Kelly Hansen

[Don]

I was watching SoundStage last night and it featured Foreigner. I have to say that this guy is really a pro and you can see the experience he got from fronting Hurricane. He took ownership of the stage and Mick stayed out of the way. Long black unruly hair, lanky figure, ugly grill, he looks like a rockstar. Somethings that impressed me were that when he was singing, he wasn't trying to emulate Lou Gramm. He just sang with his natural voice which sound like Gramm's but is easily recognized a someone else. Kelly also didn't scream or clip the high notes, but stepped them down smoothly the few times he had to.
Pretty much greatest hits were played but Juke Box Hero had a nice little change up tossed in during the solo when they broke into "Whole Lotta Love" by Zeppelin.
I haven't seen Foreigner since 81 when they and Journey opened for the Stones. I probably wouldn't pay to see them open for Journey as I don't plan on seeing Journey again until they release a new album and I don't want to see a hurried, shortened set by Foreigner, but if they play a small venue by themselves with modest ticket prices, I'll go see them.

[DrFU]

Crazy Deb and I (and friend Tammy) had front row in Houston for Foreigner and Def Lep a couple of years ago ... Kelly did a great job, super energy, sounded fabulous, had the front man thing going on ... and possibly the tightest pants I'd ever seen on a guy ...

[RisingForce73]

I saw Foreigner this summer at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. Great show, and well worth the drive. Kelly is awesome as a frontman, and does a great job of being himself. He sounds enough like Lou Gramm to do justice to the songs, while not trying to be an LG clone.

They played by themselves, but shows at casinos aren't usually as long, as the casinos don't want everyone sitting in their concert halls when they could be downstairs losing money.

My only disappointment was not getting to hear "Break It Up" live.

"Too Late" is the only original studio cut Kelly has recorded with them. Lots of classic Foreigner sound there if you haven't heard it (it's on their latest compilation, along with a live acoustic "Say You Will" and a live "Jukebox Hero/Whole Lotta Love"). Hope we'll eventually get a disc of all-new material. Mick isn't getting any younger. He's obviously the only original member left, so if you go in thinking that it's not Foreigner because of that, you might not enjoy yourself. If you go to hear great music in a live setting, you'll have a blast. They're all good musicians, playing classic tunes with a lot of energy.

[Don]

I saw Foreigner this summer at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. Great show, and well worth the drive. Kelly is awesome as a frontman, and does a great job of being himself. He sounds enough like Lou Gramm to do justice to the songs, while not trying to be an LG clone.

They played by themselves, but shows at casinos aren't usually as long, as the casinos don't want everyone sitting in their concert halls when they could be downstairs losing money.

My only disappointment was not getting to hear "Break It Up" live.

"Too Late" is the only original studio cut Kelly has recorded with them. Lots of classic Foreigner sound there if you haven't heard it (it's on their latest compilation, along with a live acoustic "Say You Will" and a live "Jukebox Hero/Whole Lotta Love"). Hope we'll eventually get a disc of all-new material. Mick isn't getting any younger. He's obviously the only original member left, so if you go in thinking that it's not Foreigner because of that, you might not enjoy yourself. If you go to hear great music in a live setting, you'll have a blast. They're all good musicians, playing classic tunes with a lot of energy.

Too late sounds so much like classic Foreigner, it's scary. When I heard them playing it, I kept thinking it was one of their older tunes until it finally dawned on me that it was a new song.

[Deb]

I was watching SoundStage last night and it featured Foreigner. I have to say that this guy is really a pro and you can see the experience he got from fronting Hurricane. He took ownership of the stage and Mick stayed out of the way. Long black unruly hair, lanky figure, ugly grill, he looks like a rockstar. Somethings that impressed me were that when he was singing, he wasn't trying to emulate Lou Gramm. He just sang with his natural voice which sound like Gramm's but is easily recognized a someone else. Kelly also didn't scream or clip the high notes, but stepped them down smoothly the few times he had to.

