Winter Crash in Upstate NY Inspires Formation of Rock Band Foreigner
A tragic winter crash on the icy New York State Thruway near Albany had a profound impact on the history of music. It was Christmas Eve in 1975 when Lou Gramm’s former band, Black Sheep, experienced a devastating accident. The equipment truck carrying their instruments and gear flipped over, causing significant damage.
Describing the aftermath of the crash, Gramm recalled, “The mic stands had gone through the amplifiers, ripping the cloth material and destroying the speakers. The drums were slammed into by amplifiers, and the drums were not round anymore. They were oval.” This unfortunate event ultimately led Gramm to connect with guitarist Mick Jones in 1976, setting the stage for the creation of some of rock music’s most iconic hits, including “Hot Blooded,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and “Juke Box Hero.”
Prior to the accident, Black Sheep had secured a record deal with Capitol Records and was even opening for KISS. However, when Capitol refused to provide funding for new equipment following the crash, the band disbanded. Jones then reached out to Gramm, inviting him to New York City where they recorded early versions of hits like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice.”
As Foreigner approaches their milestone of five decades in the music industry, Gramm, now 75 years old, expresses a desire to commemorate the occasion with some special performances. He stated, “I want to help fly the flag for the band, the original band, and the current band right now in these waning moments.”
Foreigner’s success has been recognized with inductions into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. Fans can look forward to the upcoming release of a refreshed version of their 1981 album, “4”, on September 12, featuring new songs, demos, and live recordings.
The current lineup of Foreigner is scheduled to perform at two upcoming shows in New York: the Erie County Fair in Hamburg on August 7 and the Turning Stone Event Center in Verona on September 20. While Hansen and Maldonado will be on stage, Gramm’s appearance is uncertain.
As Foreigner continues to captivate audiences with their timeless music, the legacy of the band remains strong, and their contributions to the rock music landscape endure.