Foreigner Apprecation #1 - I Don't Want to Live Without You
 

Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and fellow Briton and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm.

Jones came up with the band's name as he, McDonald and Dennis Elliott were English, while Gramm, Al Greenwood and Ed Gagliardi were American. Their biggest hit single, "I Want to Know What Love Is", topped the UK and US Charts among others. They are one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time with worldwide sales of more than 80 million records, including 37.5 million albums in the United States alone.

Tftnt!

No prob. Hope people like them.

Cool thread. I like Foreigner. They had some good songs.

They sure did!

Sadly, Lou Gramm hasn't been with them for years. :(

Too bad

Some people you can't replace.

That's right

The new guy does not have the same voice at all.

I wonder if I heard it.

I doubt you have. They haven't had a hit in years. Doubt anyone would play newer stuff.

Are they still together?

Don't know

Last year, they had a show near where I lived, but I couldn't make it due to it being on a night where I went to see one of my favorite saxophone players play in San Francisco. I don't know they will play near me again this year.

As for Lou, I'm wondering what he has been up to. I haven't heard much from him. His voice was wonderful.

As for the new singer, I don't know if you're talking about Kelly Hansen or not. I would have to see a picture to know. Last year, it was Kelly who was singing with the band from what a friend of my told me who went to the show last year. Kelly was part of a heavy metal band in the 80's I loved called Hurricane. They had a song I couldn't get out of my head called "I'm On To You.". You could say he was my first "crush" if you will. He was totally gorgeous and his voice was beautiful.

I will say that sometimes when a new voice comes into a legendary band, sometimes it can be to give the legendary band a new direction and vibe and that's a good thing. It might not always work, but even legends can grow and help us to appreciate the music they do throughout the years. With Van Halen, it may not have worked with Gary Cherone (andother metal singer I enjoy), but it did work with Sammy Hagar and now with David back in the fold, the sky's the limit.

That's a good point. Sometimes it can give new direction. Sadly fans don't always like that and don't want to give the person a chance.

When you have such a distinct voice in a lead singer, it's hard to replace.

That's right.

No matter how good a singer they are, the hits won't be the same.

That's understandable.

I do not own their music. I need some.

I have a two disc Greatest Hits one.

I need to get it.

It's a sad thing because there is more to an artist than that hit or hits. There are some songs that might not be chart toppers, but still hold a place in someone's heart and soul.

With AC/DC, when Bon Scott died, I'm sure there was some reservation with Brian Johnson filling such big shoes. Well, in this case, I feel it worked because Brian brought his own flavor to the band and they've never looked back.

Bands will never be together forever. There will be changes...just like with life. They will happen whether we want them to or not. If you like a certain line up, there's nothing wrong with that, at the same time, remember that with music, I feel the object of the game is to progress and grow. What one person plays when they started isn't going to be the same as what they are playing today. If it is, then there's no progression. I'm one who like progression. :)