Foreigner’s Lead Singer Kelly Hansen Announces Departure
Rock band Foreigner has made an emotional announcement regarding the departure of their lead singer, Kelly Hansen. During a performance on Tuesday’s finale of “The Voice,” Hansen, who joined the band in 2005, shared the news alongside his bandmates.
“After 20 years of magical experiences with this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner,” Hansen told the audience. He added that he would be stepping back after the band’s summer tour, handing over the mic to his friend, Luis Maldonado. “At the end of summer, a new and wonderful voice will take over,” he said.
Hansen expressed his gratitude for being part of the band, calling it one of the greatest honors of his life. “But it’s time to pass the microphone. Luis has the voice, energy, and soul for this,” he remarked.
History of Foreigner
Formed in 1976 in New York City, Foreigner originally included guitarist Mick Jones, vocalist Lou Gramm, and several others. Hansen has been the lead singer since 2005. Currently, the band consists of Maldonado, Bruce Watson, Michael Brusin, Chris Frazier, and Jeff Pilson. Jones remains the sole founding member still active in the group.
“In 1976, my goal was to recruit the best musicians I could find, and it worked,” Jones reflected. He noted that after nearly three decades, Jason Bonham encouraged him to revive the band. “I consider myself fortunate to have had Kelly as our frontman. He has revitalized our music over the past 20 years,” Jones said.
Looking ahead, Jones mentioned a bright future with Maldonado stepping in. “Lewis was my choice for guitarist, and he’s already impressed us with his vocal skills during performances in South America,” he noted.
Since beginning their career, Foreigner has produced major hits, such as “Cold As Ice” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” In interviews before, Hansen and founding member Al Greenwood discussed the highs and lows of touring and their recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Greenwood shared insights on the pressures of fame, saying, “When you’re starting out and about to become popular, there’s a lot to deal with.” He added that the band operates like a family, where different personalities need to mesh, especially with the demands of performing night after night.
Over their nearly 50-year journey, several band members faced serious health challenges. Original members Gagriardi and MacDonald passed away from cancer in 2014 and 2022, respectively, while Gramm was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997. Currently, Jones is battling Parkinson’s disease.
