Lou Gramm recalls meeting John Lennon for the first time and describes how Lennon kept people at arm’s length.

Lou Gramm, the renowned vocalist of Foreigner, recently shared a captivating memory about his encounter with one of The Beatles. Specifically, he reminisced about meeting John Lennon for the first time. Gramm recalled the initial meeting with Lennon, describing how the Beatle was somewhat aloof and hesitant to engage in conversation. However, the mood changed after the two bonded over a casual game of pool. Lennon gradually let down his guard, allowing Gramm to have a genuine conversation with him. The exchange left a lasting impression on Gramm, who fondly remembers the encounter to this day.

Despite his successful solo career, highlighted by hits like “Midnight Blue,” Gramm expressed gratitude for the collaborative songwriting process he shared with Mick Jones in Foreigner. Together, they crafted timeless classics such as “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “Urgent.” As a lyricist, Gramm draws inspiration from The Beatles, especially their album, Rubber Soul, which influenced his approach to writing catchy yet meaningful lyrics.

For Gramm, the moment that sparked his passion for songwriting stemmed from watching The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show as a young boy. The energy of the crowd mixed with the unforgettable melodies of the songs left an indelible mark on him. His encounter with John Lennon at The Hit Factory in New York City added another layer to his deep-seated admiration for The Beatles. The unexpected opportunity to engage with a member of the legendary band solidified his connection to the music he cherished.

In a conversation with Goldmine writer Ken Sharp, Gramm discussed his latest solo album, Released, and the creative process behind revisiting older material. The album features updated versions of songs from his previous albums, where Gramm breathed new life into unfinished tracks that didn’t make the original releases. By adding fresh vocals, finalizing lyrics, and enhancing instrumentation, Gramm transformed these songs into polished gems that had been overlooked in the past.

Reflecting on the journey of revisiting these songs after decades, Gramm noted a sense of renewed perspective and objective evaluation. The time away from the material allowed him to appreciate the latent potential in these tracks that had long been dormant. Overcoming challenges like matching his original voice and navigating through unfinished sections, