Foreigner
Foxwoods Casino
Ledyard, Connecticut
August 5, 2007
Tony Pijar
The last time I saw Foreigner was way back in 1982-3 when they were the top AOR rock act in the world and were, along with Van Halen, the biggest grossing concert in the US. Fast-forward some 20 years later and Mick Jones has assembled a new look Foreigner that easily matches the classic line-up. There are several factors why: Jones has found an absolute gem in vocalist Kelly Hansen, the former Hurricane front man; the rhythm section comprises of ex-Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson and drummer extraordinaire Jason Bonham, both of whom are experienced, dynamic and professional; Jones, himself, has rekindled that spark that has been missing for quite some time (you could tell by the gigantic smile that adorned his face for the entire show).
Most important, the songs hold up, and quite well for that matter. With a set list that consisted of several former number one hits, Jones was certainly back in his rightful element. The one thing that astonished me was the band’s tightness. Their power was off the charts too. Opener, “Head Games”, sounded as immense as it did 25 years ago as did “Cold as Ice.” Throughout he evening, the hits kept coming – “Double Vision”, “Dirty White Boy”, “Feels like the First Time”, “Urgent”, etc.
During “Juke Box hero”, we were treated to a surprise refrain/chorus of Zep’s “Whole lotta Love” before the band returned to a frenzied, climactic “Juke Box Hero.” Further homage to Jason’s dad came in the form of “Misty Mountain Hop.” Jason really is a powerhouse drummer who truly epitomizes John’s astuteness behind the kit.
As a preface to the last song of the set, Kelly and the band led us through a stirring, gospel-tinged interlude that morphed into the sultry , swirling keyboard intro of “I wanna know what Love is.” The band encored with “Hot Blooded” which left the audience in a crazed stupor long after the houselights reappeared!