By Danny Coleman
originally published: 07/06/2017
"No," said a confident Mick Jones as he began to discuss the changes made to Foreigner, one of the biggest selling rock bands of all time. "I mean, there was one period in the early '90's where we were shuffling a bit but the changes have not really been an issue. We've had this new line up for 11 years and I have to say that it's the best line up we've ever had. I don't mean that as a slight to the original band or anyone who has ever been in the band but it took me a long time to finally get it right and I really appreciate things now; not that I didn't before but it's something I guess that only come with age (laughs)."
The, "Foreigner 40, 40th Anniversary Tour, kicks off with two shows this weekend in Ontario, Canada and will be making its way to New Jersey at Camden's BBT Pavilion on July 13. "We're like a dedicated family," he continued with a slight laugh. "This line up, we play the songs with a lot of power. This version is very much alive and dedicated to the Foreigner tradition."
Hitting the road with another iconic '80's act, Cheap Trick and/or The Jason Bonham Experience, the band has a very busy summer ahead; just the way they Like it. "We're in the middle of 10 days of rehearsals in Canada and that's where the tour kicks off with a couple of shows then we start the U.S portion in Syracuse, NY and have 60 shows over the course of the summer and early fall. We are swamped but in a good way, we enjoy being out on the road."
When one looks back over Foreigner's long and successful career, songs such as, "Feels Like The First Time," "Cold As Ice," "Long, Long Way From Home," "Double Vision," "Urgent," and the mega selling international hit, "I want To Know What Love Is" and countless others have emerged from their 10 multi-platinum records. Jones, himself an award winning and award nominated songwriter chuckles at the longevity of the band and his career overall. "Yeah, looks like it, wow 40 years; that's something huh? I had no clue whatsoever that it'd last this long, I don't think any of us did really. I figured when we put it together that we'd get a few, maybe two to three years out of it. Honestly? We didn't even expect a second album (laughs). Remember, when we put out our first record the airwaves were full of disco, punk rock was making strides on the radio and in an underground type movement, we had a lot of competition. We made the album and it was far more successful than we could've imagined so we made another and so on it went."
In retrospect, Jones enjoys those days for various reasons and openly admits that their 1977 self-titled debut album as well as, "Foreigner 4," released in 1981 are his two favorite works. "I would have to say that our first album is one of my two favorites and for obvious reasons which I stated before. I listen to that album or play that material and it brings everything back to a very special time in my life. I remember things being so exciting yet unsettling for me and for us as a band because we didn't know what was going to happen. Things were new, fresh and we were heading into unknown waters and when it did so well it changed our lives so I always look back on it as one of the greatest moments of my life. With "Foreigner 4," I thought we had made an album that we always wanted to make and even today I still enjoy that album as well."
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The current Foreigner line up consists of Jones on guitar, Kelly Hansen on vocals, bassist Jeff Pilson, utility man Tom Gimbel (Guitar, keyboards, saxophone and flute), Michael Bluestein on piano, guitarist Bruce Watson and drummer Chris Frazier. Jones stresses that this group has no "Ego issues" and that there are no attitude problems in the group. "Yeah, being a musician you can come across some real, well, some real $%#&#@$," he said with a hearty laugh. "In this outfit there are none of those. This is the nicest most down to earth group of people and musicians that I've ever been involved with; no egos no attitudes."
Jones lists the great recently passed Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly as two of his influences but also enjoys the work of his contemporaries as well. "I remember hearing Buddy Holly for the first time and how well he filled the in-between and then there was Chuck Berry who brought a totally different perspective to guitar and lead playing. I tend to like players like Pete Townsend and Keith Richards who don't play real flashy leads but those who can cover lead, rhythm or anything that the song calls for. Sometimes it's not what you play but what you don't play that matters most."
With the "40th Anniversary Tour" kicking off on July 7 and the aforementioned hectic tour schedule which lies in front of them, Jones says that the future looks very bright for Foreigner and may even have a twist in the works. "Right now we're taking things one day at a time," he explained once again with a laugh. "We recently re-arranged some of our songs and did them with a full symphony orchestra in Europe. I wasn't sure how that was going to work but it went well, it was very exciting so we are thinking of doing some more that and of course we have the tour now and that is also very exciting. Actually, life couldn't be better for me right now and I think the rest of the band would agree that it's a great time for all of us."
Foreigner's first U.S date is at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY on July 11 followed by the BB&T Pavilion show in Camden, NJ on July 13. July 14 sees them return to NY for a show in Bethel, July 15 in Hershey, PA, July 17 in Boston, July 18, 20, 21 back in NY and winding up back in NJ at the PNC Bank Center in Holmdel on July 22 before heading for the southern U.S portion of the tour. That's a lot of rock 'n' roll and with so many hits, every concert is like a greatest hits compilation disc and one that should leave even a novice Foreigner fan satisfied.
To discover more about Foreigner, the tour and ticket information, please go to www.foreigneronline.com .
