Foreigner's Band Members' Names - A Look Back

The tunes of Foreigner have, for decades, filled countless rooms, touched so many hearts, and become a true part of the fabric of rock and roll. From those powerful ballads that make you feel everything, to the rock anthems that get your feet moving, their sound has really stuck with people. It is a sound that has made its way into our lives through countless radio plays, movie scenes, and even some video games, apparently.

Yet, behind those familiar sounds, there is a whole collection of talented folks who have, over the years, brought this music to life. Many people know the songs, but maybe not as much about the individuals who played them. We hear the voices and the instruments, and naturally, we connect with the feeling the music gives us, but it's the people creating it who make that connection possible, you know?

So, today, we are going to explore the interesting story of the people who have been a part of Foreigner. We will look at the individuals who shaped the band's famous sound, from its very start in the 1970s right up to the present day. It's a tale of musical talent, shifts in personnel, and a lasting legacy, as a matter of fact.

Who are the folks behind Foreigner's timeless sound?
The Original Crew - Foreigner's Band Members' Names from the Start
What happened to the early Foreigner's band members?
The Voices and Faces of Foreigner Today - Current Foreigner's Band Members' Names
How many people have been Foreigner's band members over time?
What's next for Foreigner's band members and their music?
Lou Gramm - A Look at a Key Foreigner's Band Member
Foreigner's Sound - What kind of music did these band members create?

Who are the folks behind Foreigner's timeless sound?

The story of Foreigner is, in a way, a continuous story of music and the many talented people who have shared the stage. This group, which first came together in New York City in 1976, was the idea of Mick Jones, an English musician with a lot of experience. He joined forces with another Briton, Ian McDonald, who was also a former member of the band King Crimson, to kick things off. It was a rather interesting mix of backgrounds coming together, that.

Over the years, the lineup of the band has seen quite a few changes. People have come and gone, contributing their unique musical skills to the group's overall sound. Yet, through all these shifts, Mick Jones has remained the constant heart of the band, a steady presence from the very beginning. He has been the one person there through every era, so to speak.

The group's name, "Foreigner," actually came about because of the mix of nationalities in the original lineup. It was a British-American rock band, which, you know, made the name pretty fitting. This blend of styles and influences from both sides of the Atlantic helped create the distinct sound that people have come to know and love. It's quite a unique origin story, really.

The Original Crew - Foreigner's Band Members' Names from the Start

When Foreigner first got together in 1976, it was a pretty special collection of musicians. The group initially had Lou Gramm as the lead singer, bringing his powerful voice to the forefront. Then there was Mick Jones, who handled the lead guitar parts, played keyboards, and also contributed vocals. He was, in some respects, doing a lot of the heavy lifting musically.

The initial lineup also included Dennis Elliott on drums, keeping the beat solid and steady. Al Greenwood took on the keyboard duties, adding layers of melody and texture to the songs. There was also Ian McDonald, who contributed to the sound, and Ed Gagliardi on bass, providing the low-end foundation. This group, as a matter of fact, really set the stage for what was to come.

Mick Jones had a clear idea for the band's musical direction. He wanted a particular kind of sound, a blend that would really stand out. He felt that Foreigner was the perfect way to get that musical blend across to people. It was about putting together just the right people to achieve that vision, and this original group of Foreigner's band members' names certainly did that, apparently.

What happened to the early Foreigner's band members?

The path of any long-standing music group often involves changes, and Foreigner's story is no different. The band has experienced some truly sad goodbyes over the years. This includes the passing of both Ian McDonald and Ed Gagliardi, who were very important early members and definitely left their mark on the sound of Foreigner. Their contributions were, you know, pretty significant.

Lou Gramm, the original lead vocalist, also moved on from the band at different times. After a tour finished in early 2003, both Gramm and Bruce Turgon, who played bass, left Foreigner. The band then took a break for more than a year. It was a period of quiet for the group, a bit of a pause, you might say, before things started up again.

Mick Jones, as the only original person still with the group, then put the band back together. He was the one who kept the spirit of Foreigner alive through all these shifts. The list of Foreigner's band members' names has, therefore, grown quite a bit since those early days, reflecting all the different people who have contributed their talents over time, actually.

The Voices and Faces of Foreigner Today - Current Foreigner's Band Members' Names

The group that plays as Foreigner today still brings those famous songs to life with incredible energy. The current lead singer is Kelly Hansen, who has been a big part of the band's sound for quite some time. However, it was announced that Kelly Hansen will be leaving the band, which is a big change for the group, obviously.

