Lou Gramm recently reflected on his past conflict with Mick Jones. He addressed the issue in a statement shared on Rock Candy Magazine.
The Foreigner frontman explained how his perspective has shifted over time regarding Jones’s decision to continue the band with new members. Gramm acknowledged that his initial anger has given way to understanding and respect.
“At first I was angry at Mick for starting a new Foreigner, but so much time has gone by now, and it wasn’t the fault of the guys who are now in the band, was it?” Gramm said. “If I were one of them and had been offered the opportunity, I would have taken it too. So we’ve got a nice friendship now. After all that’s happened over the years, I’m still extremely proud of my career with Foreigner, and at this stage of my life that’s the most important thing.”
This reconciliation marks a dramatic turning point in a decades-long estrangement between the two musicians. The healing of their relationship comes after nearly four decades of tension that began when Gramm departed from Foreigner in 1990 due to personal and professional differences with Jones.
The real catalyst for reconciliation came during Foreigner’s 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, as reported by Ultimate Classic Rock. During the event, Gramm performed alongside current Foreigner members. Bassist Jeff Pilson explained the significance of that moment: “Something happened at the Rock Hall where something happened and we all kind of came together. There was almost like a meeting of the minds and we all kind of realized Foreigner is bigger than all of us.” This moment of unity prompted Gramm to help complete a long-abandoned 1990s track called “Turning Back the Time.”
Since the induction, the reconciliation has evolved into active collaboration. Gramm joined an eight-show East Coast tour in December 2025 supporting the “Foreigner 4 Deluxe” reissue, according to WJRZ. He split vocal duties with current frontman Luis Maldonado. Foreigner’s reissue of their 1981 album 4 includes a newly completed track featuring Gramm on vocals.
The timing of this reunion holds particular significance given recent developments within the band. Founding guitarist Mick Jones stepped back from touring following his Parkinson’s diagnosis in early 2024, as noted by Ultimate Classic Rock. This makes Gramm’s return to the stage with the band even more meaningful. However, Gramm has indicated this reunion will be temporary. He confirmed he will retire from touring in 2026 after more than 54 years on the road, making these performances a final chapter in his legendary career with Foreigner.
