Iconic 70s rock band announces lineup change as frontman quits and replacement is revealed
ICONIC 70s rock band Foreigner have announced a lineup change, with their frontman quitting for a replacement.
Kelly Hansen, 64, who has lead Foreigner for the past 20 years, made the announcement during an appearance on The Voice U.S.
4
Foreigner have announced a lineup change, with frontman Kelly Hansen quitting
Credit: Getty
4
Luis Maldonado will be taking over from him
Credit: Getty
The six-piece had performed a medley of Feels Like the First Time, I Want to Know What Love Is and Juke Box Hero during last night's live finale.
And, at the end or their set, Kelly told fans guitarist Luis Maldonado will be taking over from him.
The singer said: 'Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
'But it's time to pass the mic. Luis has the voice, the energy, and the soul to carry these songs into the future. I couldn't be prouder to hand this off to him.'
read more on rock bands
Luis, already a familiar face in the band's lineup, shared his excitement about the transition.
He gushed: 'This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I'm ready to honour Foreigner's legacy and bring my heart to every performance.'
The group is currently in the midst of their Historic Farewell Tour, which will wrap up with multiple singers sharing frontman duties.
In a move that has kept fans guessing, the band revealed earlier this year that Kelly would not be joining them for their Canadian dates in October, followed by the news that he would also skip shows in Mexico and South America this April.
Most read in Music
Adding to the uncertainty, Foreigner announced in March that Canadian stage actor and Broadway performer Geordie Brown would be fronting those Canadian shows.
It remains unclear whether Louis or Geordie will now take the lead for those dates.
Ian McDonald plays with King Crimson at Hyde Park in 1969
Foreigner founder Mick Jones, who no longer performs live but remains involved with the band, reflected on the decision in a statement.
He said: 'In 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find. Results have shown that it worked!
"About thirty years later, Jason Bonham encouraged me to do it all over again and create a brand-new Foreigner, and the magic was still there.
"I was especially fortunate in the choice of lead singer.
"Kelly Hansen is one of the best front men in our business and over the last twenty years he has breathed new life into our songs.
"His boundless energy and flawless talent has helped us climb the mountain and set up the opportunity for Foreigner vocalist and guitarist, Luis Maldonado, to bring us home.
"I wish Kelly great happiness in his next endeavors after our summer tour, and I look forward to welcoming Luis to his new position.
"Luis was my choice as a guitarist and he has already shown us what he can do on lead vocals by fronting the band in South America to incredible reviews.
"He will soon lead the charge that will carry us forward to new heights."
Luis' debut as lead vocalist is already underway.
This month, Foreigner released two reworked versions of their classic hits - 1981's Urgent and I Want To Know What Love Is from 1984 - both sung in Spanish and featuring Luis on vocals.
4
Kelly made the announcement during an appearance on The Voice U.S.
