Foreigner not in the Hall of Shame should surprise me, but sadly doesn’t anymore. Such is the sorry state of that pathetic institution. But you know where I stand on the RnRHOF, Michael. 🤬 Whether us rock fans like it or not, brand names will continue to far outlive actual members. Such is the corporatization of rock music. So the interesting question I ask myself is if there is legitimacy in the spirit, ethos, and style of a band/brand regardless of membership? Is this a valid question for certain bands, but completely invalid for others (such as the Beatles or Led Zeppelin who are irreplaceable on every conceivable level)? There was a time where I wouldn’t even humor such questions, but examples like the new Yes album further complicate things. Food for thought. 🤔

The fact that the current lineup is touring does nothing to diminish the fact that the original band created this great music.

The question as to whether FOREIGNER should be admitted into the ludicrous R&RHoF is axiomatic...of course. The current FOREIGNER band is, like YES, a tribute band. FOREIGNER is not FOREIGNER without Lou Gramm.

You're spot on; Foreigner should be in but only the 5. I wouldn't go see them once without Lou

Foreigner should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Absolutely!!

The original members from the first 5 albums are the ones that did it all. They should be the ones inducted.

As far as I'm concerned, when the current Foreigner lineup plays it's actually just a really good Foreigner tribute band with special guest Mick Jones.

It's sad not to see Lou singing for this band again. This is one of my favorite rock band.

It was more important to have Dolly Parton, Missy Elliot, Janet Jackson, Eminem. Hopefully a future inductee will call out the charade of calling it R&RHOF when it needs to be renamed Music Hall Of Fame

Michael, I think we, as music enthusiasts, have to accept the fact that the RRHOF has been hijacked by a smug group of opportunists and this situation is not going to resolve itself anytime soon. We have to take comfort in the fact that this tribe knows the score. The real Hall of Fame lies with us and not some ugly building in Cleveland, Ohio.

Here's who I'd induct (a partial list): Neil Sedaka, Johnny Rivers, The Beau Brummels, The Turtles, Paul Revere and The Raiders, The Monkees (and Nesmith as a solo artist), Procol Harum, Badfinger, War, The Carpenters, Bread, America, John Denver, Jim Croce, Olivia Newton John, Grand Funk Railroad, Three Dog Night, Styx, Sweet, Johnny and Edgar Winter, Foreigner, Ted Nugent, The Raspberries, XTC. Like I said, only a partial list. One more thing, I think it's a travesty that Bob Welch was not inducted as a member of Fleetwood Mac. I've heard it's because of bitterness caused by a lawsuit. Bob Welch kept that band going between the Peter Green and Buckingham/Nicks years. Put him in NOW!

I agree with you Michael. The current band has monster talent, but I don't consider them to be Foreigner. They should definitely tour as a tribute band IMO.

Foreigner should be in the RRHOF, with timeless hits like "I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS", "COLD AS ICE", "FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME", and so many others they are more than deserving. As usual politics eventually plays a major roll in most organizations in the absolute worst way.

The original band members should be in the hall of fame and not the replacements

Foreigner (the original band members) should definitely be in RRHOF. Let’s not forget the hit Double Vision, amongst the many others.

Great video Brother! Oh yes, Foreigner belong in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Shame, I mean Fame! haha! But if they do, the original line up should play at the ceremony. I saw Kelly Hansen years ago with his first band Hurricane open for Stryper and they were great. I also saw Bassist Jeff Pilson with Dokken twice years ago too, and they were great too. Both awesome musicians. I did see Foreigner with Kelly and Jeff before the pandemic, and Mick Jones did play the whole show that night. It was at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga, NY. They did sound awesome. I met Lou Graham in 1991 at a Rock Expo in Albany, NY, and he was a super cool guy. Best wishes always Brother! ❤

Foreigner was the first album I bought.I got it when it came out. I loved the song Star Rider, the Moog solo got me. The current line up should be a tribute band with special guest Mick Jones.

Lou Gramm should be in it without question. His stellar vocal contributions alone to Foreigner needs to be recognized. I study his vocals to this day! Then you have his songwriting.

Only the original band should be inducted in HOF.

Michael, I think only the original members of foreigners should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should be in Foreigner.

It's not the same without Lou Gramm sorry

Foreigner was killer and so was Lover boy! Both great on a good set of speakers!👍

Absolutely deserve to be in. Zero discussion.

I love Foreigner (and the King Crimson connection doesn’t hurt…) They should be in The Hall.

