OT - Foreigner With A Gramm Clone

[X factor]

A nostalgia act at BEST...and not just because of Lou Gramm but because there are NO OTHER original members other than Mick Jones. Hell, not even any "classic lineup" members from the FOUR era.
Nope, they are the walking example of a tribute/nostalgia act. Take Jason Bonham away and I wouldn't cross the street to see those guys.
As for the Hagar/Roth switch, its true that Sam was/is a superior vocalist, but there is one other reason that that switch worked out so well...because he's SAMMY FUCKING HAGAR !!! Even in 85, the guy was a mega star. So PLEASE no one try and compare Kelly Hansen to Sammy Hagar in that regard, or I may go mad! Kelly Hansen had maybe one chart hit 20 some odd years ago. Hardly the same star power that Sammy brought to the VH brothers.

[AR]

because there are NO OTHER original members other than Mick Jones.

Agree completely.

That's why I wouldn't pay the ticket prices. Wasn't against going or anything - but 20 - 30 bucks was my limit and that was pushing it.

[X factor]

I agree John, but they became Van Foreigner at first. OU812 = totally unlistenable.

They got better with Sam as they went on though. Humans Being rocked off the charts! I love Sam, but some of that stuff was pretty limp wristed at first.

Not sure I agree with that, Ed. I believe 5150 was Van Halen's first release with Hagar at the helm. For me, it's still the absolute best VH release, EVER! I really think it's that good!


John from Boston

5150 was really good, but still poppy in spots. They lost their way on the second release. Even on 5150 - some of the stuff bordered on adult contemporary at least to me. Thought the last few releases were where they found their way. F.U.C.K. and Balance are great and my fav's of that era.

Humans Being was awesome as a Coda.

The 1st album to me will always be the best.

I'm glad someone else thinks OU812 was a piece of crap as well! I was beginning to think it was just me...I love 5150, but I think FUCK may be the best.

[styxfanNH]

So it depends on HOW a member of the band left that makes it ok or not? You guys are too much...

Based on that standard, Styx isn't Styx, Foreigner isn't Foreigner, VH isn't VH, AC DC isn't AC DC, and Journey isn't Journey. The list could go on and on. I can understand not supporting an incarnation of a band for one reason or another, but the only criteria being how they replaced a member is hardly fair as to whether you consider them the band or nastalgia.

I personally think the way Journey treated JSS is horific. And I likely won't go to see them again, based on the recent antics of the last year and a half or so. But when I go to a concert I want to be entertained by the music and the show. I fully don't expect the live version with someone that has been replaced to be record perfect. I enjoy it for what it is.

[Greg]

A nostalgia act at BEST...and not just because of Lou Gramm but because there are NO OTHER original members other than Mick Jones. Hell, not even any "classic lineup" members from the FOUR era.
Nope, they are the walking example of a tribute/nostalgia act. Take Jason Bonham away and I wouldn't cross the street to see those guys.
As for the Hagar/Roth switch, its true that Sam was/is a superior vocalist, but there is one other reason that that switch worked out so well...because he's SAMMY FUCKING HAGAR !!! Even in 85, the guy was a mega star. So PLEASE no one try and compare Kelly Hansen to Sammy Hagar in that regard, or I may go mad! Kelly Hansen had maybe one chart hit 20 some odd years ago. Hardly the same star power that Sammy brought to the VH brothers.

Yes, it's kind of hard to argue with that. I mean, if the current line up had had a few albums out with some hit singles, I could understand.

[piecesofeight]

LEFT and kicking kicked out and being treated like shit are two different things. I don't support groups that treat people like shit, no matter who joins them. Fine, we never know the whole stories, but I can take everything I hear, think about it, then make my decision.
As we get older we have to have some values.

[johnroxx]

I don't think Hansen sounds like a Gramm clone at all.

You're right. The one time I saw them, at the Del Mar Fair here in San Diego a few years ago, Hansen sounded like total shit...couldn't hit any of the high notes without going flat. And he certainly didn't sound anything like classic Lou Gramm.

The group should be called The Mick Jones Band at this point, because that's all it is. It certainly ain't Foreigner, lol...

;^)

[Pelata]

Kelly does a great job in Foreigner, as does Jeff Pilson & Jason Bonham.

With Kelly, Jones got his on "Augeri"...someone with thier own voice who can nail the classics...like Priest had w/ Ripper.