Lou Gramm Thinks Foreigner Made A Mistake In Choosing Hall Of Fame Song Performance

Lou Gramm, the legendary vocalist of Foreigner, has voiced his concerns regarding the band’s performance at the upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Gramm disclosed that Foreigner might only have the opportunity to showcase one song during the event, and he believes the chosen track is not the best fit.

The Song Choice for Foreigner

Initially, Gramm was under the impression that Foreigner would be allotted time for a two-song performance. However, he later learned that time constraints might limit them to just one song. Gramm explained:

“Here’s the thing. I was first told we could play two. I was told we had 12 minutes to play. And I heard there’s going to be a segment of the introduction where people like Pete Frampton and a number of other people will say why they think we should have been in, and how glad they are that we are.
“That’ll leave us with about six minutes left, so I heard we’re going to play one song.”

Gramm reluctantly confirmed that the chosen song for their performance would be the ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is,” expressing his dissatisfaction with the decision.

In the interview, Gramm delved into the complex relationship the band has with the song. While acknowledging its role in their success, he lamented how it led to the perception of Foreigner as a soft-rock band. Gramm reflected:

“I love the song, but it pigeon-holed us into something that we were not. I knew that influenced Mick [Jones] enough that you could find a soft, smushy ballad on every album after that.”

He emphasized that “I Want to Know What Love Is” does not fully encapsulate the essence of Foreigner and expressed doubts about its suitability as their sole representation at the Rock Hall induction.

Gramm’s Song Pick for the Band

Gramm proposed an alternative solution, suggesting that if they manage to secure a second song, it should be “Juke Box Hero,” a fan favorite from their album Foreigner 4. He outlined a plan to streamline the introduction segment to make room for both songs, ensuring a balanced representation of the band’s repertoire.

As the induction ceremony approaches on Oct. 19 at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, fans eagerly anticipate which songs Foreigner will perform. Alongside Foreigner, the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class includes iconic artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Peter Frampton, and The Dave Matthews Band. With the ceremony set to stream live on Disney+ and air on ABC at a later date, music enthusiasts worldwide will have the opportunity to witness this momentous occasion.