"He’s in end stages of Alzheimer’s" Foreigner pays tribute to Mick Jones
Mick Jones, the heart and soul behind Foreigner, faces his most difficult chapter. As tributes roll in, one question lingers: how will the band continue celebrating a legacy shaped by its ailing founder?
For fans of classic rock, the news stings: Mick Jones, Foreigner’s iconic guitarist and only remaining original member, is now "in end stages of Alzheimer’s." That stark update came from his former bandmate and original singer, Lou Gramm, who shared the sad reality during a recent chat on Spin magazine’s Lipps Service. In that same conversation, Gramm revealed he plans to honour Jones by joining the band on this year’s 50th anniversary tour.
News like this doesn’t just hit hard for the band, but for anyone who remembers singing along to Foreigner’s power anthems on car radios and bedroom stereos.
Lou Gramm Opens Up: "He’s distant" Yet "Pretty Good"
Jones and Gramm founded Foreigner back in 1976. Now 81, Jones hasn’t played live since 2022, having been sidelined by Parkinson’s before this latest battle with Alzheimer’s. Lou Gramm, now 75, also knows a thing or two about new chapters — after leaving Foreigner in 1990 and again in 2003, he’s spent years juggling solo work and surprise reunions as a guest. Despite their changes, Gramm described their current connection as "pretty good," while conceding, "He’s distant."
Paying Tribute: A Tour, A Promise, and One Last Honour
“This Foreigner is Mick’s creation.” It’s hard to overstate what the 50th anniversary tour means for Gramm. He explained to News-Press:
“The last time I talked to him, I told him that I would go out with the band for the 50th anniversary. And that made him really happy. I think it’s an honor to go out anyway. So I couldn’t be happier. I’m doing it in the name of the band and for Mick… I think it’s the right thing to do, and I like singing those songs. And this version of Foreigner is very good.”
With that, Gramm will make selected appearances alongside the group’s current lineup: lead singer Luis Maldonado, bassist Jeff Pilson, keyboardist Michael Bluestein, guitarist Bruce Watson, and drummer Chris Frazier. Maldonado became the band’s lead singer after Kelly Hansen’s 20-year stint ended last year, and now helps steer Foreigner through nostalgia and change.
Music Carries On: Re-Releases, Solo Returns, and What’s Next
Even as Jones faces his battle privately, Foreigner’s story keeps unfolding. Over the past year, Gramm has promoted the rerelease of the classic "4" album from 1981, appearing as a guest vocalist to celebrate old hits in fresh ways. Just last month, he released his first solo album since 2009, titled "Released," announcing upcoming solo tour dates including a December 12 concert at Rochester’s Kodak Center.
The 50th anniversary tour will culminate with a show on August 23 at the Albany Med Health System at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, where Foreigner will perform alongside Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tickets for these events have been available through Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, and StubHub.
The Community Reflects on a Rock Pioneer’s Legacy
Mick Jones’ quiet withdrawal from live music has stirred memories and gratitude — not just within Foreigner but across the classic rock world. Gramm once said he "would retire sometime this year," but it’s clear the music, and the friendships, still hold him close. For those who grew up on Foreigner’s unforgettable choruses, these tributes offer a moment to appreciate the man behind the sound — even as he faces Alzheimer’s behind the scenes.
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Sources used:
Foreigner's Mick Jones in ‘end stages of Alzheimer’s,’ ex-bandmate Lou Gramm says - syracuse.com
