Jeff Pilson, the bassist for Foreigner, recently shared with Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio that the band’s ongoing farewell tour isn’t a sign of them hanging up their guitars for good. As the tour unfolds, Pilson sheds light on the true meaning behind this series of concerts. Kicking off in July 2023 at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Atlanta, the tour represents a shift from the band’s rigorous touring routine rather than a complete halt to their music-making.
Pilson explains, “We’re in the second year of our farewell tour. But this isn’t us disappearing; it’s simply us stepping away from the extensive touring lifestyle. This farewell tour is our way of saying goodbye to the long stretches on the road, but not to our music or our fans.”
He also touched on what the future holds for Foreigner, hinting at potential new music and selective performances post-tour. “We have some music projects we’re eager to complete and we’re exploring the idea of doing some more shows. Though this marks the end of our lengthy tours, there’s a mix of emotions. I’ll miss touring to some extent, but I’m looking forward to less travel,” he shared with a laugh.
Pilson highlighted the reasons behind the decision to dial back on touring during a conversation with Raul Amador of Bass Musician Magazine, pointing out the impact of constant travel on their personal lives. “It boils down to wanting a different pace of life. We’re not getting any younger, and the travel, along with missing out on family time, has been hard. I’ve missed significant moments with my daughter, who’s now in college, and I’m excited to spend more time in my studio, which is something I love.”
The farewell tour, which began in 2023 and will conclude in 2024, includes a lineup of shows across various locations, featuring performances with Styx and a special stint called ‘Feels Like The Last Time Farewell Tour’ at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, underscoring that while the tour may be a farewell to the road, it’s not goodbye to Foreigner’s music or their fans.
