A legendary rock guitarist is battling Parkinson’s Disease, leaving his band without any original members on its farewell tour.
Foreigner co-founder Mick Jones revealed Wednesday that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s “several years ago.” It’s why he played just three songs during Foreigner’s 2021 concert at the New York State Fair and has been largely absent from the stage since 2022, according to Billboard.
“Fans will have become very aware that for some time now, I have not been performing onstage with the band. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I want everyone to know that I am doing alright,” Jones said in a statement. “However, I’ve always liked to be at my best when performing onstage, and sadly, at present, I find that a bit difficult. I am still very much involved in the background with Foreigner and remain a presence. Parkinson’s is a daily struggle; the important thing is to persevere and remind myself of the wonderful career I’ve had in music. I thank all the fans who have supported Foreigner throughout the years and continue to attend our concerts — I want you to know I appreciate your support; it always means so very much to me, but especially so at this point in my life.”
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. It affects different people in different ways; notable figures diagnosed with Parkinson’s include boxer Muhammad Ali, actor Michael J. Fox, singer Neil Diamond and President George H.W. Bush.
The English-born Jones, 79, formed Foreigner in 1976 with Rochester’s Lou Gramm, Dennis Elliott, Ed Gagliardi, Al Greenwood, Ian McDonald, and Rick Wills. The band was named “Foreigner” due to is mix of British and American members.
Jones and Gramm were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013 thanks to Foreigner hits like “Hot Blooded,” “Cold As Ice,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Urgent” and “Juke Box Hero.” The band remains popular today, drawing one of the largest crowds in New York State Fair concert history with 38,000 fans in 2022.
Foreigner was recently nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of the Fame for the first time. Fourteen other artists are on the ballot for the 2024 Rock Hall induction, including Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool & The Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinead O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne, Sade, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Jones, who had heart surgery in 2012, is the only active original member of Foreigner. The current lineup, which features singer Kelly Hansen on vocals and Jeff Pilson on bass, told Billboard last year that Jones still makes “the final decision” on anything the band does, including a farewell tour that began in 2023.
Foreigner recently extended its farewell trek to include a July 30, 2024, concert with Styx at Broadview Stage at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) in Saratoga Springs. Billboard reports more shows could be booked in 2025.
Gramm, 73, currently lives in Webster, N.Y. He left the band in 1990 and has made limited appearances with Foreigner over the years due to his own health issues.
