The farewell tour wasn’t supposed to need a new frontman. But when Kelly Hansen announced his departure from Foreigner after two decades leading the iconic rock band, the future felt uncertain. For guitarist Luis Maldonado, the prospect of continuing without Hansen was daunting. Now, Maldonado finds himself not only keeping the music alive, but also navigating the legacy of a band defined by powerful voices – first Lou Gramm, then Hansen – and the enduring influence of founding member Mick Jones.
Maldonado’s journey to the microphone wasn’t a lifelong ambition. He initially resisted the idea, even pleading with Hansen to reconsider. “I indicate, we’re in a really great place; it feels like the band is still growing,” he recalled telling Hansen, according to a recent interview with The Spokesman-Review. Hansen, though, was resolute in his decision to move on, a decision Maldonado ultimately respected. The band, known for hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Hotblooded,” needed to continue, and Maldonado felt a responsibility to ensure that happened.
The transition was unconventional. Already an established guitarist with the band, Maldonado was asked to audition for the vocal role. What made it even more surprising was how Mick Jones, Foreigner’s co-founder, songwriter, and guitarist, approved Maldonado without knowing it was him. Management presented Jones with a recording of an unidentified singer, and he gave the green light. “I was blown away that Mick believed in me and Mick chose me and said, ‘You’re the guy,’” Maldonado said. Jones’s meticulous approach to building the band, carefully selecting each member since its inception, carried significant weight.
The Weight of a Legacy
Taking the helm of a band with such a rich vocal history is no small feat. Lou Gramm’s distinctive tenor defined Foreigner’s sound for years, launching them to international stardom in the late 1970s and early 80s. Gramm, who fronted the band during its most commercially successful period, sold over 80 million records worldwide, according to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Maldonado acknowledges the immense respect for Gramm and the challenge of stepping into those shoes. He recently shared the stage with Gramm during a tour of South America, a collaboration he described as a positive experience focused on the music itself. “We just had a great time,” he said. “It was about music, it was about the songs; because at the end of the day, the real rockstar of Foreigner are the songs.” This realization, he explained, fostered a synergy between Gramm, the band, and management, reinforcing the idea that the music transcended any single individual.
The band’s current lineup doesn’t include any original members beyond Jones’s continued behind-the-scenes involvement. However, John Lappen, Foreigner’s head of marketing, insists the band is in capable hands. “They’re right up there with the original band,” Lappen stated. Jones’s ongoing creative control and approval of each member, including Maldonado, are seen as crucial to maintaining the band’s identity.
More Than Just a Singer
Maldonado’s path to Foreigner wasn’t a straight line. Before joining the band, he was a singer in his own right, even securing a record deal. He continued to hone his vocal skills, performing Foreigner songs acoustically in smaller venues even as touring as a guitarist. This experience, he believes, prepared him for the demands of fronting the band.
But his motivation wasn’t personal ambition. “All I’d wanted to do was be a good dad and take care of my family,” he said with a laugh. His primary concern was preserving the band’s momentum and the camaraderie he shared with his bandmates. “These guys are really my brothers, and so for me, my whole motivation was to keep this band together.”
Connecting with the Audience
Now on what’s billed as a farewell tour, Foreigner continues to draw crowds, performing their classic hits for devoted fans. The band is scheduled to play at the Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino in Airway Heights on Friday, March 29th. A special performance of “I Want to Know What Love Is” is planned with backing from the Mt. Spokane High School Chamber Choir, as reported by The Spokesman-Review.
For Maldonado, the challenge lies in connecting with the audience on an emotional level while delivering the iconic songs. He describes the process as “driving a stick-shift,” requiring a different approach for each song, from the raw energy of “Hotblooded” to the vulnerability of “Cold as Ice.” “You become the instrument,” he explained. “It’s one thing to just sing the song, do all the lyrics and notes. But it’s a different thing when you’re actually trying to connect that song to the audience.”
As Foreigner continues its farewell tour, the band’s legacy remains secure, carried forward by a new voice and the enduring power of their music. The next confirmed date on the tour is March 30th at the Silver Legacy Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada, according to the band’s official tour schedule.
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