Pretty much my thoughts on him too, from what I've seen. I'd definitely go see a show if they came nearby.

[Carla777]

This guy Kelly Handsome..i mean Hansen...is awesome, fantastic voice and stage presence, Foreigner did a great show with him here, with very good reviews also...btw i saw a cool interview to him in the net and he say this about Lou Gramm:

"DAVE Lou Gramm, Foreigner's original vocalist was so popular and was an integral part of the band. I'd like you to comment on the fan reaction you've received trying to replace Lou. Would you classify the fan reaction as: negative backlash, immediately supportive, a let's-listen-and-see attitude, or a little bit of each?

KELLY: There was a lot of "let's listen and see," but the reaction I've received directly has been so positive. The Foreigner fans have been so accepting. I'm not trying to replace Lou Gramm. I'm just trying to do my best for the band and give the songs the justice they deserve. That's one of the things on my side, not trying to pretend I'm someone else or that I'm better than someone else. I'm just bringing myself to the band, and the response has been very supportive, positive, and open-minded. I think Foreigner fans can tell that I'm such a big fan of the music and that it's just as important to me as it is to them. Hopefully, that message is getting through and maybe it's why I've received such a gracious and favorable response".

For read the complete interview : http://www.davesontour.com/interviews/hansen.html

[MCM]

I was watching SoundStage last night and it featured Foreigner. I have to say that this guy is really a pro and you can see the experience he got from fronting Hurricane. He took ownership of the stage and Mick stayed out of the way. Long black unruly hair, lanky figure, ugly grill, he looks like a rockstar. Somethings that impressed me were that when he was singing, he wasn't trying to emulate Lou Gramm. He just sang with his natural voice which sound like Gramm's but is easily recognized a someone else. Kelly also didn't scream or clip the high notes, but stepped them down smoothly the few times he had to.
Pretty much greatest hits were played but Juke Box Hero had a nice little change up tossed in during the solo when they broke into "Whole Lotta Love" by Zeppelin.
I haven't seen Foreigner since 81 when they and Journey opened for the Stones. I probably wouldn't pay to see them open for Journey as I don't plan on seeing Journey again until they release a new album and I don't want to see a hurried, shortened set by Foreigner, but if they play a small venue by themselves with modest ticket prices, I'll go see them.

I saw this lineup this past summer (one of those minor league baseball parks somewhere in Ohio), there was no opener so they did a full set. The Juke Box Hero/Whole Lotta Love thing was killer. They also did a fantastic version of StarRider which was off the charts. Kelly Hansen is a good performer and so enjoyable to watch. Mick certainly could have done worse.

[epresley]

I was watching SoundStage last night and it featured Foreigner. I have to say that this guy is really a pro and you can see the experience he got from fronting Hurricane. He took ownership of the stage and Mick stayed out of the way. Long black unruly hair, lanky figure, ugly grill, he looks like a rockstar. Somethings that impressed me were that when he was singing, he wasn't trying to emulate Lou Gramm. He just sang with his natural voice which sound like Gramm's but is easily recognized a someone else. Kelly also didn't scream or clip the high notes, but stepped them down smoothly the few times he had to.
Pretty much greatest hits were played but Juke Box Hero had a nice little change up tossed in during the solo when they broke into "Whole Lotta Love" by Zeppelin.
I haven't seen Foreigner since 81 when they and Journey opened for the Stones. I probably wouldn't pay to see them open for Journey as I don't plan on seeing Journey again until they release a new album and I don't want to see a hurried, shortened set by Foreigner, but if they play a small venue by themselves with modest ticket prices, I'll go see them.

'Bot, I'm glad you wrote about this. That was EXCELLENT last night. Kelly is indeed a rockstar and the band sounded great! Lou can never be replaced, but Kelly does the old stuff justice for sure. I would go see them in a minute. Did their "other" guitarist not bear a striking resemblance to Neal??? I'm just saying........They'd be a good pairing with Journey in my opinion.

[Don]

I was watching SoundStage last night and it featured Foreigner. I have to say that this guy is really a pro and you can see the experience he got from fronting Hurricane. He took ownership of the stage and Mick stayed out of the way. Long black unruly hair, lanky figure, ugly grill, he looks like a rockstar. Somethings that impressed me were that when he was singing, he wasn't trying to emulate Lou Gramm. He just sang with his natural voice which sound like Gramm's but is easily recognized a someone else. Kelly also didn't scream or clip the high notes, but stepped them down smoothly the few times he had to.
Pretty much greatest hits were played but Juke Box Hero had a nice little change up tossed in during the solo when they broke into "Whole Lotta Love" by Zeppelin.
I haven't seen Foreigner since 81 when they and Journey opened for the Stones. I probably wouldn't pay to see them open for Journey as I don't plan on seeing Journey again until they release a new album and I don't want to see a hurried, shortened set by Foreigner, but if they play a small venue by themselves with modest ticket prices, I'll go see them.

'Bot, I'm glad you wrote about this. That was EXCELLENT last night. Kelly is indeed a rockstar and the band sounded great! Lou can never be replaced, but Kelly does the old stuff justice for sure. I would go see them in a minute. Did their "other" guitarist not bear a striking resemblance to Neal??? I'm just saying........They'd be a good pairing with Journey in my opinion.

As long as it would be full show, not a 10 song set like Heart was limited to.

[Enigma869]

As I said in the last Kelly Hansen thread...Has someone told this guy that he and Steven Tyler are brothers??? Absolutely freaky how similar their mannerisms are

[Don]

As I said in the last Kelly Hansen thread...Has someone told this guy that he and Steven Tyler are brothers??? Absolutely freaky how similar their mannerisms are

I was thinking that last night, a Steve Perry/Steve Tyler Hybrid.

[JRNYFan]

I had front row for a Foreigner-only show a few months back and it was amazing. I definitely recommend to check them out. Hansen really does look like Steven Tyler!

[kellyhansenfan]

Ok, well what can I say...I love this thread!! I have seen Kelly with Foreigner over 20 times and he always puts on a great show. His energy is just amazing. And, YES I agree...I absolutely see the Steven Tyler in him. Personally, he is a nice guy, very intellectual and super into keeping things green and saving the planet. He even drives a Hybrid! For those interested, his long time live-in girlfriend (Dyna) is the lead singer of the AC/DC tribute band, "Thunderstruck"

The Soundstage performance is airing on PBS this week and the Blu-Ray DVD of that performance is available at sears.com

They will be touring in 2009 in the US and Germany/abroad. Tour dates are beginning to be listed on their official site!

[Triple S]

Watching the Alive and Rockin' DVD right now - awesome! (and yes the pants are definitely tight - some very odd camera shots in this too - you kind of can't help but notice the pants )

I would love, love, love to see these guys live! Kelly does a great job as the frontman.

[The_Noble_Cause]

This guy's great.
Would've been an excellent fit for Journey too.

[StoneCold]

I don't see how Hansen gets so much love whereas Pineda got so much derision. Foreigner really is a full on cover band now.

Hansen is good yes but doesn't stand out to me. The one new song sounds like Maroon 5 more than Foreigner. That's not necessarily Hansen's fault though.

Mick Jones (the Frederick Frankenstein of rock, with hair and glasses to match) has lost his creativity imo.

Hopefully they'll do a full cd of new tunes with Hansen so I can give him a fair shake. I personally thought Johnny Edwards was a better fit but what do I know.

Can ya tell I miss the old Gramm?

[Gideon]

I don't see how Hansen gets so much love whereas Pineda got so much derision. Foreigner really is a full on cover band now.

Because Hansen simply replaced Lou Gramm. Arnel is a thrice-removed replacement for Steve Perry, and there's nothing in this world that induces more bitterness and logical fuckups than the great Steve Perry.

