Inside Story

Foreigner is proving that farewell doesn’t always mean the end. After nearly two decades fronting the legendary rock band, Kelly Hansen will step down this fall, making way for guitarist-turned-vocalist Luis Maldonado to take center stage.

Originally part of Foreigner’s touring lineup since 2021, Maldonado surprised even his bandmates with his vocal chops when he began filling in during South American and Canadian shows earlier this year. “We knew he could sing, but when he really let loose, it was like, ‘What do we have here?!’” bassist Jeff Pilson told Billboard.

With the change in frontman, Foreigner’s so-called farewell tour has evolved into a new chapter, fueled by renewed creative energy. The group has already recorded Spanish-language tracks featuring Maldonado, including a duet of “I Want to Know What Love Is” with Latin pop star Joy Huerta.

Unreleased tracks from the archives, like 1996’s “Turning Back the Time,” are also seeing the light of day, alongside fresh material in the works. With founding member Mick Jones’ blessing and Lou Gramm’s occasional guest appearances, Foreigner’s next era is taking shape — proving rock and roll really never says goodbye.

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