Mick Jones has set the record straight regarding his relationship with Lou Gramm, emphasizing that there’s no lingering animosity between them.
In a candid email exchange with Billboard, the Foreigner musician opened up about his sentiments surrounding the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the class of 2024. Jones extended an olive branch, expressing his willingness to welcome Gramm’s presence at the ceremony:
“On a personal level, I harbor no resentment toward Lou. We did share the stage together at the 40th-anniversary concert. It’s been many years since Lou’s departure from Foreigner, and I like to believe that any past grievances are now water under the bridge. There’s strength in letting go of grudges and moving forward with life.”
Jones’s perspective echoes a sentiment of reconciliation, emphasizing the power of forgiveness and growth.
Regarding his plans for the induction ceremony, Jones conveyed his desire to bask in the moment without the weight of past conflicts:
“Why carry the baggage of old grievances? It serves no purpose in the grand scheme of things. I fully intend to attend the ceremony, and I anticipate my entire family will join me. As for whether I’ll take the stage to perform, that remains undecided. Perhaps simply being present to absorb the atmosphere and savor the induction would be the most fulfilling.”
Foreigner’s journey to the Rock Hall’s hallowed halls received a significant boost from a passionate campaign orchestrated by Jones’s son-in-law, Mark Ronson. With notable endorsements from music luminaries like Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and Paul McCartney, the campaign rallied support behind the band’s long-overdue recognition.
Lou Gramm, reflecting on the band’s nomination after years of eligibility, admitted his surprise at the acknowledgment:
“I had resigned myself to the fact that we might never be considered. It was a pleasant shock to learn of the nomination after all these years of being overlooked.”
In light of the induction announcement, Gramm took to social media to express his joy, marking a momentous occasion for Foreigner and their fans. With the induction ceremony slated for October 19 in Cleveland, Foreigner’s ongoing farewell tour adds an extra layer of significance to their induction, underscoring the enduring legacy of their music.
