The iconic rock band Foreigner has recently announced two successive tour legs that will take place without their lead vocalist Kelly Hansen. The first leg is set in Canada, followed by a series of performances in Latin America. As of now, the reason for Hansen’s absence from these events has remained somewhat of a mystery.
In a recent update, Hansen has disclosed the underlying situation: “Due to residency issues, I have been compelled to limit my appearances outside of the USA this year, resulting in my absence from several international shows.” This revelation sheds light on the challenges artists face regarding travel limitations and the complexities of international touring.
Foreigner’s exciting Latin American tour kicks off on April 28 in Mexico City. During this time, band member Luis Maldonado will take the lead for most of the performances, with special guest appearances from the original frontman Lou Gramm. Following this, the band will embark on a series of concerts across Canada in October and November, where Geordie Brown will step in for Hansen during the fall concerts. In an official statement, Hansen expressed confidence in his bandmates, stating, “I know they will smash it!”
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Hansen confirmed that he remains a part of the lineup for Foreigner’s U.S. spring shows and is eager to return for the scheduled concerts this summer. “We had an amazing start to our touring year with a sold-out run in Florida, and I am excited to continue my journey with this incredible band,” Hansen remarked. He added, “We will be headlining the pre-race concert at the Long Beach Grand Prix on April 12 and will continue our tour schedule with over 60 more shows throughout the year.”
Geordie Brown has an impressive background, having starred in the original workshop productions of the Foreigner-themed musical Juke Box Hero in Calgary and Edmonton, along with a sold-out run in Toronto. Meanwhile, Maldonado has been actively re-recording some of Foreigner’s classic hits in Spanish, showcasing the band’s versatility and commitment to reaching a broader audience.
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Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
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