The Historic Farewell Tour: A Rocking Bittersweet Transition for Foreigner
7/30/25 - Doswell, VA
Photo by Cody Cooksey
For nearly 50 years, Foreigner has been captivating the world of music and the industry of rock. The band, currently composed of Kelly Hansen, Luis Carlos Maldonado, Bruce Watson, Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein, and Chris Frazier, brought everything you could ask for to Doswell, Virginia, as a fine addition to the annual After Hours Concert Series. The show had a lot to offer, to both new and lifelong fans. On top of this, there was also some bittersweet yet optimistic news.
Foreigner kicked off this night of The Historic Farewell Tour with some of their classics, which included Double Vision, Head Games, and Cold As Ice. It seems that this tour was the perfect way to celebrate 48 years of their self-titled first LP. This recognition transitioned them into the first track off of that album, known as Feels Like The First Time. The stage presence of lead vocalist Kelly Hansen was a spectacle of its own, as he brought an energetic performance that captured the entire crowd. As the sky transformed from a cloudy sunset to nighttime, the colorful spotlights and logo letters continued to give a unique feel to the show.
Photo by Cody Cooksey
Foreigner kicked off this night of The Historic Farewell Tour with some of their classics, which included Double Vision, Head Games, and Cold As Ice. It seems that this tour was the perfect way to celebrate 48 years of their self-titled first LP. This recognition transitioned them into the first track off of that album, known as Feels Like The First Time. The stage presence of lead vocalist Kelly Hansen was a spectacle of its own, as he brought an energetic performance that captured the entire crowd. As the sky transformed from a cloudy sunset to nighttime, the colorful spotlights and logo letters continued to give a unique feel to the show.
While this was a night full of rock and theatrics, there was some somber news thrown in, as Kelly Hansen reiterated his retirement from the band after this tour, making this a bittersweet farewell. What was sweet about this announcement? He included the fact that guitarist Luis Maldonado would be stepping in as an exciting replacement following the end of the tour. Luis gave a taste of what was to come by performing Urgent and Juke Box Hero, which I can confidently say did more than justice to the name and reputation that the band has upheld for decades. While Kelly and his ecstatic energy will be missed, it is safe to say that Luis can carry the band into new and exciting things for years to come, while still honoring and following the traditions that Foreigner has spent nearly 50 years forming.
Photo by Cody Cooksey
Photo by Cody Cooksey
As the night began to conclude, the band performed an encore of classics that everyone in attendance was desperate to hear, which included the legendary I Wanna Know What Love Is. The encore also included the addition of the Hanover High School choir to help sing background vocals, which just added to the specialty of the night. Kelly was very enduring, not only in his stage presence, wardrobe choice, or enthusiasm, but also his gratefulness of the fans. He made it clear that they (we) are the reason that nights like this can happen, and that is something that is sure to be carried on, as the band moves into a new era. The Historic Farewell Tour will be one to remember, and there are many who are excited for what is on the horizon for Foreigner.