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Backstage at Championship Bar 931 Chambers Street Trenton
Sun. 5 p.m. Today Is The Day, Kayo Dot, We...Our War, Botis, Cadaveric Spasm, Burning In The Undertow. All ages, $15
Tues. 6 p.m. Modern Color, Quiet, The Drowned God, My Iron Heart, (TBA). All ages, $10
Wed. 6 p.m. The Bunny The Bear, Kore Rozzik, Doing Better, Sinking Monroe, Dreams Of Demise, (TBA). All ages, $12/$15
Bill's Olde Tavern02694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch With Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Shorty Rock
Sat. 9 p.m. Good Look, Sigourney
Sun. 5 p.m. Camille Peruto
Brothers Pizza871 Route 33 Hamilton Square
(609) 586-2707
Sat. 6 p.m. Fast Ant & Chris
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Josh Lee. $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie and Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Please check web page for upcoming schedule
Cream Ridge Winery145 Route 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 259-9797
Sat. 11 a.m. "Good Karma Festival" feat. Gypsy Funk Squad. Also belly dancing, wine tasting, psychic readers, vendors
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Pong Tournament"
Fri. (6 p.m.) red & Reynolds (10 p.m.) One Hot Mess
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Byrd
Sun. 4 p.m. Eric & Aaron
Tues. 9 p.m. John Richards
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Superstar Entertainment
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld
Sat. 11 a.m."Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Michael Leggerie
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. Gyrl Band
Sat. 8 p.m. JB Rocks
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grover's Mill Coffee HousePrinceton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. (8 p.m.) Derek Forbes. Ages 21+, Doors at 6 p.m., $10 (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Naturals/DJ Midnight
Sun. 3 p.m. John Eddie "All Ages Birthday Bash." Doors at 2 p.m., $15 (adult) $10 (children)
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Series" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Toby Mochel & A Few Good Men
Fri. 6 p.m. Catmoondaddy
Sat. 6 p.m. Living The Dream
Sun. 2 p.m."Jazzy Sundays" feat. Adelente
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. "Food Trucks" w/ John & Maggs
Sat. 1 p.m. Deb & Mike
Sun. 1 p.m. Keith Franklin Jazz
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Boys Round Here
Sat. 9 p.m. Audio Pilot
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Sat. 9 p.m. Cowbell Superstar / Mother Nature's Child
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5 p.m. Dave Murray
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Jimmy G
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Laurita Idol" Junior Idol Tryouts
Fri. 7 p.m. Movie Night Under The Stars
Sat. (11 a.m.) VinoVinymasa w/ Mettamade (1 p.m.) Rave On
Sun. 1 p.m. Gary Straga
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Girls Night Out"
Levitt Amp Trenton Summer Concert SeriesMill Hill Park (Corner of Front & South Broad Streets)
Thurs. 5 p.m. Sotomayor / Agudos Clef
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McGuinn's Place1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" feat. DJ Favs. Ages 21+
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Check web site for upcoming events
Nook's PourHouse2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
All shows 21 +
PANJ RadioBridge Street Lambertville
(609) 460-4673
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Temporal Chaos
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Ernie White & Tom Reock
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Thurs. 8 p.m. C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Terry Sylvester. $25 (advance)
Sun. 6 p.m. Terry Sylvester $25 (advance)
Salt Creek Grille1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Keith Franklin
Sat. 8 p.m. Charles Clarke
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Crystal Rose Trio
Sun. 7 p.m. Princeton Bluegrass Jam
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Solo Classical Guitar" w/ Stanley Alexandrowicz. $20
Fri. 8 p.m. "Solo Jazz Piano" w/ Ben Rosenblum. $20
Sat. 8 p[.m. Frances Catherine Ihling and Union County. $20
Sun. 7:30 p.m. Clipper Erickson. $20
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Sat. 10 p.m. Mike & Karly
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic Blues Session w/ Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. (TBA)
Wed. 7 p.m. Live Jazz w/ John Sheridan
Terhune Orchards330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Fri. 5 p.m. "Sips and Sounds Summer Music Series" w/ Laundry Men
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Black Brant
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. No Way Out
Sat. 10 p.m. Stereo 87
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. Soul Custody Trio
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Raven 385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. 5 p.m. Russell Eiffert.
Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (9 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Wed. 6 p.m. Dena Underwood
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Check web site for upcoming events
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. DC Duo
Sat. 9 p.m. Spoondrift
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Billy McGovern
Sat. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Audio History of Funk and Soul" w/ Professor DJ Tangency
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Barrel Tapping" w/ Bent Spoon (10 p.m.) Little Bird / Kendall Street Company. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Full Grown Men. $5(cover charge
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
Mon. 10 p.m. SZLACHETKA
Tues. 9 p.m. "Live Band Karaoke"
Wed. 9 p.m. Sarah Shook & The Disarmers
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton, NJ Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. Rainbow Fresh
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Ages 21+
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled “Rock On Radio” airing Sunday evenings at 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
