Lou Gramm Is Performing With Foreigner Again — But Most Fans Won’t Get to See It

Lauren Novak July 8, 3:48 pm

Photo of FOREIGNER; Mick Jones, Dennis Elliott, Rick Willis, Lou Gramm (front) with record composite — Ebet Roberts/Redferns

After decades of unforgettable hits, global tours and lineup changes, Foreigner is proving that they’re not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, the rock icons are closing out their 50th anniversary year with tons of exciting surprises — including the return of iconic former singer Lou Gramm, who will be reuniting with the band for a limited run of U.S. shows this December.

Fans will get to see the legendary original frontman join forces with Foreigner’s newest lead singer, Luis Maldonado, for a special stretch of concerts that’s already generating buzz. The eight-show tour kicks off December 3 in Port Chester, New York and wraps on the 13th in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It’s all part of the band’s “Foreigner 4 Deluxe Tour,” celebrating their 1981 chart-topping album 4 with a newly remastered, expanded reissue.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Luis Maldonado, Kelly Hansen, Rick Wills, Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, Chris Frazier, Michael Bluestein, Jeff Pilson and Bruce Watson of Foreigner pose in the press room during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony streaming on Disney+ at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dia Dipasupil/2024 Getty Images

Gramm’s return isn’t just for nostalgia. “He was an integral part of the writing and recording of the Foreigner 4 album, and his presence will add a historic dimension to our forthcoming tour,” Maldonado said in an official statement. The two first shared the stage earlier this year on a run through Mexico and South America. Adding to the excitement is the deluxe box set of Foreigner 4, set to release September 12, 2025. The 4-CD/Blu-ray edition promises newly remastered tracks, stunning Atmos mixes, unreleased songs, alternate takes and even live recordings from the band’s original 1981–1982 tour. There’s also a simpler LP version for fans who want to enjoy the iconic album in its classic format.

Promotional studio portrait of American rock group Foreigner, 1977. (L-R): Lou Gramm, Ian McDonald, Al Greenwood, Mick Jones, Dennis Ellio

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Amid all the celebration, there’s also a heartfelt farewell happening. Kelly Hansen, who stepped in as lead singer in 2005, announced that this will be his final tour with the band. After twenty years of near-constant touring, Hansen says it’s time to rest and see what comes next. “I’ve been the lead singer of this band for 20 years,” he told the Leader-Telegram. “I’ve been in show business for almost 50 years. And with this band, I’ve been on the road nine months a year for 20 years. You miss a lot of stuff and you can’t do a lot of stuff [because of being on tour]. And I’m not discounting the fact of how fortunate I’ve been to be able to do it with such great people and great songs and great fans. But it’s time for me to move on and do other things. I have nothing concrete planned, but I’m looking forward to seeing where the wind blows me.”

To make the transition even more memorable, Foreigner dropped a brand-new single called “Fool If You Love Him,” featuring the original Foreigner band members. The song was initially recorded but left unfinished until now. Gramm returned to add a new verse, record new vocals and finally finish the song to release it with the new deluxe album.