Stoked to see the Kansas debut LP shown! Bought it when it came out due to the cover and was blown away!

I played the first Foreigner album on cassette in my car to DEATH. Loved it. I think I just burned myself out on them. That happens to me sometimes. It was the exception for me to have more than 3 albums by the same group or artist. The Beatles of course. Floyd. Dylan. Mitchell.

The original members should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Especially Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, since they wrote the majority of the songs too.

Two indisputable facts: The so-called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a total sham and 2. No Lou Gramm, No Foreigner.

Here are a few thoughts. First, I cannot say I was ever a big fan of Foreigner. I didn't dislike them, but for whatever reason their music did not grab me as much as some of their contemporaries like Boston and Styx. So I think my opinion on this subject is fairly objective. ABSOLUTELY, they deserve to be in the HOF! Certainly much more than some of the hip-hop acts that are already in. (No hate for hip-hop, but this is the Rock and Roll HOF.) I may not be a huge Foreigner fan, but to me their influence is undeniable. Second, even the hip-hoppers deserve way more to be connected with the HOF than Jann Wenner. Second, the inductees should just be the original guys, IMO. I agree with you that what is touring under the Foreigner banner right now is a tribute band - featuring occasional guest appearances from Mick Jones. If the other guys want to be at the table during the ceremony, that's cool. (Although with the obscene amount of money Wenner charges for people legitimately connected to the band to be at the table, who would want to fork that over?) Third, you always give me a chuckle when you push that mic on the stand away and there is obviously no drop off in sound! 😄 Fourthly, won't someone out there please start up a legitimate R&R HOF?

As of today, thanks to Mr. Winter being ousted from the Rock Hall, Foreigner will now be in the HOF. Band members going in: Lou Gramm Mick Jones Ian MacDonald Al Greenwood Dennis Elliott Ed Gagliardi Rick Wills-who replaced Ed in '79.

Lou Gramm has said in interviews that the clash between Jann Wenner and Mick Jones is keeping Foreigner out. I don't begrudge Kelly Hansen a good living fronting this Foreigner tribute band and I salute him earning an income in music. For me, in October of 1977 I saw Jay Ferguson of "Thunder Island" fame support Foreigner on their first tour in at a CYC gymnasium that a popular concert venue at the time. It was a rainy night and I was on a date that went nowhere but that never mattered as I had a great seat to see Foreigner. I was in the balcony on the side of the stage above Ian McDonald who totally impressed me as he played keyboard, guitar, flute, sax with such proficiency that he was a brilliant multi instrumentalist. I've seen many live shows since but no one matches Ian McDonald. Mick Jones was on guitar, Al Greenwood keyboards, Ed Gagliardi was bass and Dennis Elliot drums. Lou Gramm was awe inspiring as he took the stage that night and had the audience spell bound. Foreigner in October of 1977 was one of the greatest rock shows I'd ever seen.

I have seen the current lineup live in concert. It was a great show, great band ,top notch musicians. 🔥 But I have to agree with you that only the members up to "Agent Provocateur" should get in. The current lineup only recorded one decent album, maybe if they had more hits. Maybe.

Better chance of Milli Vanilli getting in the Rock Hall of Shame than Foreigner! Blame it On the Rain!

The first 5 albums with Lou Gramm are best.

Without the ariginal line up, there is no Foreigner period!!

Jan Wenner hates Chicago and The Moody Blues but they couldn't be denied forever.

It’s a great example of corporate rock, and awards sham. 🎶

Thank you for bringing up Foreigner. I thought Foreigner was a great hard rock band. When Wanna Know What Love Is came out, that is when I started to lose interest in them. Boring sell out ballad money grab is what I think destroyed them. Imo. I can’t get past the first four albums, totally great albums. Lou Gramm what a voice, can’t argue how he influenced so many vocalist. That band definitely deserves to be in RNR HOF. The members should be the ones who were still in the band within the first four. I guess it does include Mick and Lou. This current band is a Tribute, it’s not Foreigner.

Mick Jones has a right to encourage and continue what he created with the players he has picked to represent the legacy band. Yes into rrhof like so many other bands and artists that influenced others. The reality; Music and musicians are now 30,40 and 50 years older, and we need to see them with a wide lens, not just as they were in 1977! Either ignore the rrhof or continue to harp on their biased stance. To many changes in the music/radio/entertainment world to even be able to compare today with yesterday...but ohhhhh what great music was made, and we can still listen to them now, or as they were then... our choice! Another Great posting!!!! 👍

The Hall of Fame Committee need to open their eyes more!!! Yes, Foreigner belongs !!!

