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Foreigner
Celebrating their 30th anniversary as a band, Foreigner is back, bigger, more powerful and explosive than ever.
"This band is really enthusiastic and we worked very hard (over the past 2 years) to reestablish Foreigner as a major force in the USA. This is the most dynamic lineup since the early days,” says band founding member, Mick Jones.
Garnering accolades from press and fans alike, the current line-up of Foreigner led by founder/ chief songwriter/guitarist/producer, Mick Jones, drummer Jason Bonham, lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, bassist Jeff Pilson, keyboardist Jeff Jacobs and rhythm guitarist
Tom Gimbel, is undeniably the their strongest ensemble yet. “There are few times as a musician where you have an opportunity to play with a group of people that click so well,” explains lead vocalist Kelly Hansen. “We’re extremely fortunate that this is the case with this lineup of Foreigner.
“From New York City to the farthest reaches of South Africa, Foreigner continues to electrify a global fan base with their explosive live performances. “In the past 18 months we did 200 shows in 20 countries on four continents,” marvels Hansen. “We were able to visit places that Foreigner had never played and premiere our music for them. We have a mission to show the world how powerful and fun this new lineup is. We play the songs as they should be played and it’s brought a whole new vitality into the group.”
In 2007, drawing together three decades of platinum music making, Foreigner’s audience appeal is multigenerational. “When we do shows the audience spans all
generations, some seeing us for the first time and some seeing the band for the 20th time,” attests Hansen. “But regardless of age, the praise coming from the fans has been unanimously positive. That response means a great 1 GOT TO KEEP ROCKIN’
deal to us and we try to always put everything we have into each and every one of our performances.”
Formed in 1976, Foreigner is no stranger to meteoric global success. Signed to Atlantic Records, Foreigner's debut self-titled 1977 album was a spectacular success worldwide, yielding the quintessential hard rock hits, “Feels Like The First Time,” and “Cold As Ice” and assuring their passport to superstardom. Since then, Foreigner's midas touch has never failed them.
Throughout the 70's and 80's, Foreigner were universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, racking up scores of smash hits, multi -platinum albums, and sold out concert tours. From “Cold As Ice” to “Hot Blooded,” “Urgent” to “Jukebox Hero,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You” to the chart topper “I Want To Know What Love is”, Foreigner's thrilling mix of blustery blues and impeccably crafted pop continues to captivate generation after generation of music fans. “Our music has touched a lot of people worldwide, attests Mick Jones.” Unwittingly we've weaved into the fabric of people's lives. That our music has brought a lot of comfort happiness and fun is one of the best rewards."
Reigniting interest in the band on a domestic and international level, Foreigner is currently writing and recording a new CD slated for release in mid 2007.
Mick Jones has the last word. “I had no idea at the beginning what Foreigner would become. It's amazing. Back when I started the band, I was at a crossroads in my life, whether I was going to carry on in music or get a real job. So thirty years later, I think I made the right decision and, needless to say, it’s gone way beyond my wildest dreams”!
THE PLAYERS:
MICK JONES: Chief songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist….founding member of Foreigner, one of the best selling rock groups of all time, with sales of over 70 million…. penned all of Foreigner's many hits including “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice”, “Hot Blooded”, “Double Vision,” “Jukebox Hero”, “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “I Want To Know What Love Is”, and “Urgent”…The band have racked up numerous
gold and platinum albums including Foreigner, Double Vision, Head Games, Foreigner 4 and Agent Provocateur….Foreigner is celebrated as the second best selling International act in Atlantic Records history, standing closely behind Led Zeppelin. The co-producer
of 'Van Halen's 5150 and Billy Joel's Stormfront albums, An Award-winning songwriter who was honored with the prestigious British Ivor Novello Award for his songwriting contribution to the Golden Globe nominated film, Still Crazy…Jones' six-string musical skills have graced records by the likes of George Harrison and Peter Frampton.
JASON BONHAM: The son of drumming legend, the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Jason occupied the drum seat for Led Zeppelin's reunion performance at Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary show at New York's Madison Square Garden…his distinctive powerhouse drumming style has fueled records by the likes of Virginia Wolf, and his own band, Bonham…Appeared in the feature film, Rock Star.
JEFF JACOBS: Current Foreigner keyboardist since 1994…Previous credits include recording and touring with Billy Joel notably on the Stormfront album.
TOM GIMBEL: Current Foreigner rhythm guitarist, sax player on “Urgent” and background vocalist…A seasoned music veteran whose past credits include being Aerosmith's on-tour keyboardist.
JEFF PILSON: Former bassist with multi-platinum hard rock superstars, Dokken who scored several chart hits including “Breaking The Chains”, “In My Dreams” and “Into The Fire”…Thanks to well-crafted albums merging pop and metal and a made for MTV image, Dokken were transformed into one of the Eighties most commercially successful heavy metal acts, a perennial headliner on stages around the world…Pilson's inventive and powerful bass stylings and impeccable background vocals are the foundation of his
musical abilities…Appeared in the feature film, Rock Star.
KELLY HANSEN: Foreigner lead singer…Hansen is best known for fronting the late 80's and early 90's rock band, Hurricane…Kelly's touring and recording experience and vocal versatility gives him the ingredients necessary to take Foreigner to new places in 2007
FOREIGNER-THE STATS
o Formed in 1976
o Over 70 million albums sold worldwide
o First US act on Atlantic Records to exceed sales of one million
o Celebrating four decades of monumental success in 2007
o Number one hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is”
o Number one album, Foreigner 4
o Eight Top Five hits
o More than ten top 10 singles
o Sixteen top 20 singles
o Seven multi-platinum albums
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The Blackjacks
