Foreigner Co-Founder Hopes Band 'Goes On Forever' Despite Lineup Changes

Al Greenwood says new members are 'very respectful' of Foreigner's iconic sound.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Foreigner co-founder Al Greenwood believes the band should continue touring despite having no original members, arguing that new musicians are dedicated to preserving the group's signature sound. Greenwood, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Foreigner in 2024, says current frontman Mick Jones is heavily involved in selecting new band members who ask lots of questions to 'get it right.' While Greenwood and original singer Lou Gramm occasionally join the touring lineup, Greenwood says he hopes the Foreigner name 'goes on forever' even as the founding members age.

Why it matters

Foreigner is one of many classic rock bands that have continued touring without any original members, raising questions about authenticity and the nature of legacy acts. Greenwood's perspective provides insight into how band founders view the evolution of their musical groups over time.

The details

Foreigner is currently co-headlining the 'Double Trouble Double Vision' tour this summer with Lynyrd Skynyrd, neither of which feature any original members. Greenwood, who co-founded Foreigner in 1976, says current frontman Mick Jones is heavily involved in selecting new musicians to join the touring lineup. These new members ask lots of questions about the band's signature sound and work to faithfully recreate it, according to Greenwood.

  • Foreigner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in October 2024.
  • Foreigner and Lynyrd Skynyrd are co-headlining the 'Double Trouble Double Vision' tour this summer.

The players

Al Greenwood

Co-founder of the rock band Foreigner, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2024.

Mick Jones

Current frontman of Foreigner, who is heavily involved in selecting new members for the touring lineup.

Lou Gramm

Original frontman of Foreigner, who occasionally joins the current touring lineup.

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What they’re saying

“They're very respectful of the band's sound. They ask a lot of questions: 'How did we do this? How did you play that? What sounds did you get?' They want to get it right.”

— Al Greenwood, Foreigner Co-Founder (New York Magazine)

“We call it the Foreigner family.”

— Al Greenwood, Foreigner Co-Founder (New York Magazine)

“We're in our mid-70s or early 80s, so it's hard for us to go out anymore.”

— Al Greenwood, Foreigner Co-Founder (New York Magazine)

“I hope it goes on forever. Let's face it: The music really stood the test of time.”

— Al Greenwood, Foreigner Co-Founder (New York Magazine)

What’s next

Foreigner and Lynyrd Skynyrd will continue their co-headlining 'Double Trouble Double Vision' tour throughout the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

Foreigner's co-founder Al Greenwood believes the band's iconic music should live on, even as the original members age and new musicians take their place. This reflects a broader trend in classic rock where legacy acts persist without any founding members, raising questions about authenticity but also the enduring power of the music.