I had the “Head Games” album on vinyl, cassette and 8-trac and used them all daily

I have an unrelated question Michael; Why do you suppose Micky Thomas is so undervalued as a superb rock vocalist? I just listened to Jane again and holy cow, he blows the roof off. Is it that Grace Slick sucked up all the oxygen in that group?

I just saw Foreigner at Jones Beach in NY. Mick Jones wasn't there. It was a fantastic show and each of the musicians are great. I would pay to see them again. However, they are not Foreigner. I age with Michael - they are an extremely talented tribute band.

I love Foreigner's music and Lou Gramm has the best vocals I've ever heard, especially in Black Sheep. I'm a bit confused about the induction, though. Who do you induct, the 6, the 4, Lou and Mick, the bass player who played for 5 min or the one who played for 15? It must be confusing for anybody who starts thinking about it. I support that groups like U2 are in, great musicians with integrity and loyalty who wouldn't stab eachother in the back for some rent money. If they get inducted, definately only the original remaining bandmembers.

At this point it's a tribute band. That's what I respect about Led Zeppelin, they knew when to call it quits.

Foreigner is a true rock band with pop music appeal. Saw them play at MSG in '79. (Johnny Winter opened). Not sure who these guys are calling themselves Foreigner now but without Lou Gramm, it's a tribute band. As for the HOF, it's a joke at best. A scam at worst.

Who is Kelly Hansen?! Mick Jones may own the name and band, but Lou Gramms voice IS Foreigner...great video Michael..cheers ✌

The original members should be if it wasn’t for them todays members wouldn’t have the sounds to sing. I went to see the band in 1979 and just this month in 2023 went again. I see them as a very good tribute band.

Yes certainly Foreigner belong in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but only the original members not the replacement musicians who came along years later.

Lou Gramm is Foreigner. The voice

Foreigner as well as Ted Nugent should have been awarded the RRHOF Award years ago! It doesn’t pass the smell test. The original lineup should be awarded.

I completely agree with you but I'd also include "Inside Information" from 1987. "Say You Will" from that album is a real earworm!

But seriously folks, there should be a year we play cleanup. Nothing but real rock n roll nominees from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Foreigner, Boston, Jethro Tull, Bad Company, King Crimson, Ted Nugent, Kansas, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Tommy James & the Shondells, The Monkees, the Runaways, the Guess Who and the Jam should be among the nominees, and induct seven. Boston, Tull, Foreigner, Guess Who, Bad Co, King Crimson, and Kansas should be the inductees. The members who played on the first five albums should be the members inducted.

Obviously, the original band belongs in the HOF...as you stated. Given the track record of the Rock and Roll HOF, however, I actually have more respect for artists that are excluded from the HOF than those who are inducted today. It's become an institution of self-important, posing, self-righteous snobs. Loved your video, though, Michael....ty!

If Foreigner is to be inducted, it should only be the line-ups from the first 5 albums.

I’m from Rochester New York, where I come from Lou Graham IS Foreigner

I agree with you that Foreigner along with the other bands you mentioned here deserve induction into the R&RHOF. Wenner is a big reason that they and other bands like them are not being considered. In a recent interview Wenner mentioned that Foreigner and other bands like them "Have never come up in the discussions by the nomination committee". There are people on the the hall's nomination committee that also are responsible for this issue. They hold a bias towards such bands. As to the current lineup of the band, personally I don't consider it truly Foreigner. It's more of a tribute band in my opinion. So if Foreigner was to be inducted it should include only those that were involved with the works that are the reasons they are being chosen for induction. In my opinion, that is the way it should be for any of these groups that have gone through several lineup changes over the years.

I dont personally enjoy the 4 bands you mentioned, but they should be in the hall of fame😊

I've seen the most recent versions of Skynyrd, Kansas, Journey, and Foreigner, all accused of being cover bands. I thought they all were incredible regardless of what you want to call them. I do not feel cheated or have a need to place labels on them. ...but, when it comes to getting inducted into the RRHOF, the original, or most impactful of the legacy should be the ones. I know that in the case of Skynyrd and Journey, they seemed to have selected the right band members for induction.

Like Journey and Bon Jovi, Foreigner probably gets in once they are nominated. The reason they haven't been is because they don't have a hardcore fan base that will plead their case the way the other two bands do.

The original members of Foreigner that played on the albums should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Agreed Michael.

Foreigner should be in the R&R Hall of Fame -- but with the likes of so many other legendary artists not in that Hall why even wonder? No Jethro Tull, Procol Harum, Chubby Checker (250 million career record sales & still performing, and he holds confirmed chart records in the music industry to this day). Add -- The Monkees, Steppenwolf, King Crimson, Joe Cocker, Manfred Mann (all inceptions since 1963), Mountain with Leslie West, Harry Nilsson & Warren Zevon. Now I get really technical -- even early pop stars like Bobby Rydell (25 million records sold & he influenced The Beatles ask Paul McCartney), Bobby Vee (38 charted records & Bob Dylan played piano for him), and Connie Francis (100 million records sold). How about some of the girl groups who influenced the likes of Amy Winehouse? How about Leslie Gore (19 charted hits, second only to Brenda Lee in sales in the 60s). More sales than some of the artists who are in the R&R Hall of Fame. There are many others not in the Hall. Some were inconsequential but inspiring nonetheless (like Iron Butterfly) and far more important to R&R than any soul, rap, hip-hop, or country artist. There's even a Greek rock singer Demis Roussous who along with Vangelis (Academy Award winner & made albums with Yes' Jon Anderson) was part of the masterful band Aphrodite's Child. Each of their careers lasted for decades. Demis alone sold over 60 million solo albums worldwide & when he came to NYC he sold out the Beacon Theater. What? Because we here in America aren't familiar with him disqualify him? BS Yes, Foreigner deserves to be in the R&R Hall of Fame, no doubt -- but I'm not surprised that they're not. It's a club & you ain't in it.

At this point, I really don't care about the Hall of Shame.

I HAVE ALL those albums still there great

I was once in a museum where an axe from the Viking Age was on display. Over the centuries, the handle had been replaced three times and the blade twice. Apart from that, the axe was still in the original condition as it was 1000 years ago. Jokes aside: Foreigner without Lou Gramm *and* Mick Jones does not make any sense to me.

This is very similar to a band that comes from my country Australia called The Little River. They still perform to large audiences around America that don't even know they have none of the original members at all. A replacement guitarist that joined them late In their career actually bought the band name from the original members and now tour as LRB and most aren't even aware of it.

Jan Wenner has done so many despicable things -. this is just one more.

There is no doubt Foreigner should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, the current status of the Hall is a joke, any way. Regarding which members should be included, I believe those who contributed to the first four to five albums.

I’ve seen Foreigner with Lou and with Kelly. Both shows were good but Lou goes into the HOF whenever that time is

Other bands to consider...Rick James and the Stone City Band, Blue Oyster Cult, J. Geils Band, also Warren Zevon and others for sure that I haven't mentioned.

My cut off? If a singer that made the hits is no longer singing in the band, it's not the band. If Paul or John left, it wouldn't be The Beatles, If Mick left it wouldn't be the Stones. If Plant left it wouldn't be Led Zeppelin. If Ray Davies left it wouldn't be The Kinks. If Roger Daltrey left it wouldn't be The Who. So why would Foreigner be Foreigner without Lou Gramm? Plenty of people would disagree with me. That's why the seats are filled at shows by Foreigner, Journey and a handful of other big bands. I'm just glad I got to see the REAL bands when the world wasn't so upside down.

For me it's the same with Rainbow's concerts in 2016. For me a Rainbow Tribute Band, no original member except Mr. Blackmore. No album, No new songs., I think he only wanted to make some money of it. OK, you can say that Ritchie often has his co-workers... But even with Dougie White on vocals he made an album (Stranger in us all) besides the concerts. I was on an Open Air where Foreigner was headliner in 1981, when Iron Maiden still had Paul DiAnno on vocals. I think they were Opener. Other bands I remember were Motörhead, Blackfoot, Blue Oyster Cult and Kansas (with Steve Morse).

Insisting any band should be in the Hall gives it credibility. It's a joke, people. The only honor that matters is the lasting legacy of music that artists have created, music that is loved and appreciated by their fans and future generations. The Hall does not bestow the highest honor to any band, the fans do. Stop making it seem important.

Like Yes, Foreigner has become their own tribute band. That’s okay, aa long as there’s an audience for it. Ain’t my cup of tea. They should be in the Hall of Fame. What a shame that there isn’t a REAL one. They gave us at least four or five solid albums that live on. That’s a pretty damn good gift.

