Booking FOREIGNER. Get Answers and Fast Service.

• Formed in: New York
• Based in: the U.S.
• Members: Mick Jones, Kelly Hansen, Bruce Watson, Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein, Chris Frazier

Foreigner Biography

Who Is Foreigner?

Foreigner: The Legendary Rock Band That Bridged Continents

Introduction to Foreigner

Foreigner is one of the most iconic rock bands to emerge from the late 1970s, renowned for their chart-topping hits and genre-defining sound. Formed with a blend of American and British musicians, the band’s fusion of hard rock, pop, and blues has resonated with audiences worldwide for over four decades. Their name reflects their transatlantic lineup, and their legacy is cemented through timeless classics and record-breaking albums.

– Hire Foreigner for your festival or concert plans! – (t,s)

The Formation of Foreigner A Transatlantic Musical Alliance

Foreigner was founded in 1976 by British guitarist and ex-Spooky Tooth member Mick Jones, alongside fellow Briton Ian McDonald and American singer Lou Gramm. This unique combination of British rock heritage and American vocal grit gave Foreigner a distinctive edge that set them apart from their contemporaries. The original lineup also included Dennis Elliott, Al Greenwood, and Ed Gagliardi.

Breakthrough and Commercial Success From Debut to Stardom

Foreigner’s self-titled debut album, Foreigner (1977), was an instant hit, producing classic singles like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice.” The album reached multi-platinum status and firmly established the band as a rock powerhouse. Their follow-up albums, Double Vision (1978) and Head Games (1979), continued this success with hits such as “Hot Blooded” and “Double Vision,” solidifying their place on the international rock stage.

Richard De La Font with Kelly Hansen Lead singer of Foreigner

The Peak Years: 1980s Glory ‘4’ and Global Fame

The band reached new heights with their 1981 album 4, produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. It became their most successful release, featuring smash hits like “Urgent,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” and “Juke Box Hero.” With sleek production and memorable melodies, Foreigner’s music dominated radio waves and music charts throughout the decade.

Timeless Ballads and Continued Evolution Powerful Melodies that Endure

In 1984, Foreigner released Agent Provocateur, which featured the band’s biggest international hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The powerful ballad topped charts globally and showcased their ability to create emotionally resonant music that crossed genres and generations.

Lineup Changes and New Directions Adapting to the Times

Over the years, Foreigner experienced several lineup changes, with Mick Jones remaining the consistent driving force. Lou Gramm departed and rejoined at different points, while other talented musicians brought new dynamics to the group. Despite the changes, the band stayed true to their musical roots while exploring new sonic directions.

Live Performances and Legacy Decades of Rock Excellence

Foreigner remains an active touring band, continuing to fill arenas and perform to multi-generational audiences. Their live shows are renowned for energy, passion, and a setlist filled with rock anthems that still resonate today. The band’s music has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials, further embedding them in pop culture.

An example of a very special event: Foreigner performed at an exclusive private party on a private island in the Caribbean. They were not alone. The night’s entertainment included full band performances by Jon Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams.

— Foreigner, Bryan Adams, Jon Bon Jovi —

All three bookings were handled by this company: De La Font Agency.

Awesome!  Awesome!  Awesome!

Impact and Influence on Rock Music Shaping Classic Rock History

With more than 80 million records sold worldwide, Foreigner stands among the best-selling bands of all time. Their mix of catchy hooks, compelling lyrics, and powerful performances has influenced generations of rock and pop artists. The band has earned spots on countless “greatest hits” lists and continues to receive accolades for their contributions to music.

Awards include: 

Foreigner has won several awards and accolades for its music. Some of the awards that Foreigner has won include:

• American Music Awards: Foreigner won the Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group award at the American Music Awards in 1978.
• Grammy Awards: Foreigner was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1982 for the song “Urgent.”
• Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards: Foreigner won the Living Legend award at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards in 2011.
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Foreigner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Performer category in 2020.
• Golden Globe Awards: Foreigner’s song “I Want to Know What Love Is” was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song – Motion Picture in 1986.
• Brit Award for International Group in 1983
• ASCAP Award for Most Performed Song for “I Want to Know What Love Is” in 1986
• ASCAP Award for Most Performed Song for “Juke Box Hero” in 1982
• ASCAP Award for Most Performed Song for “Waiting for a Girl Like You” in 1982

Foreigner has also been inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk, a sidewalk gallery of fame located on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.

Conclusion: A Rock Legacy That Transcends Borders

Foreigner’s story is one of musical innovation, cultural crossover, and enduring appeal. From arena rock anthems to heartfelt ballads, their catalog remains a staple of classic rock radio. With decades of hits and an unwavering commitment to their craft, Foreigner’s legacy is not only secure—it continues to thrive.

—–

More biographical information: Wikipedia

Foreigner Discography

Hits include:

• Hot Blooded
• Feels Like The First Time
• Head Games
• Double Vision
• Cold As Ice
• Dirty White Boy
• Love on the Telephone
• Women
• Urgent
• Waiting For A Girl Like You
• Juke Box Hero
• Break It Up
• I Want to Know What Love Is
• That Was Yesterday
• Reaction to Action
• Say You Will
• I Don’t Want to Live Without You
• Heart Turns to Stone
• White Lie
• Until the End of Time
• All I Need to Know
• Under the Gun

Their discography includes 9 studio albums, 7 live albums, 20 compilation albums, and 47 singles.

Foreigner’s manager determines the artist’s concert fee (also known as a guarantee) by evaluating a combination of business, market, and logistical factors.

Here’s a breakdown of key elements considered:

1. Foreigner’s Popularity and Demand

• Ticket Sales History: How many tickets they’ve sold recently in the same market or similar ones.
• Streaming & Radio Metrics: Spotify/Apple Music numbers, YouTube views, Shazam stats, radio spins.
• Social Media Following & Engagement: Followers, reach, and how active and loyal the fan base is.

2. Market Strength

• City or Region: Artists can command higher fees in cities where they are more popular.
• Venue Size: Bigger venues mean more ticket sales and higher potential revenue.
• Local Competition: Is the artist competing with other events nearby on the same date?

3. Foreigner Touring Expenses

• Band & Crew Payroll: Salaries, per diems, union rates.
• Production Costs: Lights, sound, transportation, backline, hotel, security, etc.
• Travel: Flights, buses, fuel, lodging. Fees are often higher for more distant or logistically complex locations.

4. Type of Event

• Hard Ticket Show: The artist is the main draw; ticket sales drive revenue. The fee is based on expected gross revenue minus expenses.
• Festival or Fair: Often pay higher flat fees as the event assumes ticket risk.
• Corporate or Private Event: Typically, higher pricing due to exclusivity and often minimal promotional benefit.

5. Promoter Offer and Negotiation

• The manager evaluates received offers and may negotiate elements to modify the fee or reduce expenses.
• Promoters/Private Buyers typically present a formal offer sheet that includes:
• Guarantee (flat fee): Minimum the artist gets paid.
• Backend or Bonus: Extra earnings based on ticket sales after breakeven. (Typically, this is not applicable to private/corporate events.)
• Expenses: Travel, accommodations, hospitality, etc.

6. Comparing Fees

• Managers often compare fees of similar-level artists to stay competitive in pricing.

7. Foreigner Routing Considerations

• If the date fits smoothly into a larger tour routing, they might accept a lower fee.
• If it’s a one-off or out-of-the-way show, the fee might be higher to justify the extra time and effort.