Back where he belongs: Mick Jones leads a refreshed Foreigner lineup on US tour

By Richard Duckett, TELEGRAM AND GAZETTE STAFF

The pop-rock group Foreigner was formed what might “feel” like a long time ago.

It was 1976 when guitarists Mick Jones (ex of the group Spooky Tooth) and Ian McDonald (of King Crimson fame) and drummer Dennis Eliot constituted three Englishmen who joined together with Americans Lou Gamm (vocals), Al Greenwood (keyboards) and Ed Gagliardi (bass). They chose the name Foreigner even though they were all in New York City at the time. Many hits would follow for the group, including “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Foreigner has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide

Time passes. Jones, 65, is now the only remaining original member — but he’s spent the last four to five years reconstituting the band. He was in search, so to speak, of new Foreigners. The efforts culminated in last year’s CD “Can’t Slow Down” (a Walmart exclusive, no less), which included 13 new songs as well as a remix of 10 original hits and a live DVD. It was the first new album in 14 years.

So how did it feel? Dare one ask Jones, “Did it feel like the first time?”

“It kind of did,” Jones said, responding to the question like the friendly good sport he obviously is. “First time all over again.”

And talk about not slowing down. Foreigner is in the middle of an extensive touring schedule in support of the new CD that brings it to The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts on Tuesday.

Actually, Foreigner was at The Hanover just after it opened nearly two years ago. “That was a nice theater,” Jones recalled during a recent telephone interview somewhere out there on the road.

He was obviously pleased with the response “Can’t Slow Down” has been receiving. Some reviews have marveled that Foreigner sounds like ... well, Foreigner — melodic yet muscular, tough yet tender. And catchy.

“The reaction has been incredible. I think people seem to feel that it’s almost a carry over from some of the earlier successful albums,” Jones said.

Judging by some of Jones’ remarks, the early Foreigner(s) encountered a few stormy seas in their travels. But the need to keep the creative wheels turning played on in Jones’ mind.

“When I put the (new) band together I guess four years ago, I really committed to it,” he explained, adding that he didn’t want to merely slap some guys together “just playing the old songs, and that’s it.”

Indeed, the ultimate aim was to make a new album, he said.

The current lineup, besides Jones, is Kelly Hansen (lead vocals), Thom Gimbel (guitar, saxophone, flute, backing vocals), Michael Bluestein (keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals), Jeff Pilson (bass, backing vocals) and Brian Tichy (drums, percussion, backing vocals). “I was able to assemble a good band,” Jones said. Gimbel has a history with Jones, but most of the others are relative newcomers, including the key figure of Hansen, who came on board in 2005. But while Hansen does not sound like he’s imitating the great vocals of Gamm, Hansen does sound the part of a Foreigner vocalist.

Jones called Hansen “a diamond in the rough.” He had heard of his wok, and sent him a CD of instrumental tracks for Hansen to put his voice to. “As soon I heard it, I knew he was the guy,” Jones said. “Following in Lou Gamm’s footsteps is no mean feat. He just puts 200 percent in. He’s a really great guy.”

Touring was the first order of the day with the new lineup. “We had to put out that the band was working again. That led us all around the world.”

Then it was into the studio for “Can’t Slow Down.”

“It took a life of its own,” Jones said. “I had to dig deep (after so long). It was a little daunting at the beginning … But I think we’ve come up with kind of an all around album that I think is very recognizable that it is Foreigner.”

Is Jones Foreigner?

“That’s what they say,” he said in another kind response to a reporter’s simple question.

“It’s my vision, and I put the band together piece by piece. It really has felt like a new start …

“It’s my kind of dream band. You actually have fun — which has not always been the case. I think you can see that from my stage performance. We do have fun out there. I’m a happy camper.”

Jones grew up in the Guildford-Woking area of Surrey, England, but has been in the United States (and New York) for years.

He isn’t even a “foreigner” anymore since becoming an American citizen.

Asked if he still stays in touch with the old Foreigners, Jones said, “Not so much Lou (Gamm). Ian McDonald I saw two weeks ago. It’s a good feeling. There’s no bad feeling there anymore. It was a hell of a ride for a while with that lineup, but things change with time.”

Much of the rest of this year is going to spent touring in support of “Can’t Slow Down,” and some extended time in Europe is coming up.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if early next year we’ll be coming up with a new album,” Jones said cheerfully. “As long as I can drag myself to the studio or up on stage, we’ll be performing.”