Legends Unite: Foreigner and Loverboy Deliver an Unforgettable Night of Classic Rock Magic – Photos and Review of the Loverboy & Foreigner Concert at the iThink Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, FL

July 8th, 2023

The stage was ablaze with passion as Foreigner took the stage and unleashed an unforgettable experience. Fans of all ages belted their hearts out in a sea of reckless energy to some of the biggest classic rock anthems of all time. The atmosphere was charged with a unique kind of bittersweet, as we all gathered to pay homage to this iconic group for perhaps the last time. This was the start of a long, but final journey. In this farewell tour, the band plans to visit all the cities that they have ever played. It is projected to take around two years to complete this final hurrah, which may seem long, but these ‘Hot Blooded’ men seem more than up to the challenge. 

Since their formation in 1976, Foreigner has been responsible for some of the biggest rock hits such as “Cold as Ice,” “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Juke Box Hero,” to name a few. As many rock bands of age, they have had different band members retire or pass away over the years. When the lead singer Lou Gram left the band in 2003, the band was put on hiatus for over a year. Many fans were devastated and thought that the band had broken up. Those rumors were put to rest when Mick Jones reformed the band in 2004 with Kelly Hanson as the frontman. The lineup of this tour also included Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein, Bruce Watson, Chris Frazier and Luis Carlos Maldonado.  

For those in the know, you probably  noticed that Mick Jones is the last remaining original member. Moreover, he does not always go on (I can only assume due to age and stamina?) as he did not perform at iThink Amphitheater. For all the naysayers and haters who have made claims that this is not the ‘real’ Foreigner, I have a few things to say. Firstly, Lou Gram performed with Foreigner for around 26 years before leaving the band due to health complications. By the end of this tour, Kelly Hanson (his replacement),  will have been with the band for around 22 years. Of course, no one can compare to Lou Gram, but Hanson has been playing his music almost as long as Gram himself. What was performed on Saturday was masterful artistry, and nothing short of pure Rock n’ Roll. No audience member seemed to care that the band had gotten older and took on newer faces. The electricity that each performer gave made this concert “Feel Like  The First Time.” When keyboardist Bluestein played that opening motif for “Cold as Ice” the audience absolutely lost their minds like it was 1977. 

The entire evening was made complete by the opening act- Loverboy. These boys are no stranger to the road, as they toured in 2022 with REO Speed wagon and Styx as well. With hits such as “Working for the Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose” this Canadian band is no opening act to be missed. They feel as much a part of the experience as Foreigner themselves. 

As the final notes of “Juke Box Hero” closed out the show, it was clear that Foreigner had once again solidified their status as legends of classic rock. This performance was a poignant celebration of their remarkable Journey, new members and all. It left fans in awe of their timeless hits and electrifying performance. As they left the stage, the audience clamored for an encore with deafening cheers. Shortly thereafter, the band returned to the stage for their final moments. They brought the house down with a stunning performance of “I Want To Know What Love Is” featuring thePark Vista highschool choir. It was inspiring to say the least.

With their farewell tour, Foreigner said goodbye to Palm Beach, but their legacy will forever remain in the hearts of fans. And if you missed this one, not to worry, they have several tour dates and will be performing all across the country. Be sure to catch them before it’s too late. Feel the energy, and remember the enduring power of classic rock.