The list of Foreigner's band members' names currently includes Kelly Hansen, Lou Gramm (who has rejoined for special events), Jason Bonham on drums, Jeff Pilson on bass, and Thom Gimbel. These musicians are the ones who are out there performing those beloved tunes for audiences all over. They really work hard to keep the music sounding just right, you know?

Jeff Pilson, the band's bassist, has mentioned that the name "Foreigner" sometimes causes a little bit of confusion for people. He finds it rather funny that folks often do not recognize the band name at first. It just goes to show that even with such a famous group, there can still be a little bit of bewilderment about the name, apparently.

How many people have been Foreigner's band members over time?

When you look at the entire history of Foreigner, from its beginning in 1976 right up to now, a good number of musicians have played a part. The full list of Foreigner's band members' names includes a total of eighteen people. That is quite a few individuals who have contributed their skills to the band's long and interesting story, in a way.

Beyond the original members, there have been others who joined for periods, adding their own flavor to the group's sound. People like Johnny Edwards, who contributed vocals and guitar, and Bruce Turgon, who played bass, are also part of this extensive list. Each person brought something special to the mix, helping to shape the band's musical path, so to speak.

Even though Mick Jones is the only person from the very first lineup still with Foreigner, the music they created continues to connect with listeners just as strongly as it did back in the late 1970s. The songs have a lasting quality that goes beyond who is playing them at any given moment. It is really a testament to the power of the songs themselves, actually.

What's next for Foreigner's band members and their music?

Foreigner has announced that they are going on a farewell tour, which is a pretty big deal for their fans. This tour was set to begin on July 6, 2023, with a show in Atlanta. It marks a significant moment for the band as they prepare to say goodbye to touring on such a large scale, as a matter of fact.

The tour has even been extended into late 2025, which means more chances for people to see them play. What is also really cool is that former Foreigner's band members will be joining in for some of these concerts. This gives fans a chance to see some familiar faces from the band's past, which is, you know, a very special thing for many people.

Next year, Foreigner will be celebrating a huge milestone: their 50th anniversary. That is half a century of making music! To mark this, a special deluxe version of their 1981 hit album "4" will be released by Rhino on September 12. Their music has also seen a new burst of popularity recently, thanks to being used in prime-time TV shows, big movies, video games, commercials, and various digital content. This shows that their songs still resonate with new audiences, apparently.

Lou Gramm - A Look at a Key Foreigner's Band Member

Lou Gramm, whose full name is Louis Andrew Grammatico, was born on May 2, 1950. He is widely recognized as a talented American singer and songwriter. He became famous as the original lead singer of Foreigner, lending his distinctive voice to many of their most well-known songs. He was, in some respects, the voice of an era for the band.

Gramm was one of the people who helped form the band in 1976, working alongside guitarist Mick Jones. His powerful singing style and ability to deliver emotional performances made him a standout vocalist in the rock music scene of the 1970s and 1980s. He was, you know, a really significant part of their sound.

One of the most famous songs he sang, "I Want to Know What Love Is," has achieved a remarkable milestone. It is one of only a few classic rock artist songs to reach one billion streams. This truly shows the lasting impact of his voice and the music he helped create with Foreigner. It is a song that continues to touch people all over the globe, basically.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Lou Gramm

Full Name	Louis Andrew Grammatico
Known As	Lou Gramm
Born	May 2, 1950
Nationality	American
Primary Role in Foreigner	Lead Vocalist, Percussions
Original Member	Yes (formed 1976)

Foreigner's Sound - What kind of music did these band members create?

The music created by Foreigner, with its various band members over the years, can be described as hard rock and classic rock. Their sound often featured powerful guitar riffs, strong vocal performances, and catchy melodies. It was a combination that really appealed to a wide audience and helped them achieve a lot of success, so to speak.

The group is responsible for a long list of iconic songs that have become staples on rock radio. Tunes like "Cold as Ice," "Urgent," "Juke Box Hero," and "Hot Blooded" are instantly recognizable. They also gave us big hits like "Double Vision," "Head Games," and the songs from their album "4," which was a massive success, as a matter of fact.

These songs, along with others like "Agent Provocateur," showcase the range of their musical style. From driving rock numbers to heartfelt power ballads, the Foreigner's band members, past and present, have consistently delivered music that connects with listeners. It is a sound that has truly stood the test of time, you know?