Band, which was recently in Brazil for a single show in São Paulo, revealed that guitarist Luis Maldonado will take over the vocals
The band Foreigner announced the departure of his longtime singer, Kelly Hansen. The revelation was made live in the final of the The Voice Last Tuesday, 20, along with the news that the guitarist Luis Maldonado will assume the main vocals.
Hansen said in a statement:
“Being Foreigner’s voice was one of the greatest honors of my life. But the time has come to pass the microphone. Luis has the voice, the energy and the soul to take these songs ahead. It could not be more proud to give him this.”
Maldonado added:
“These songs are part of my life as long as I remember. I’m ready to honor Foreigner’s legacy and put my heart in each presentation.”
Hansen joined Foreigner in 2005 and since then has been ahead of the band, which will celebrate 50 years of training next year. The current tour will feature Hansen and Maldonado together on stage in a symbolic transition.
The founder of the band, Mick Jonesdeclared:
“In 1976, my goal was to set up the best group of musicians I could find. The results showed that it worked! About 30 years later, Jason Bonham I encouraged me to do it all over again and create a totally new Foreigner and the magic was still there. I was especially blessed in choosing the vocalist. Kelly Hansen is one of the best frontmen in our branch, and in the last 20 years has given our songs a new life. His tireless energy and impeccable talent helped us climb the mountain and make way for Luis Maldonado, guitarist and now vocalist of Foreigner, take us home. ”
The musician added:
“I wish Kelly all happiness in her next projects after the tour and welcome Luis in her new function. Luis was my choice as a guitarist and has shown what she is capable of as a vocalist, leading the band in South America with amazing criticism. Soon, he will lead the next phase that will lead us to new patamals.”
During the presentation in the final of the The VoiceForeigner made a medley of his successes, including “Feels Like the First Time” and “I Want To Know What Love Is”.
FOREIGNER IN ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME
Last year, Foreigner was included in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although the band’s current formation – because it is not part of the original formation – has not been awarded in the honor. The included members were the drummer Dennis Elliottthe bassist Ed gagliardi (deceased in 2014), the vocalist Lou Grammthe keyboardist Al GreenwoodJones, the guitarist/keyboardist Ian McDonald (deceased in 2022) and the bassist Rick Wills.
Gramm told the Rolling Stone USA:
“I’m thrilled to finally be part of it. For many years we were not. I broke my head trying to understand why we weren’t even nominated. I just couldn’t find an answer … [Mas] Justice was done. ”
He also commented that the announcement of the current training on a farewell tour is “A stack of bullshit to make people buy more records, because it can be the last.”
Foreigner is touring North America until November. The band will also perform at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, in September. In 2026, they will do a series of shows as the main attraction at the Venetian Theater in Las Vegas.
+++ Read more: Foreigner in Brazil: Lou Gramm talks to RS about show, hall of fame and hit that even Edson and Hudson rewrite
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Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
