Lou Gramm Provides Update on Mick Jones’ Health, Says Foreigner Founder Is “Distant”
via Lou Gramm Official / YouTube
As Foreigner approaches a milestone anniversary, attention has turned to the man who shaped its sound. Guitarist Mick Jones, a founding member, is no longer active with the group, and recent comments from former bandmate Lou Gramm offer a clearer picture of his current condition.
Gramm explained that communication with Jones has become difficult, describing him as “in end stages of Alzheimer’s” and noting that conversations now feel distant. The update adds to earlier news that Jones stepped away from touring in 2023 due to ongoing health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease.
A Band Built on One Vision
Foreigner’s identity has long been tied to Jones, who guided the group through decades of success. With more than 80 million records sold worldwide, the band remains one of the most commercially successful acts in rock history. Even as the lineup evolved, Jones remained the central creative force behind its sound.
Gramm, who originally left the band in 2003, has returned for select performances during the group’s 50th-anniversary tour. His participation, he explained, is meant as a tribute to Jones and the music they built together. He described the opportunity as both meaningful and appropriate, saying it felt right to perform those songs again in honor of the guitarist.
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Performing in His Absence
Although Jones is no longer on stage, his influence continues to shape the band’s live shows. Gramm emphasized that the current touring lineup closely follows the original recordings, which he believes helps preserve the spirit of the music. He noted that the musicians approach the material with care, staying faithful to the arrangements that defined the band’s success.
According to Gramm, that consistency benefits both the audience and the performers. Hearing the songs played as they were originally recorded creates a familiar experience, while also making it easier for him to step back into his former role as lead vocalist.
A Complicated Past, Now Resolved
The relationship between Gramm and Jones was not always smooth. Disagreements over songwriting credits, particularly surrounding the hit “I Want to Know What Love Is,” created tension that lasted for years. Gramm has said that the situation changed following the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Reflecting on that moment, he shared that it encouraged him to move forward and release long-held frustrations. He described the experience as “life-changing,” adding that it helped restore a sense of perspective about their shared history.
Jones was unable to attend the ceremony, but Gramm expressed hope that he is aware of the honor. He noted that the recognition belongs in large part to Jones, whose work helped define the band’s legacy and lasting appeal.
