Original Foreigner singer Lou Gramm hospitalised
Foreigner’s original singer Lou Gramm has been hospitalised with a severe respiratory infection, dehydration and fatigue.
The band have released a statement saying Gramm was admitted to hospital last week and he’s unable to perform at their upcoming Double Vision: Then & Now tour dates on doctor’s orders.
The Double Vision: Then & Now concerts combine Foreigner's current line-up with a trio of original members - Gramm, Al Greenwood and Ian MacDonald - and Rick Willis, who was bassist for 12 years from 1979-91.
Foreigner said: “Lou Gramm was hospitalized at the Unity Hospital at Park Ridge in Rochester, NY last week with a severe respiratory infection, dehydration and fatigue.
“He had hoped to be ready to appear during the Foreigner Double Vision: Then & Now tour, and some scheduled shows with Asia. Unfortunately, at his follow up appointment today, his doctor pronounced him unable to perform at these shows.”
Lou Gramm commented: "I’m very disappointed about not being able to perform at the Foreigner Double Vision: Then & Now shows for all the fans. My doctor insists if I pushed myself to perform, I would be in big trouble. So doctor’s orders, I ride the bench. Rock on!"
Mick Jones added: “We will all miss Lou at our upcoming shows and we join all his family, friends, and fans in wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Although the scheduled concerts will still proceed with Greenwood, MacDonald and Willis performing alongside Mick Jones and Foreigner, the band say ‘requests for refunds may be addressed to the appropriate the point purchase of the original ticket order prior to the concert date.’
Foreigner are releasing the live album and concert film ‘Double Vision: Then And Now’ on multiple formats on Friday 15th November. You can pre-order it here.
It was recorded at Foreigner’s 40th anniversary ‘Double Vision’ concert at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Michigan in October 2017.
Mick Jones says: “This was a show that I will always remember! Sharing the stage with the guys that shaped Foreigner in the beginning and the stellar musicians that carry the flag in the new millennium, was a truly emotional moment.”
Watch the trailer here: