A long-awaitedForeigner reunion took place December 5, 2016 to celebrate theRIAAplatinum certification of 2008's"No End In Sight: The Very Best Of Foreigner" (Atlantic Records/Rhino Entertainment), a double-disc collection featuring the band's biggest hits, including"Feels Like The First Time","Cold As Ice","Hot Blooded"and"I Want To Know What Love Is". It also includes a brand new song,"Too Late", as well as live performances by the current lineup that includes founding member and lead guitaristMick Jones, lead singerKelly Hansen, bassistJeff Pilson, rhythm guitarist/saxophonistTom Gimbel, and keyboardistMichael Bluestein.
Along withAtlantic Recordschairman and CEOCraig Kallman, originalForeignermembersMick Jones,Lou Gramm(lead vocals),Al Greenwood(keyboards) andIan McDonald(rhythm guitar, keyboards, saxophone, flute, backing vocals) came together for the platinum plaque presentation, which took place at theAtlanticoffice in New York City. Fittingly, the presentation took place in a room dedicated to the memory ofAtlantic founderAhmet Ertegun, a close friend of the band's throughout their many years at the label.
In the last ten years, only four other classic rock artists have released albums featuring new music that have been certified platinum by theRIAA:Eagles,AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen,andJourney.
"'No End In Sight'was named as a tribute to the longevity ofForeigner's music," said founding memberMick Jones. "Lou Gramm,Al Greenwood,Ian McDonald,Ed Gagliardi,Dennis Elliott,Rick Willsand I originally brought these songs to life. Years later, the current members ofForeigneradded their talent to'No End In Sight', and continue to bring our music to a whole new legion of fans."
"In the seven-decade history ofAtlantic Records, there is a select group of artists who stand out as true musical icons, andForeignercertainly belongs in that elite family," saidCraig Kallman. "Their longevity is a real testament to the power of timeless songwriting, fantastic musicianship, andMick Jones's brilliant vision for the band from day one. The fact that they've scored yet another platinum award forty years since the release of their first album proves that their music remains relevant and compelling today, spanning generations of fans. We're immensely proud to haveForeigner's incredible body of work as part ofAtlantic's heritage."
"In 1977, all of us atAtlantic Recordsknew that we had discovered something very special withForeigner. The quality of the songwriting and the majesty of the performances quickly took us to new heights. It is a personal thrill for me to continue the journey withMick Jonesas he leadsForiegnerto renewed successes all over the world," saysPhil Carson, manager of Foreigner.
Foreignerhas been universally hailed as one of the world's most popular rock acts with ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits that continue to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding seventy-five million.
