Foreigner had been eligible for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since 2022. Why it took until this year for them to be nominated is just a case of the elitists that made up the Rock Hall's nominating committee all those years.
With worldwide album sales in excess of 80-million, nine Top-10 hits with "I Want to Know What Love Is" topping the chart in 1984, the Rock Hall finally made good and they'll be inducted this Saturday at the ceremony at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.
The surviving members of the original line-up will be there -- Gramm, guitarist and principal songwriter Mick Jones, keyboardist Al Greenwood, drummer Dennis Elliott, and bassist Rick Wills (who joined for the third album, 1979's Head Games). Original members Ian McDonald (guitar) and bassist Ed Gagliardi are deceased.
Sammy Hagar will induct them with the connection being that Mick Jones produced Van Halen's first album with him, 5150. Sadly, Mick is not well enough to perform nor deliver his acceptance speech. His daughter, British actress Annabelle Dexter-Jones, will speak on his behalf. Gramm will also say a few words.
Hagar and current Foreigner singer Kelly Hansen will do "Hot Blooded," Demi Lovato will handle "Feels Like the First Time," and Kelly Clarkson duets with Lou Gramm on "I Want to Know What Love Is" backed by the original band. Among the numerous backing musicians on the first two songs are Slash and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.
Foreigner are being inducted in the Performer Category, which is defined as "artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll."
Asked about Foreigner's contribution to the rock & roll, Lou Gramm tells us they helped resurrect rock music.
Joining Foreigner in the Performer Category Saturday are Peter Frampton, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, Cher, Kool & the Gang, Mary J. Blige, and A Tribe Called Quest.
SPEAKING OF PETER FRAMPTON....
He was eligible for nomination since 1997, he was elected on his first ballot.
Frampton finished second in the Fan Vote behind the Dave Matthews Band who are also being inducted Saturday.
Roger Daltrey, whose friendship with Frampton dates back to 1967, will induct him, and another friend, country singer and guitarist Keith Urban will perform with him and his band.
Frampton is being inducted in the Performer Category, which is defined as "artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll." As for why he feels deserving of this honor, he tells us his band Humble Pie has influenced many other bands, and then in 1976 came his fifth album, Frampton Comes Alive!
Frampton Comes Alive! is among the best-selling live albums of all-time with over eight-million in sales in the U.S.
The ceremony will stream live on Disney+ starting at 6 p.m. followed by a three-hour highlights show on ABC on New Year's Day.