For the record, I love Hansen's voice. I really wish Jones would get his head out of Gramm's ass and put out new material. "Too Late" was just... amazing.

[Vladan]

I don't see how Hansen gets so much love whereas Pineda got so much derision. Foreigner really is a full on cover band now.

Agreed, they are a total cover band now. Probably due to Mick Jones obviously, and because Lou Gramm really sang those songs his own way, the way only Gramm could sing, nobody else. And I never did like the fact of Journey with the so called "moving on" when Augeri joined, they moved on apparently but still are living in Perry's shadow, as are Foreigner, living in Gramm's shadow

[Don]

I don't see how Hansen gets so much love whereas Pineda got so much derision. Foreigner really is a full on cover band now.

Hansen is good yes but doesn't stand out to me. The one new song sounds like Maroon 5 more than Foreigner. That's not necessarily Hansen's fault though.

Mick Jones (the Frederick Frankenstein of rock, with hair and glasses to match) has lost his creativity imo.

Hopefully they'll do a full cd of new tunes with Hansen so I can give him a fair shake. I personally thought Johnny Edwards was a better fit but what do I know.

Can ya tell I miss the old Gramm?

Both bands are tribute bands basically. I just like how Kelly has that old school grungy rockstar look. He also stays within his limitations when singing, no screaming or getting ragged on the high notes. His experience with Hurricane obviousy helped him for a seamless transition into the group. Arnel on the other hand can be his own distraction with all the running around and jumping off of anything taller than a pack of cigarettes. He seems to be over compensating for the criticism about him being too stiff during his youtube performances. You can't tell me the guy doesn't run out of breath when he does that shit and it has to effect his singing a little bit.
Have Arnel sing sitting on a stool for a few numbers and I bet you'll get some high notes out of that boy that rival old school Perry.

[weatherman90]

Just watched the show in HD this evening and I was very impressed. Such a tight live band, although it's too bad that Jason Bonham left the group.

Awesome vocals by Kelly, and it was a blast to watch the rest of the band (Mick, Thom, and Jeff) on the stage. I am very excited about the possibility of seeing the band live in 2009.

[Don]

I don't see how Hansen gets so much love whereas Pineda got so much derision. Foreigner really is a full on cover band now.
Hansen is good yes but doesn't stand out to me. The one new song sounds like Maroon 5 more than Foreigner. That's not necessarily Hansen's fault though.

Mick Jones (the Frederick Frankenstein of rock, with hair and glasses to match) has lost his creativity imo.

Hopefully they'll do a full cd of new tunes with Hansen so I can give him a fair shake. I personally thought Johnny Edwards was a better fit but what do I know.

Can ya tell I miss the old Gramm?

Disc two of Revelation might have something to do with it. If Foreigner had did that, 6 months after Kelly joined the band there could have been a similar backlash. Not Arnels fault of course. Foreigner would have been bashed hard, cashing in on Lou's Legacy (and you probably would have been leading the charge, rightfully so of course).

[finalfight]

I don't see how Hansen gets so much love whereas Pineda got so much derision. Foreigner really is a full on cover band now.
Hansen is good yes but doesn't stand out to me. The one new song sounds like Maroon 5 more than Foreigner. That's not necessarily Hansen's fault though.

Mick Jones (the Frederick Frankenstein of rock, with hair and glasses to match) has lost his creativity imo.

Hopefully they'll do a full cd of new tunes with Hansen so I can give him a fair shake. I personally thought Johnny Edwards was a better fit but what do I know.

Can ya tell I miss the old Gramm?

Disc two of Revelation might have something to do with it. If Foreigner had did that, 6 months after Kelly joined the band there could have been a similar backlash. Not Arnels fault of course. Foreigner would have been bashed hard, cashing in on Lou's Legacy (and you probably would have been leading the charge, rightfully so of course).

They're doing it now though. Apparently their new album will consist of half new material and half re-recordings of classic material. My guess is it will be a double album just like Revelation.

