In a recent Rock Show Critique interview, FOREIGNER’s bassist Jeff Pilson talked about the ongoing farewell tour which started in July. He expressed excitement about the tour’s progress, crediting support band LOVERBOY for adding to the magic.
The concerts have been receiving a tremendous response from fans. While he remained somewhat secretive about 2024 touring plans, he hinted at a significant tour announcement soon.
Earlier, in a conversation with Idaho’s radio station 94.9 FM and 104.5 FM The Pick, Pilson described the farewell tour’s importance. He emphasized that while it symbolizes the end of their extensive touring era, it might not be the last time fans see them live. The idea is to conclude on a high note while maintaining their integrity.
Despite the farewell tour, the band’s 2023 Las Vegas residency doesn’t mark their last performances. There are plans for multiple Vegas shows throughout 2024, but whether these will be their absolute final performances remains uncertain.
Clarifying the “farewell” tag, Pilson mentioned it doesn’t imply a complete retirement. Instead, it marks an end to their exhaustive annual touring. But fans might still witness occasional special gigs.
FOREIGNER’s exclusive “Feels Like The Last Time Farewell Tour” will headline at The Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas, with performances scheduled between March 6 – April 6 and October 25 – November 9, 2024.
The band’s lineup alongside Pilson includes the founding guitarist Mick Jones, lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, Michael Bluestein on the keyboard, guitarists Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado, and Chris Frazier as the drummer.
In a separate chat in July with Mike Hsu from 100 FM The Pike, Hansen shared the uncertainties surrounding the final farewell tour show’s location. Emphasizing that planning for such a popular band is often a year in advance, he revealed they’re already deep into 2024 but haven’t finalized the concluding show’s venue.
Mick Jones, the last original FOREIGNER member, has had health challenges in recent years, leading to unpredictability about his presence at certain gigs. However, when in health, he’s always with the band, shaping its direction, as Hansen shared.
Post Lou Gramm’s 2003 departure, Jones took a break and returned with a new ensemble, introducing Hansen and Pilson. Gramm’s iconic voice has been behind FOREIGNER’s chart-toppers, making songs like “Feels Like The First Time”, “Cold As Ice”, “Hot Blooded”, and “I Want To Know What Love Is” timeless classics.
