It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since Foreigner’s eponymous debut album.
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The record—fueled by the hits “Long, Long Way From Home,” “Cold As Ice” and “FeelsIt’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since Foreigner’s eponymous debut album.
The record—fueled by the hits “Long, Long Way From Home,” “Cold As Ice” and “Feels Like the First Time”—launched the band into worldwide stardom. It would be the first in a string of consecutive multi-platinum monster releases that included Double Vision, Head Games and 4.
Much of the credit for the band’s success can be attributed to Lou Gramm[1], whose songwriting skills and emphatic vocal performances played a monumental role in the band’s hook-laden formula. In fact, he and Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame by none other than Billy Joel.
Although he’s been out of the band for more than a decade, Gramm continues to write, record and tour the arsenal of Foreigner hits with his Lou Gramm band. And as Foreigner prepares to celebrate their 40th anniversary with a new tour this summer, there’s word that Gramm will once again be joining Jones at a yet-to-be-determined Foreigner show.
I recently spoke with Gramm and his guitarist, Michael Staertow[2], about Foreigner, Lou’s solo career, music, gear and more.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Foreigner album. When you look back at that album now with so much perspective what thoughts come to mind?
GRAMM: Working with Mick [Jones] was a very creative situation, and I remember how much fun it was to write those songs and record them. Even when we weren’t at our most imaginative; instead of just putting everything away, we plugged along, putting down different ideas. Before long, we were right back swinging again. It was a very positive time.
Can you tell me the origin of