[Gideon]

Both bands are tribute bands basically.

...

*sigh*

Really, man? I just looked at my Escape cover and it says "Journey." Same for Raised on Radio, Frontiers, Infinity, and so on. Unless Neal and co. legally changed the name to "the Steve Perry Band", "Steve Perry + Friends", "Steve Perry featuring the Artist Formerly Known As Journey", and so on, I'm not seeing it.

Perry was but a part of the band. The band is bigger than the man. Much bigger. They are simply honoring his contributions with a voice of similar tone and quality.

They even put out new material.

[Rick]

Both bands are tribute bands basically.

...

*sigh*

Really, man? I just looked at my Escape cover and it says "Journey." Same for Raised on Radio, Frontiers, Infinity, and so on. Unless Neal and co. legally changed the name to "the Steve Perry Band", "Steve Perry + Friends", "Steve Perry featuring the Artist Formerly Known As Journey", and so on, I'm not seeing it.

Perry was but a part of the band. The band is bigger than the man. Much bigger. They are simply honoring his contributions with a voice of similar tone and quality.

They even put out new material.

I guess you could call it honoring. They just got someone to give the people what they want to hear. Same goes for Neal. If he left the band, they'd get someone to play with the same tone as Neal's guitar and hopefully but doubtful someone who could play the parts as well.

[Vladan]

Perry was but a part of the band. The band is bigger than the man. Much bigger. They are simply honoring his contributions with a voice of similar tone and quality.

Of course!, they are much bigger, like there were a lot of hits before and after Perry! well maybe not legitimate real hits, but they were hits among the minority of fans among the forums, that has to count for something right?, +! just because the band sold more albums, had more recognition and fame while Steve Perry was with them, doesn't make them any less a band now. Augeri took these guys places you know, Vegas, and Philadelphia, and back to Vegas to name a few.

[Gideon]

Perry was but a part of the band. The band is bigger than the man. Much bigger. They are simply honoring his contributions with a voice of similar tone and quality.

Of course!, they are much bigger, like there were a lot of hits before and after Perry! well maybe not legitimate real hits, but they were hits among the minority of fans among the forums, that has to count for something right?, +! just because the band sold more albums, had more recognition and fame while Steve Perry was with them, doesn't make them any less a band now. Augeri took these guys places you know, Vegas, and Philadelphia, and back to Vegas to name a few.

Are you kidding me?

I honestly don't know what to say. In addition to abusing sarcasm, you also seem to be slanting facts. Music tastes change with time. The fact that Journey hasn't produced a string of hit records doesn't mean shit about Perry. You do realize that Jonathan Cain's first album with Journey outsold Perry's first album with Journey by, what? Three, four times? Producing many more hits and an ocean's difference of cultural recognition?

By your reckoning, Jonathan Cain > Steve Perry.

[Michigan Girl]

I'm LMAO!!!

[Jana]

Perry was but a part of the band. The band is bigger than the man. Much bigger. They are simply honoring his contributions with a voice of similar tone and quality.

Of course!, they are much bigger, like there were a lot of hits before and after Perry! well maybe not legitimate real hits, but they were hits among the minority of fans among the forums, that has to count for something right?, +! just because the band sold more albums, had more recognition and fame while Steve Perry was with them, doesn't make them any less a band now. Augeri took these guys places you know, Vegas, and Philadelphia, and back to Vegas to name a few.

Are you kidding me?

I honestly don't know what to say. In addition to abusing sarcasm, you also seem to be slanting facts. Music tastes change with time. The fact that Journey hasn't produced a string of hit records doesn't mean shit about Perry. You do realize that Jonathan Cain's first album with Journey outsold Perry's first album with Journey by, what? Three, four times? Producing many more hits and an ocean's difference of cultural recognition?

By your reckoning, Jonathan Cain > Steve Perry.