No estoy segura pero una de las reglas para entrar es que tenga una grabación hecha co al menos 20 año de antiguedad. Si es así es la banda original con Lou Gramm el mejor de todos los tiempos ❤❤❤

Of course Foreigner should be in the HOF. But only the members that were on those first five albums. No posers and no tribute bands.

Foreigner was always just Mick and Lou. I also think Mick has burned more than a few bridges along the way. With Lou and Mick being estranged from each other and the Tribute Band still out there touring doesn’t help the situation.

Lou Gramm es foraigner sin su voz las canciones no tendrían tanto exito❤

This is very easy, 'Lou Gramm & Mick Jones' are 'were and forever will be 'Foreigner'!

The band that created the success gets in the Hall. Steve Morse and Don Airey who have been in Deep Purple for over two decades never got inducted.

Kelly is the Steve perry of foreigner, totally enjoy his stage performance,

I saw Foreigner?? August 2 at Jones Beach. Nobody original were there . Even Mick Jones was not there. This is not Foreigner but a good cover band in my opinion. Yes Foreigner should be inducted in the Rock and Roll hall of Fame but not these guys only the originals Lou Gramm, Mick Jones ect... i agree with you Foreigner is the original 6 members from Albums 1 - 4. And they and only they should be inducted . Good show thank you.

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

I went to high school with the "Current" line up. The guitar player to be specific. It was in Los Angeles. We graduated in I think 1979. They do sound good. The audience knows these are not the origionial guys, Yet seem to be happy to spend money to see the "Tribute" version. I saw the origional band at the Los Angeles Fromm in the 70`s-The Double vision Tour. -It could not be replicated in any way shape or forum

Lou Reed is in twice. What does that tell you about the selection process?

Double Vision was the first album I bought. I was in the 3rd grade.

It's more the Hall of Shame. Not only Foreigner, but most bands that sound anything like them. Styx started the American Prog rock trend & the Power Ballad trend of which Foreigner jumped on that bandwagon, and it's crazy with all the fans, albums sold and influence these bands have sold that they aren't even considered, but yet artists who aren't even rock are included in the hall.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame means nothing to me. It seems to be a corporation exploiting musicians and courting controversy for financial gain. What do musicians gain from being "inducted" into the RRHF? Nothing, as far as I can see.

Answer to question #1, "does Foreigner deserve to be in the HOF?". The answer is an unequivocal Y E S ! Aside from their deserving so, how can non R&R groups/individuals be inducted (hip hop, rap crap, country, or even straight up pop), when they are nothing close to R&R? Next question posed. Who among the many former members of Foreigner should be inducted, (assuming if Foreigner ever gets inducted), if X amount are still alive, will personal grievances cause deserving former members to take the stage? Sadly an mentally unhinged mimical oligarch will allow his delicate feelings to carry the day (aka one individual among millions of others Jann Wenner), to keep great R&R groups out. That might come to an end when his pathetic bitter emotions come to an end, upon his inevitable passing. But by then, most of the members (past & present of X amount of worthy individuals) might well not experience the joy and recognition of their talent and achievements.

2:20... Agreed. To me the band ended after those first few albums. Foreigner today isn't Foreigner. Are they HOF?? Probably however I'm a bit on the fence about them. It's the same thing with athletes. To me whether it's an athlete or a band/artist it has to be a slam dunk and a no-doubter for HOF inclusion. I also have a big problem with bands continuing on with non-original members especially when 75% or more of the original band is gone. Call it something else.

I side with you sir…they absolutely need to be in it!!!

Given the boards recently nominated rubbish into the academy, I have to assume Justin Bieber and vanilla ice have more chance.

"Inside information" should be included on that albums list..because they did have 2 top ten hits from that album in 1988..they should definitly be in the rock and roll hall of fame..that is so stupid.

Yes the Original Members Belong

Why is Lou Gramm not in the band still? Only the originals should be in there.

What about Toto! All the original members have been all over rock and roll songs. They have played on over 5000 records and I’m talking about with other artists. I mean really! At least the Musicians Hall of Fame got it right! There definitely in that Hall of Fame!

It’s bad enough that Lou Gramm isn’t with them, but Jones not even playing the whole show is disgraceful! Just like the original line up NOT BEING IN THE HALL is disgraceful!!! A whole lotta disgrace going on.

Only 7 members should be inducted if Foreigner is ever inducted. The 7 guys that played on the albums with the hits.