Foreigner Reveals They Are Not Retiring Anymore

Although Foreigner announced plans to retire back in 2022, the classic rock band has now changed direction and decided to continue performing. According to bassist Jeff Pilson, the unexpected emergence of a new frontman within the group has reinvigorated their future.

“There’s just a lot of forward movement, and the band is incredibly excited,” Pilson told Billboard. “What started off as being a farewell tour ended up being Kelly’s last tour and [the band] moving forward.”

He was referring to the band’s current lead vocalist, Kelly Hansen, who initially planned to step away from touring to prioritize his personal life and to preserve the quality of his performances.

“This catalog of songs, it’s extremely challenging for a rock tenor vocalist like myself to sing,” Hansen explained. “I never would have thought in a million years I’d be singing these songs in the keys at this age, and I don’t know how much longer I can do that at the level I need to.”

Kelly Hansen Bids Farewell After Final North American Tour

Despite their announcement of a farewell tour, Foreigner has been extending dates over the past year—especially after their 2024 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, Hansen confirmed that this summer’s North American leg would officially be his final run with the band.

“Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hansen said. “But it’s time to pass the mic.”

That transition became much easier when the group realized Hansen’s successor was already part of their lineup. When Hansen couldn’t make the band’s recent tour of Latin America, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Luis Maldonado, who joined Foreigner in 2021, stepped in—and impressed everyone.

“Luis really had no intention of this,” Pilson said. “He was trying to talk Kelly into staying. And when it became clear Kelly really wants to live a life now…Luis just stepped up and, oh my God, that voice came through.”

Band Support and Fan Response Reinforce New Chapter

Pilson, a member of Foreigner since 2004, emphasized that the band’s decision to keep going has received support from all sides. Founding guitarist Mick Jones, who stepped back from touring due to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, has given his blessing. Longtime frontman Lou Gramm has also offered to help with the band’s transition.

“Making this change, with Luis, with Mick and Lou’s endorsement and having the whole organization working more together, has been such a positive thing,” Pilson said.

With new energy from Maldonado and continued fan interest, Foreigner’s future now looks brighter than it did just a year ago.