Credit: Getty
4
The six-piece had performed a medley of their hits
Credit: Getty
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
an hour ago
- Sunday World
Sabrina Carpenter takes swipe at ex Barry Keoghan as she teases new song
She's set to release the brand new track tomorrow Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter at the Met Gala in New York last May. Photo: Getty Sabrina Carpenter has taken a swipe at her ex-boyfriend Barry Keoghan as she teased her brand new song. The pint-sized singer took to Instagram to reveal her next single, 'Manchild' is set to be released tomorrow. 'This one's about you!!,' she captioned a post, adding that the new song would be available on June 5th at 8pm EST. The cover art shows the blonde beauty in a white shirt and denim booty shorts as she thumbs for a lift in on the side of a dusty road. Carpenter split from her ex-beau Keoghan in December, after just a year of dating. A source told People that the pair called it quits as 'they are both young and career-focused'. During their romance, the 32-year-old Dubliner appeared in the music video for her hit song 'Please Please Please', which is rumoured to be about their rocky relationship. The song includes lyrics such as 'I heard that you're an actor, so act like a stand-up guy', 'I tell them it's just your culture and everyone rolls their eyes' and 'I beg you, don't embarrass me, motherf**ker.' He inspired other tracks on her 2024 album Short 'n' Sweet such as 'Bed Chem'. "Bed Chem (is) my fav just sayin m'darlin @sabrinacarpenter,' he previously shared on Instagram. On the song, Sabrina sings: 'Who's the cute boy with the white jacket and the thick accent?' She also refers to the subject of the song as having 'wide, blue eyes' and being in a different time zone to her.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
More than 80 areas warned of major Freeview problems THIS week as TVs stop working properly
HOUSEHOLDS have been warned of widespread Freeview disruption this week that could make their TVs stop working properly. Viewers may switch on their telly to find a black, pixelated or flickering screen as a result of planned engineering works. Advertisement 2 If you don't want to miss your favourite TV shows while the work is taking place, Freeview suggested households check out its online TV guide Credit: Getty Some 87 areas are expected to be affected, according to Freeview. Freeview has urged households that the disruption is only temporary and to not retune their TV. "If you are affected by engineering work, please don't try and retune your TV - reception will be restored as soon as the engineering work is completed," the company said. " Occasionally, routine engineering work is required on transmitters in order to improve terrestrial TV services. Advertisement READ MORE ON TV " While every effort is made to minimise the impact on viewers, this can cause temporary disruption to reception." If you don't want to miss your favourite TV shows while the work is taking place, Freeview suggested households check out its online TV guide. The tells viewers what changes are taking place that may affect their service and viewing. To use it, simply enter your postcode to see what will be affected. Advertisement Most read in Tech Exclusive If you have a hybrid or smart TV, you can watch uninterrupted TV during the engineering works via the Freeview app or website. While Freeview typically requires an aerial, you can access many Freeview channels and on-demand content through streaming apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and All 4. Springwatch viewers furiously slam show as they demand bosses warn them before grisly scenes Check the full list of 87 areas below to see if you are affected. If you're not sure what transmitter you're predicted to get your signal from, put your postcode into Freeview's Advertisement Anglia Sandy Heath Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Anglia Luton Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Anglia Sudbury Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Anglia Tacolneston Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Anglia Wivenhoe Park Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Anglia Rouncefall Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Border Caldbeck Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Border Selkirk Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Border Crosby Ravensworth Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Central Nottingham Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Central Bromsgrove Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Central Lark Stoke Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Central Sutton Coldfield Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Central Stanton Moor Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Central Waltham Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Central The Wrekin Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Channel Fremont Point Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Channel Les Touillets Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Granada Winter Hill Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Granada Pendle Forest Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Granada Lancaster Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Granada West Kirby Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels London Guildford Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels London Hemel Hempstead Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels London Sutton HP Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Meridian Dover Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Meridian Margate Main Screen may go black on some or all channels Meridian Bluebell Hill Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Meridian Hannington Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Meridian Heathfield Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Meridian Hastings Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Meridian Midhurst Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Meridian Rowridge Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Meridian Salisbury Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Meridian Whitehawk Hill Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Northern Ireland Strabane Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Northern Ireland Glenariff Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Northern Ireland Londonderry Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels STV Central Darvel Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels STV Central Rosneath Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels STV Central Rothesay Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels STV Central Port Ellen Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels STV Central Strontian Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels STV North Angus Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels STV North Rumster Forest Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels STV North Knockmore Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels STV North Balblair Wood Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels STV North Keelylang Hill Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels