Foreigner’s Shocking Pivot: Why The ‘Farewell Tour’ Is Canceled And The 50th Anniversary Is On!

The legendary rock band Foreigner is not saying goodbye after all. In a major and surprising reversal of their long-announced plans, the band has officially scrapped the "Farewell Tour" narrative, pivoting instead to a massive "50th Anniversary Tour" that will extend well into 2025 and 2026. This monumental decision, confirmed by band members in recent interviews, signals an exciting new chapter for one of classic rock's most enduring acts, promising fans a future filled with more of the classic hits they love, even as significant lineup changes are set to take place in the coming year.

The news, which has been developing rapidly in late 2024 and early 2025, comes with a mix of celebration and transition. While the band is "excited for the future," the new era will see the departure of their long-time lead singer, Kelly Hansen, and the introduction of a new voice, all while original members are set to make special appearances. Here is the definitive, most up-to-date look at the past, present, and future of Foreigner.

Foreigner: A Complete Band Profile and Biography

Foreigner is a British-American rock band formed in New York City in 1976. Conceived by English guitarist Mick Jones, the band's name was inspired by the fact that three members were British (Jones, Dennis Elliott, Ian McDonald) and three were American (Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, Ed Gagliardi).

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• Founding Year: 1976
• Origin: New York City, USA
• Genre: Hard Rock, Arena Rock, AOR (Album-Oriented Rock)
• Worldwide Album Sales: Over 80 million records sold globally, including 37.5 million in the United States.
• Best-Selling Album: Records (1982), a greatest hits compilation that has sold over 7.4 million copies and is certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA.
• Key Studio Albums: Foreigner (1977), Double Vision (1978), Head Games (1979), 4 (1981), Agent Provocateur (1984).
• Iconic Hits: "I Want to Know What Love Is," "Cold as Ice," "Hot Blooded," "Juke Box Hero," "Feels Like the First Time," "Urgent."

The Original Lineup (1976)

The six-piece lineup that launched Foreigner to global fame was a powerhouse of talent:

• Mick Jones: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals (The sole constant member)
• Lou Gramm: Lead Vocals
• Dennis Elliott: Drums
• Ed Gagliardi: Bass Guitar
• Al Greenwood: Keyboards, Synthesizers
• Ian McDonald: Guitars, Keyboards, Saxophone

The Current Touring Lineup (2024–2025)

While founding member Mick Jones remains the conceptual leader, he has not been touring regularly since 2023 due to health reasons. The touring band is currently:

• Kelly Hansen: Lead Vocals (Departing in Summer 2025)
• Jeff Pilson: Bass, Backing Vocals (The longest-tenured touring member, joined in 2004)
• Michael Bluestein: Keyboards
• Bruce Watson: Guitar
• Chris Frazier: Drums
• Luis Maldonado / John Roth: Guitars (Touring Personnel)

Why the 'Farewell Tour' is Officially Over

The biggest news in the Foreigner camp is the official end of the "Historic Farewell Tour" concept. Announced initially as a final run, the band admitted in 2024 that they have "scrapped" the farewell plans, opting instead to celebrate their incredible longevity with a "50th Anniversary Tour." This pivot suggests a renewed energy and commitment to the band’s future, as bassist Jeff Pilson noted the group is "excited for the future of the band."

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The shift from a final goodbye to a major anniversary celebration is a huge win for fans of arena rock. It means the band will continue to tour and perform their catalog of timeless hits like "Cold as Ice" and "I Want to Know What Love Is" for the foreseeable future. This decision highlights the enduring power of classic rock and the band's desire to keep their musical legacy alive on stage.

Major Lineup Changes and the New Era of Foreigner (2025-2026)

Even with the exciting news of the 50th Anniversary Tour, the band is set for a significant transition in 2025 with two major personnel announcements:

1. Kelly Hansen’s Departure and Luis Maldonado’s Arrival

After two decades as the voice of Foreigner, lead singer Kelly Hansen announced he will be leaving the band at the end of the summer 2025 tour leg. Hansen, who joined in 2005, has been instrumental in keeping the band's live shows vibrant and powerful, breathing new life into the classic material. His departure marks the end of a long and successful chapter for the group.

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Taking over the coveted lead vocal spot will be Luis Maldonado, who has been with the band as a touring guitarist. Maldonado’s transition to lead singer signals a new era for Foreigner, with the band expressing confidence and excitement about his future role in an October 2025 interview. This move demonstrates the band's commitment to evolving its sound while respecting its iconic catalog.

2. Lou Gramm Returns for Special 2025 Reunion Dates

In a thrilling development for long-time fans, original lead singer Lou Gramm is set to rejoin Foreigner for a special run of US tour dates in December 2025. The brief reunion is scheduled to kick off on December 3rd and 4th in Port Chester, New York. This is a rare opportunity for fans to see the classic rock icon perform the songs he made famous, such as "Hot Blooded" and "Juke Box Hero," alongside the current iteration of the band.

While Gramm has continued to tour as a solo artist, these appearances with Foreigner are always highly anticipated, celebrating the band’s history and the incredible chemistry between Gramm and Mick Jones, even as Jones’s touring presence is limited.

The 50th Anniversary Tour: What Fans Need to Know

With the Farewell Tour scrapped, the focus is now squarely on the "50th Anniversary Tour," which will span 2025 and extend into 2026. This tour is an exclusive look back at five decades of rock history, featuring the band’s multi-platinum hits and deep cuts.

Key 2025-2026 Tour Highlights:

• Summer Leg: The extensive 2025 tour begins with a summer U.S. leg, starting as early as June 11th in Highland, California.
• Co-Headlining Shows: Foreigner has also announced co-headlining dates with other rock legends, including a US tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2024 and beyond.
• December 2025 Reunion: The highly publicized December dates featuring Lou Gramm.
• Extended Schedule: Dates are already posted for as far out as March 2026 at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, showing the band’s long-term commitment to touring.

The 50th Anniversary Tour is set to be a definitive celebration of Foreigner’s legacy, featuring a rotating cast of incredible musicians and bridging the gap between the band's original era and its exciting, new future. Fans should expect a high-energy show packed with the biggest rock anthems of the 70s and 80s, ensuring that the legacy of one of the world’s best-selling bands continues to thrive.