reCAP :: Foreigner :: 2015.02.19
Foreigner typifies what it means when one says, “they’ve still got it.” In fact, the current lineup – still under the leadership of longtime guitarist and songwriter Mick Jones – might be the finest yet. With multitudinous harmonies, a wild front man running across the stage with mic stand in hand, the three guitarists lined up center stage playing in unison, the timeless rock anthems, and (of course) a little cowbell, Foreigner is rock & roll 101. When they came to the Capitol Theater on February 19th, lead singer Kelly Hansen informed everyone that the show was being filmed and recorded for a live album/DVD – as if the crowd needed another excuse to be rabid.
The band took to the stage at 8:15, beginning with a blistering rendition of “Double Vision.” After running through several classics, Hansen said they “were going to do things a little differently” and performed acoustic renditions of songs like “Long Way From Home” and “Cold As Ice” with all the members of the band seated at the front of the stage. Things got electric again with “Feels Like The First Time,” which Hansen referred to as “the first song you've ever heard from this band.” The band closed out the main set with an extended, show-stopping rendition of “Juke Box Hero” in what was easily the highlight of the night. After the encore break, the band was joined onstage by the Port Chester High School chorus for “I Want Know To Know What Love Is.” Hansen stood amongst the students and sang along with them while bassist Jeff Pilson invited a young lady down from the risers to strum his bass.
Jones has cultivated a lineup with enthusiasm for the material and performing alike. Their musicianship is only surpassed by their stage presence, giving high-octane songs like “Urgent” and “Head Games” added inspiration. Jones was joined by fellow axmen Bruce Watson and Thom Gimbel, who doubles as flutist and saxophonist. Pilson swung his bass all around and flicks guitar picks into the crowd almost as a reflex while Michael Bluestein and Chris Frazier hold it down on keys and drums respectively. In terms of inciting crowd participation, this lineup is worthy of high marks.
Hansen in particular deserves citation for his performance. Not only does he have the right range for the oft-demanding Foreigner material, but he is a true showman, exercising no restraint when he steps onstage. He twirls his mic stand like a baton and extends it into the crowd and up to the balcony to capture the screaming fans. He even played the role of cinematographer on closing number “Hot Blooded,” running across the stage with one of the cameras and shooting close-ups of the band, which should make for great footage when the DVD is released.
It goes without saying that Foreigner is an enduring rock act that has churned out hits for generations of listeners. Their live act is awe-inspiring and led to one of the loudest crowds I’ve ever seen at the Capitol Theater. Though the album and DVD – whenever they are released – will be a must-own for any Foreigner fan, those who were there in person won’t soon forget this classic performance by this class act group of musicians.