Foreigner’s Lou Gramm Criticizes Rock Hall of Fame for Snub

Foreigner has a problem with the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
When a band’s legacy is celebrated, fans and musicians alike hope the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will honor the original members who helped define the group’s sound.
But for Foreigner, this year’s induction was not the tribute some fans hoped for.
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Former frontman Lou Gramm recently spoke out, sharing his disappointment over how the Hall handled Foreigner’s induction, particularly in sidelining the original lineup in favor of younger artists.
In an interview with Tommy London on SiriusXM, Gramm detailed the experience, shedding light on the frustrations felt by the original members who were, in his words, “robbed” of their opportunity to perform their own music.
The Story Behind Foreigner’s Induction Controversy
Lou Gramm, known for his iconic FM radio-friendly voice and for fronting Foreigner during its heyday, felt the Hall of Fame missed the mark by choosing not to let the original members perform a medley of their greatest hits.
Instead, artists Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, and Sammy Hagar performed on behalf of Foreigner.
For Gramm, who built Foreigner’s reputation as a rock band, this decision was baffling.
“Somehow, I couldn’t sing a rock song at the Rock Hall of Fame when I’m being inducted? It doesn’t make any sense to me, and it sticks in my craw,” he remarked.
In a rare appearance, Gramm did join Clarkson in a duet of Foreigner’s ballad, “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
However, this small part in the ceremony felt like a consolation prize, as it denied Foreigner’s founding lineup their moment to shine together onstage.
For Gramm and his fellow bandmates, it wasn’t just about the performance—it was about acknowledging their contributions and celebrating the legacy they created.
Behind the Scenes: The Decision That Led to Frustration
Adding fuel to the fire, Foreigner’s original drummer, Dennis Elliott, opted out of the ceremony altogether.
Gramm revealed that Elliott’s decision was driven by his early knowledge of the Rock Hall’s plans to feature the band’s current lineup over the original members.
Elliott reportedly felt that this arrangement was “totally unacceptable” and was also dismayed to learn that spouses of original members would not be allowed to walk the red carpet.
Gramm shared that he only discovered Elliott’s reason for skipping the event on the day of the ceremony.
“When I found out that’s why he didn’t come, I got even angrier, but not at him. It was almost like there was a fast one being played,” Gramm said.
The Hall’s justification? According to Gramm, they cited “time restraints,” which limited the time that could be allotted to Foreigner’s performance.
This excuse left Gramm feeling short-changed, as he and his bandmates had hoped for a chance to truly honor their legacy.
Missing Members: The Absence of Mick Jones
Another key player, founding member and guitarist Mick Jones, was unable to attend the ceremony due to health issues stemming from Parkinson’s disease.
For Gramm, Greenwood, and bassist Rick Wills, who did attend, Jones’s absence was felt deeply.
As Foreigner’s original creative force and co-founder alongside Gramm, Jones’s influence in shaping Foreigner’s music is undeniable.
His absence, coupled with the Hall’s decision to minimize the role of the original members, made the induction feel incomplete.
The “New” Foreigner vs. the Original Lineup
The Rock Hall’s decision to prioritize Foreigner’s current lineup over its founding members speaks to a larger trend of downplaying contributions of original artists in favor of contemporary acts.
Gramm observed that this “new Foreigner” approach overshadowed the people who made Foreigner what it is.
“New” Foreigner isn’t so new. A Lou Gramm-less Foreigner has been performing with singer Kelly Hansen for decades.
With Mick Jones being the only original member on stage.
For Gramm, Greenwood, and Wills, the experience felt like a missed opportunity for a proper celebration, and it didn’t sit well with fans of the original band who grew up on their music.
Although Foreigner’s songs continue to resonate with audiences through the current lineup, it’s the original lineup’s work that brought the band to fame.
Hits like “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” and “Urgent” bear the unmistakable influence of Gramm’s vocals and Jones’s guitar riffs.
For many, the Rock Hall induction would have been a chance to acknowledge and celebrate these musical foundations.
Lou Gramm’s Final Word: What Could Have Been
As Gramm explained, he remains uncertain whether he would have attended had he known the Hall’s full plans ahead of time.
The induction could have been a powerful moment to honor a band that played an undeniable role in rock history. Instead, Gramm left feeling that the Rock Hall missed an opportunity to recognize Foreigner’s original impact.
For Gramm, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s decision left him questioning the institution’s priorities, noting, “I’m first and foremost a rock singer, and it’s the Rock Hall of Fame.”
Gramm’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring rock’s roots and celebrating the musicians who laid the groundwork for future generations.
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Sources:
- SiriusXM. “Lou Gramm Interview on Foreigner’s Induction.” SiriusXM, [Link to Interview].
- “Lou Gramm: Foreigner’s Original Frontman Talks Rock Hall of Fame.” Rolling Stone, 2024.
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Rock Hall 2024 Induction Ceremony Details.” Rock Hall Foundation, 2024.
**Featured image is AI generated.**