Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, is basking in the glow of his second induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. While celebrating his own achievement, the Prince of Darkness took a moment to share his thoughts on fellow inductees Motörhead and Foreigner.
Ozzy wholeheartedly endorsed Foreigner’s inclusion, acknowledging their rightful place in the hall, saying the band “should have got in ages ago”. However, the Prince of Darkness dissed the current lineup of Foreigner.
In his blunt assessment, the present iteration of Foreigner is nothing more than a “cover band”, lacking the essence of the group that captured the hearts of millions.
A Foreign Lineup Indeed
Since Lou Gramm’s departure in 2003, Foreigner’s lineup has undergone significant transformations. Mick Jones, the sole remaining founding member, took a brief hiatus before reforming the band with an entirely new roster featuring vocalist Kelly Hansen and bassist Jeff Pilson, among others.
The band’s composition has continued to evolve, with occasional “quasi-reunions” featuring various combinations of former members like Gramm, Rick Wills, Al Greenwood, and the late Ian McDonald. These reunions have taken the form of tours, concerts, and guest appearances, showcasing the band’s rich history and the enduring legacy of its past members.
Sadly, the core founding group has dwindled over the years, with Ed Gagliardi and Ian McDonald passing away in 2014 and 2022, respectively. This shifting landscape reflects the ever-changing nature of bands like Foreigner, where the music continues to resonate even as the personnel evolves.
No Bad Blood Between Mick Jones and Lou Gramm
Foreigner’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wasn’t always a sure thing. Initially excluded from the initial announcement, their eventual inclusion came after support from fellow musicians with Jones’ stepson Mark Ronson leading the charge.
Despite past tensions, Jones and Gramm, the band’s core members, have seemingly put their differences aside. In a recent email to Billboard, Jones expressed his openness to Gramm’s presence at the ceremony.
Jones acknowledged the passing of time and the importance of letting go of past grievances. He emphasized the power of moving forward and leaving ill feelings behind. “On a personal level, I have no hard feelings toward Lou… There is power in letting go of hard feelings and getting on with your life,” the guitarist said.
“It’s Very Satisfying Now That We’re Voted In”
On the other hand, Gramm, the voice behind some of their best songs, expressed his relief upon receiving the news of their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024. In an interview with News 8 WROC, Gramm acknowledged the long wait and the uncertainty surrounding their potential inclusion.
“It was a relief,” he stated, “because we have been eligible for a good long time. And we were wondering if we’d ever be in the Rock Hall Of Fame. We’ve aspired to be part of it, and it’s very satisfying now that we’re voted in.”
This long-awaited recognition marks a significant milestone for the band, solidifying their place among rock’s most influential figures.