Lou Gramm has opened up about how Foreigner’s upcoming 2024 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been a transformative experience, enabling him to release long-held grievances regarding his former band. In a recent discussion with Billboard, Gramm expressed that the Hall of Fame event was not only significant but also “life-changing,” elaborating on its profound effect on his outlook and emotional state.

“Since the induction, it has felt essential for me personally to let go of some baggage I’ve been carrying for years — and, as the song says, let it be,” the singer shared. “Though it may sound clichéd, it rings true — life is too short. Many of the issues that seem monumental in the moment are often trivial and can be resolved with humility and a willingness to reach out. What I was upset about for the last two decades is not as significant as I once thought.”

The roots of Gramm’s conflict with Foreigner primarily trace back to his differences with band founder Mick Jones. While the duo enjoyed a successful creative partnership during their tenure, they often disagreed over songwriting credits and the musical direction of the band. Although Gramm officially left Foreigner in 2003, he has made occasional guest appearances with them since then, indicating a complex but evolving relationship.

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Mick Jones, whose health has unfortunately declined due to Parkinson’s disease, was unable to attend the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. “I hope he was able to watch the show,” Gramm reflected. “It was a wonderful experience and a genuine honor to recognize what all of us, especially Mick, have achieved. Our creative partnership was truly remarkable, and I believe we all felt a sense of pride.”

Lou Gramm and Kelly Hansen: Mending Relationships for a Shared Legacy

After Gramm’s departure in 2003, Foreigner welcomed Kelly Hansen as their new lead singer, a role he has embraced for over 20 years. Despite Gramm’s previous feelings of resentment towards his successor, both artists came together during the induction ceremony, suggesting that the event has helped to heal old wounds.

“We didn’t have a very positive relationship previously,” Gramm confessed about Hansen. “But things are good between us now.”

“I’m pleased to hear that,” Hansen remarked in a separate interview with Billboard. “We’re hoping to have several of the original members join us on stage for our 50th anniversary celebration next year. It feels like a wonderful full circle moment. We cherish that energy, and I think everyone involved recognizes how fortunate we are to have been part of this incredible legacy and to celebrate our shared history.”

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Recently, Lou Gramm made a surprise appearance with Foreigner during their performance on March 15 in Clearwater, Florida. Following this unexpected collaboration, the band announced that Gramm would join them for an eight-date tour across Mexico and South America starting April 28, with Hansen unable to participate due to “residency issues.” Gramm expressed a strong desire to continue working with Foreigner after these shows conclude.

“There’s no question about my reasons for performing with the band,” the singer stated confidently. “[The modern lineup of Foreigner] is something Mick envisioned after we parted ways, and he has done a remarkable job, as has the band, over the last two decades to uphold the band’s legacy and keep the spirit alive. They deserve immense credit for that.”