Retiring Original Lead Singer Rejoins '70s Rock Icons for New Version of Iconic Hit

In 1977, Foreignerburst onto the rock scene with a string of arena-rock staples that would define an era. Nearly 50 years later, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band is celebrating that legacy with the release of its new live album In the Eye of the Storm, highlighted by a fresh performance of its biggest hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” featuring original lead singer Lou Gramm.

Released Friday, July 24, In the Eye of the Storm serves as the official soundtrack to Foreigner’s landmark 50th anniversary concert film, which was recorded in September 2025 at Ellis Island and Brooklyn’s DUMBO House. Alongside the album, the band also debuted a new video for “I Want to Know What Love Is,” bringing together Gramm, longtime vocalist Kelly Hansen and original keyboardist Al Greenwood for a celebration of one of rock’s most enduring songs.

Founding guitarist Mick Jones said hearing multiple generations of Foreigner singers together was one of the emotional highlights of the anniversary project.

“50 years ago, I had a vision for a band. I wanted the best musicians I could find to perform and record the best songs we could create,” Jones said in a statement.

He continued, “Foreigner succeeded largely because of the wonderful lead vocalists that I was fortunate enough to work with. Lou Gramm, Kelly Hansen, and Luis Maldonado lit the way to the fulfillment of my original vision. To hear them sing together the song that started it all was a very special moment for me.”

Jones also called Luis Maldonado’s rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” another emotional highlight, saying In the Eye of the Storm is “a fitting centerpiece in the celebration of 50 years of Foreigner.”

The live album captures performances from the band’s special anniversary concerts, including classics such as “Feels Like the First Time,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The Ellis Island performance will also anchor a feature-length concert film scheduled to arrive in theaters worldwide later this fall, continuing Foreigner’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.

Related: Foreigner Revives Controversial 1979 Song for First Time in Decades