned 45 and they are launching a 32-date tour across the US to say adios.
Formed in 1976 in New York, the British-American rock band will kick off their Historic Farewell Tour in July of 2023 with dates running through September. Additional dates across the world are planned to run through the end of 2024, but we do know they will stop in Irvine on August 21st at FivePoint Amphitheatre.
Founding member Mick Jones told Billboard: “Foreigner is a completely revitalized band with a whole new energy that has won the hearts of our fans all over the world, and I want to go out while the band is still at the top of its game.”
The band’s front-man since 2005, Kelly Hansen, added, “It’s a very difficult decision to come to.” He explained he wanted to end touring before the band stopped putting on quality shows, including his own voice. “We’re at an era in life where a lot of bands from the ’70s are right on the ragged edge of still being able to do shows. I see other musicians sometimes that I go, ‘Wow, that was disappointing,’ and I don’t want to be someone that other people say that about. I want to do this band the way it’s supposed to be, and when it’s not like that I don’t want to be doing it.”
Foreigner has become musical legends with their hits “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Urgent,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” They’ve sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and are a staple of ‘70s and ‘80s stations, yet just last month, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame co-founder Jann Wenner told comedian and “WTF” podcast host Marc Maron Foreigner has not yet been nominated for induction! It’s time to get on that!
Mick Jones remains the last original member of the band, and has had health issues, so you do not want to miss this live show. They will do March and April residencies at the Venetian in Las Vegas if you can’t wait for the full tour.
Also on the bill to support Foreigner will ’70s rockers, Loverboy! They are a party on wheels, they too are a must see.
Tickets are on sale now for The Historic Farewell Tour. Pick up yours to say “Farewell, Foreigner!”
