Foreigner

Foreigner is a rock band formed in New York City in 1976, blending American and British musicians — the name itself referencing that half the founding lineup came from England while the other half were American. Guitarist and songwriter Mick Jones has remained the band's constant creative force through decades of lineup changes, steering the group from arena rock anthems toward increasingly polished pop-rock balladry as the years went on.

The band built its reputation on a run of massive hits that fused hard rock energy with radio-friendly hooks: «Cold as Ice», «Hot Blooded», «Urgent», «Juke Box Hero» and «Waiting for a Girl Like You» all became staples of classic rock radio. Their power ballad «I Want to Know What Love Is», featuring a gospel choir, became one of the defining rock ballads of the 1980s and topped charts internationally.

Foreigner's sound — big guitar riffs paired with soaring, emotionally direct vocals and lush production — helped define the arena rock era and influenced countless bands that followed. The group continued performing and recording well past its commercial peak, marking its 40th anniversary in 2017 with Jones still at the helm, cementing its status as one of the most enduring acts of the classic rock catalog.