Foreigner Rocks at Hard Rock
FOREIGNER HARD ROCK LIVE SACRAMENTO CA 6/21/25
For photo gallery of this event, GO HERE
By Lisa Holt
The Hard Rock Casino in Sacramento was in for a stellar, enigmatic evening as the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Recipients, Foreigner, are set to perform for us on their historic farewell tour. I am going to address the proverbial “elephant in the room” straight away, as I have heard much silly banter about the current lineup of the band, given that there are no original members left in the band. I will say that this didn’t matter to me, or sway long-time fans from attending, as I know this band of exceptionally talented musicians could handle filling the gigantic shoes laid ahead and make this farewell tour a raging success. Earlier this year, on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ finale, Lead singer Kelly Hansen announced to the world that he would be stepping down from Foreigner and passing the torch to their current Guitarist, Luis Maldonado. Kelly replaced Original lead vocalist Lou Gramm in 2005 and has been holding down the frontman position duties with an insane vocal range and charismatic stage presence. His departure will be sorely missed, but I believe we are in good hands with Maldonado.
While the venue was filling up with Gen X and boomers, there were also a good number of younger fans in attendance. I love the multi-generational audiences and enjoy seeing the younger generations appreciate the music I grew up with, which has many fond memories for me. I was prepared to be delighted by the nostalgic sounds of the 70s and 80s. I know the set list will be packed with classic rock anthems and all the hits that have earned the band many accolades over the almost 50 years they have been in existence. Since there isn’t any opening act, let’s get ready for the sonic experience that lies ahead for us this evening. The stage is set for the fantastic band of 6, the lights dim, and the show is about to begin as the magnetic frontman Hansen and the band pounce on the stage ready to entertain, it’s evident that these musicians love what they do and feed off the fans energy and match it by tenfold.
The 2-hour trip down memory lane is kicked into gear by the first song, “Double Vision.” Hansen's vocals are powerful and razor sharp, matching the recordings perfectly. I regard Lou Gramm as one of the best rock vocalists of all time, and Hansen rivals Gramm, handling every song as if it were his own
Hansen's stage presence and charismatic banter are just what the doctor ordered as the hits keep flowing with ‘Head Games” and ‘Cold as Ice.” They tone it down for a little bit as the fiercely popular ballad “Waiting for a Girl Like You” rings out, cell phone “Lighters” come out as couples sway together to this romantic classic. The band picks up the pace for ‘Dirty White Boy” and “Urgent,” which features a killer Keytar solo by legendary keyboardist Michael Bluestein. It wouldn't be a proper rock concert without a few solos during the night, now would it? We were also treated to a drum solo from the hard hitting Chris Frazier on the skins. It was magical to see the lead guitarists, Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado, trading off on leads and hearing the tight harmonies from all band members. Bass player Jeff Pilson plays a mean bass with fervor and expertise. He also plays the piano and sings while Maldonato takes over bass guitar duties. This band plays well together, and it's evident from their faces and body language that they are genuinely having the time of their lives, just like all of us in attendance. The set list rolls on with undoubtedly the band’s biggest hit, “Juke Box Hero,” from the highly successful album “Foreigner 4.”
The venue erupts with excitement as the production, lights, and sound all match the excitement in the room. The stage setting was top-notch, as was the sound, which is always exceptional at the Hard Rock. This was going to be the last song of the night, given all the effort and charisma that went into the performance, but I was wrong! And how silly of me to think that any self-respecting rock band would attempt to close a show without an encore. Foreigner doesn't disappoint us fans, as they return for the last song of the night, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” flanked by the Lincoln High School Choir in this fantastic rendition of the beautiful song. It was magical and a perfect way to memorialize this evening forever.
Foreigners' music and impact on the world have been paramount, and even though this is their farewell tour, the vocal torch will be passed to Maldonado for the remainder of Foreigners’ legacy. As the mic was passed to Hansen in 2005, it will be done once again. New life will be breathed into this legendary band.
As Maldonato is a natural fit. These Juke Box Heroes will live in our hearts forever. This transition will be a notable moment in the band's remarkable history, and Foreigner will go full throttle ahead into their golden years of rock and roll as the 50th anniversary of rock and roll nears next year. They will leave behind a premium legacy, and the music will live on forever. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience this amazing ensemble of talented musicians. The memories from tonight will be added to the already wonderful memories dancing around in my head from years past. One of my favorite bands of all time
