Foreigner Announces 50th‑Anniversary Tour and speak to Totalrock ahead of hitting the road.

Foreigner Announces 50th‑Anniversary Tour
Celebrating Five Decades, the Melodic Rock icons return to the UK in June.

They spoke to Totalrock ahead of the tour on life, legacy and what to expect:

Foreigner is officially hitting the road again, marking an impressive 50 years since the band first began shaping rock radio with their stadium‑sized hooks and unmistakable sound. The anniversary tour promises a career‑spanning setlist, and a celebration of one of rock’s most enduring back catalogues.

A Tour Built on Musical Legacy

The setlist of the 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR spans from their early successes in the 70s, through the legendary Album 4 – which spent more time at No. 1 on the Billboard charts than any other album in Atlantic Records’ history – to more recent hits and timeless classics. The live energy of the current lineup – Luis Maldonado, will make the move from guitar to lead vocals and takeover as the band’s frontman in the fall of 2025 as Kelly Hansen retires after two decades as the band’s voice. Longtime Foreigners Jeff Pilson (bass), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), Bruce Watson (guitar), and Chris Frazier (drums) – guarantee a concert experience celebrated on all continents. Fans can expect a production designed to honour both the band’s history and its evolution, with the current line-up delivering the high‑energy performances they’ve become known for.

“We recently returned from a tour in South America, and we were shocked at how many young people there were in the crowd!” says Jeff Pilson. “It started off around 30% of the crowd but by the end of the tour it was around 50%. I think it’s a testament to the songs. There are some great young bands coming up but none really have a back catalogue like Foreigner where its just hit after hit”.

Luis Maldonado’s Role Centre Stage

Maldonado, who joined the group in 2021, has moved and grown into the band’s dynamic frontman. His powerful vocals and stage presence have helped usher Foreigner into a new era, bringing classic hits to life for longtime fans and new fans alike.

Founding guitarist Mick Jones, who has retired from regular touring due to health considerations, remains involved behind the scenes, as does vocalist Lou Gram:

“Lou came out with us to make a few guest appearances with us last year” explains Luis Maldonado. “He could not have been more encouraging or supportive! He told me to keep going and about the importance of keeping the music alive for the next generation. That’s really our main goal at this point”.

Jeff Pilson is celebrating his 22nd year in the band this year: “Yeah that still feels surreal” he laughs. “When I joined I had absolutely no expectations that it was going to become something so big and its been an incredible journey”.

The band have also confirmed that they are not just celebrating the past, and that new music is in the works: “Oh yeah we are working on it” confirms Luis. “We’ve done some re-recorded versions of the classics but we all definitely share the desire to create some brand new songs as well, and we cant wait to share them with all the fans”.

A Milestone Moment for Fans

 

As Foreigner reaches their 50‑year mark, the anniversary tour stands as more than a greatest hitstour —it’s a tribute to a band that has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide and remains a staple of classic‑rock playlists across generations.

 

FOREIGNER
50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Dates

Thu 18 June – AO Arena, Manchester

Fri 19 June – OVO Arena Wembley, London

https://www.livenation.co.uk/foreigner-tickets-adp42