STV North Skriaig Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels STV North Tomintoul Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Tyne Tees Catton Beacon Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Tyne Tees Morpeth Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Tyne Tees Chatton Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Tyne Tees Bilsdale Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Tyne Tees Fenham Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Tyne Tees Pontop Pike Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Preseli Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Treharris Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Alltwen Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Fernhill Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Ffestiniog Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Llanwrtyd Wells Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Moel y Parc Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Abercraf Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Blaenplwyf Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Carmel Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Ebbw Vale Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Kilvey Hill Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Long Mountain Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Llanddona Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Llandinam Relay Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Wales Llanidloes Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Llwyn Onn Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Machynlleth Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Wales Wenvoe Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels West Stroud Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels West Mendip Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels West Siston Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels West Country Stockland Hill Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels West Country Slapton Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels West Country Chudleigh Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels West Country Huntshaw Cross Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels West Country Perranporth Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Yorkshire Belmont Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels Yorkshire Hope Relay Screen may go black on some or all channels Yorkshire Sheffield Main Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels What's on Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime? Looking for a new Netflix series to binge or the best movies to watch on Amazon Prime? We have you covered... The The The The The The The The The The The We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at 2 If you have a hybrid or smart TV, you can watch uninterrupted TV during the engineering works via the Freeview app or website Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
A-HA star Morten Harket reveals life-changing health diagnosis saying it could end his pop career
EIGHTIES A-ha pin-up Morten Harket has Parkinson's disease. The Advertisement 5 Morten Harket has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease Credit: Getty 5 The A-ha singer acknowledged it could affect his pop career Credit: Getty The star added: 'Part of me wanted to reveal it. Acknowledging the diagnosis wasn't a problem for me; it's my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me. 'I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline. 'It's a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects. "There's so much to weigh up when you're emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general.' Advertisement Read More on Morten Although the disease is not fatal, victims' condition gradually worsens over time. It is the most widespread – and the fastest-spreading – neurological condition in the world. Last year Norway-based Morten underwent neurosurgical procedures in which electrodes were implanted deep inside both sides of his brain. The procedure meant many of his physical symptoms practically vanished. Advertisement Most read in Music He is still able to drive his boat - but is worried about being able to sing for much longer. And hits not yet released may never be heard by fans. The star, whose hits included Scoundrel Days, Summer Moved On and Stay On These Roads, said: 'The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future .' He added: 'I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign. "I'm broadminded in terms of what I think works; I don't expect to be able to achieve full technical control. Advertisement "The question is whether I can express myself with my voice. As things stand now, that's out of the question. But I don't know whether I'll be able to manage it at some point in the future .' Looking forward he bravely said: 'I was always meant to do different things, but I've ended up with a fairly permanent position as singer in a band. "When I say that my identity isn't about being a singer, that's my direct response. It comes straight from the heart. "People associate me with it, naturally enough, and I realize that. I see singing as my responsibility, and at certain moments I think it's absolutely fantastic that I get to do it. Advertisement "But I've got other passions too, I have other things that are just as big a part of me, that are just as necessary and true.' The star told fans: 'Don't worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day. Everything you need to know about Parkinson's Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, meaning that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK. People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. This can cause a range of more than 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are: Tremor (shaking) Slow movement Rigidity (muscle stiffness) Other common signs include: Mild memory and thinking problems Trouble sleeping Issues with balance Pain Anxiety and depression Shuffling walk with very small steps Difficulty making facial expressions Loss of sense of smell Problems peeing Constipation The four main ways of managing Parkinson's include medication, staying active, exploring occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language therapy, and monitoring symptoms. Source: "Be good servants of nature, the very basis of our existence, and care for the environment while it is still possible to do so. Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of. 'For a few years now I've been working on songs that I've got great belief in, and I feel the lyrics, especially, have something of a different aspect of me in them. Advertisement "I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish them for release. Time will tell if they make it. "I really like the idea of just going for it, as a Parkinson's patient and an artist, with something completely outside the box. "It's all up to me, I just have to get this out of the way first.' 5 The star has opened up on living with the illness Credit: Getty Advertisement 5 Morten with his A-ha bandmates Credit: Getty - Contributor 5 Morten expressed fears that some of his tracks could go unheard as a result of the condition Credit: Getty
