Foreigner, the English-American rock band known for hits like “Cold as Ice” and “Hot Blooded,” is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after years of being overlooked. This long-awaited recognition comes as a vindication for the band, which has been eligible for induction for over two decades but only received their first nomination last year.
The band, led by singer Lou Gramm and guitarist Mick Jones, dominated the charts in the 1970s and ’80s with nine Top 10 hits and six Top 10 albums. Despite their commercial success and influence on the music industry, Foreigner had never been considered for the prestigious honour of being inducted into the Hall of Fame until now.
Keyboardist Al Greenwood, a founding member of the band, expressed his excitement about the induction, stating, “It’s just been a long wait and I know that we’ve done enough in our career to warrant induction. I’m not bitter about it. I mean, we’re finally getting in and that’s great.”
The belated recognition from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame holds a bittersweet sentiment as original members such as bassist Ed Gagliardi and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald have passed away, and Jones himself has been struggling with Parkinson’s disease. Despite these challenges, the band is looking forward to the induction ceremony taking place on October 19 in Cleveland.
Foreigner’s inclusion in the class of ’24 alongside other notable artists like Mary J. Blige, Kool & the Gang, and Ozzy Osbourne reflects a shift in the hall’s selection process under new leadership. The band garnered significant support from fans during the voting process, solidifying their rightful place among music legends.
With a new line-up dubbed Foreigner 2.0, the band continues to attract large audiences on tour, showcasing their enduring appeal and classic rock legacy. Reflecting on their journey to success, bassist Rick Wills recalls the band’s early struggles and eventual rise to fame, highlighting the resilience and talent that have defined their career.
As Foreigner prepares to take their place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, they remain grateful for the opportunity to be recognised alongside other iconic musicians. The band’s induction serves as a testament to their lasting impact on the music industry and their dedicated fan base, solidifying their status as rock legends.