Take out Perry, they were never as big again. But leave Perry in and take Neal and Jon out of Journey, and let Perry hire their replacements, it would never have been as popular either and the new music would have suffered without the influence of Neal and Jon on songwriting. Journey at its height musically was the sum of its parts.

I'm glad they found Arnel to carry on.

[Rick]

Perry was but a part of the band. The band is bigger than the man. Much bigger. They are simply honoring his contributions with a voice of similar tone and quality.

Of course!, they are much bigger, like there were a lot of hits before and after Perry! well maybe not legitimate real hits, but they were hits among the minority of fans among the forums, that has to count for something right?, +! just because the band sold more albums, had more recognition and fame while Steve Perry was with them, doesn't make them any less a band now. Augeri took these guys places you know, Vegas, and Philadelphia, and back to Vegas to name a few.

Are you kidding me?

I honestly don't know what to say. In addition to abusing sarcasm, you also seem to be slanting facts. Music tastes change with time. The fact that Journey hasn't produced a string of hit records doesn't mean shit about Perry. You do realize that Jonathan Cain's first album with Journey outsold Perry's first album with Journey by, what? Three, four times? Producing many more hits and an ocean's difference of cultural recognition?

By your reckoning, Jonathan Cain > Steve Perry.

Take out Perry, they were never as big again. But leave Perry in and take Neal and Jon out of Journey, and let Perry hire their replacements, it would never have been as popular either and the new music would have suffered without the influence of Neal and Jon on songwriting. Journey at its height musically was the sum of its parts.

I'm glad they found Arnel.

That's a tough argument though. Who knows if they would have still done well had Perry stayed? The change in peoples taste in music may have dictated otherwise. Music has changed over the years, certainly. Journey has not, musically. Not much at all.

[Don]

Perry was but a part of the band. The band is bigger than the man. Much bigger. They are simply honoring his contributions with a voice of similar tone and quality.

Of course!, they are much bigger, like there were a lot of hits before and after Perry! well maybe not legitimate real hits, but they were hits among the minority of fans among the forums, that has to count for something right?, +! just because the band sold more albums, had more recognition and fame while Steve Perry was with them, doesn't make them any less a band now. Augeri took these guys places you know, Vegas, and Philadelphia, and back to Vegas to name a few.

Are you kidding me?

I honestly don't know what to say. In addition to abusing sarcasm, you also seem to be slanting facts. Music tastes change with time. The fact that Journey hasn't produced a string of hit records doesn't mean shit about Perry. You do realize that Jonathan Cain's first album with Journey outsold Perry's first album with Journey by, what? Three, four times? Producing many more hits and an ocean's difference of cultural recognition?

By your reckoning, Jonathan Cain > Steve Perry.

By your reckoning then, since Cain has been on all the albums since Perry left, the law of averages would say, regardless of musical taste that Journey would have at the very least, even if only at number 39, one top 40 hit somewhere over the last 10 years. Bon Jovi's done it, U2 has done it. Besides a few songs hitting the A/C chart, the hot 100 has become foreign territory since Perry left. As much as Perry might have needed Cain to really hit the top of the charts, Cain needs Perry also to have a whiff of success. You do know that this year, despite being able to get a free disc of the Greatest Hits included with Revelation, people went out and bought the original greatest hits instead, pushing it to 15x Platinum.
Apparently when it comes to Journey, some people still prefer the original singer singing the hits when it comes to spending their money on a Journey album.

One Journey song has gone near the top of the Itunes chart, three times in the last four years, and the vocalist wasn't Pineda, Augeri or JSS or heaven forbid Cain. For A guy who wasn't an integral part of the band, the songs sporting his vocals sure get a lot of airplay everyday.

It's great they have Arnel but he will always be in the shadow of the Voice. Journey's setlists ensure that this is so.

It's not really a bad thing though, as AP is more about keeping food on the table and a roof over his families head. For him it's a job that helps him survive the trials of living in a third world country, which is quite a different take from the way the former singers may have looked at it, and the reason he has earned tons of respect from most of us.