Helping form the iconic band Foreigner during the 1970s, Lou Gramm watched as the group gained international fame thanks to songs like “Juke Box Hero.” Besides the fame also came fortune with Foreigner selling over 80 million albums worldwide. Just last year, the group also landed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although Gramm will turn 75 on May 2nd, the singer hit the road with Foreigner for their Latin American tour. But while Gramm performed a few songs, guitarist Luis Maldonado helmed most of the vocals. With fans wondering why, the singer decided to set the record straight.
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When taking the stage at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico, fans quickly noticed that Gramm took a backseat. Speaking with 92.5 Kiss FM, the singer explained, “We just talked about it within the last two weeks. And we decided that when we play areas of the world where Spanish is the dominant language, Luis, who has a wonderful voice, will sing some of the big hits in Spanish. I think that’s fabulous… He’s worked on [translating all the lyrics into Spanish] and he’s made it work. He’s very excited about doing it.”
Not letting his ego get in the way, Gramm promised fans that he would return to center stage. “I think we’re gonna continue doing this type of thing for another year or so… [After the Latin American tour] I’m doing Southeast Asia, I’m doing Europe and next year I’m doing the whole of the U.S.”
The One Person Lou Gramm Wanted At The Rock And Roll Hall Induction
Outside of Gramm wanting to keep the good times rolling with Foreigner, the singer also discussed the band finally landing in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although the group was eligible two decades ago, they weren’t inducted until 2024. But that didn’t stop Gramm from celebrating, “It just took a longer time than we thought, but it sure is sweet to be in there now. I only wish that Mick Jones was in better health, that he could have been there to play with us that night and enjoy the induction too.”
Not able to change the past, Gramm wanted nothing more than to celebrate the band’s legacy beside those who made the dream a possibility. “That’s the tragedy of it, because we should have been in 20 years ago, in which case Mick would’ve been extremely healthy and we would be able to enjoy that honor as a band.”
(Photo by Paul Zimmerman/WireImage)
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