Foreigner performed their final show with longtime vocalist Kelly Hansen on Saturday night, marking the end of his nearly 20-year run with the classic rock band. The emotional performance took place at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Hansen, clearly moved, gave a heartfelt thank-you speech before the band played their iconic hit “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Holding back tears, he expressed gratitude to his bandmates, management, fans, and his wife.
“I’ve been in this business for about 48 or 49 years,” Hansen said. “The last 20 were spent with this amazing band, singing songs that most singers could only dream of. Thank you.” He then urged the crowd to join in for one final singalong: “We’ve got one last job to do. You guys need to be members of the band.”
Lou Gramm Returns for a Special Guest Appearance
Original Foreigner singer Lou Gramm, who left the band in 2003, also made a surprise appearance at the show. Gramm had previously joined the band during their Latin American tour and spoke highly of the current lineup.
“They play the songs in a way that stays true to the originals,” he said. “They’ve added their own touch but still honor the music in a way any original member would be proud of.”
Who’s Taking Over?
Hansen, who joined Foreigner in 2005, announced in May that he would step down after the band’s 2025 summer tour. During a guest spot on The Voice, he said, “Being Foreigner’s lead singer has been one of the greatest honors of my life. But it’s time to pass the mic.”
That mic is going to Luis Maldonado, a multi-instrumentalist who joined the band in 2021. Maldonado previously filled in as lead vocalist during the band’s Latin America tour when Hansen was unable to perform due to residency issues.
Gramm endorsed Maldonado, saying: “Luis has what it takes to carry on the band’s legacy.” Hansen added that Maldonado had been singing complex vocal parts and playing guitar with ease, praising his vocal skill, grace, and style.
Praise from Founding Member Mick Jones
Guitarist and founding member Mick Jones, who has not performed live with Foreigner since 2022 and recently revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis, also commended both Hansen and Maldonado in a press statement.
“Kelly Hansen is one of the best frontmen in rock,” Jones said. “His energy and talent have kept our music alive. Now, Luis Maldonado — my choice for guitarist — is ready to take over, and he’s already proven himself as a lead vocalist on tour.”
What’s Next for Foreigner?
Though initially billed as a farewell tour, Foreigner’s plans have shifted. With Maldonado stepping into the lead role, bassist Jeff Pilson confirmed that the group is no longer calling it a final tour. The band’s upcoming schedule includes more North American dates and a Las Vegas orchestral residency running through March 2026.
Foreigner – Oct. 11, 2025, at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey Set List
1. “Double Vision”
2. “Head Games”
3. “Cold as Ice”
4. “Waiting for a Girl Like You”
5. “Dirty White Boy”
6. “Feels Like the First Time”
7. “Starrider”
8. “Urgent” (Luis Maldonado on lead vocals)
9. Keyboard solo
10. Drum solo
11. “Juke Box Hero” (Luis Maldonado on lead vocals)
Encore
12. “I Want to Know What Love Is” (with Oakcrest High School Thespian Society) (preceded by Kelly Hansen’s speech)
13. “Hot Blooded”
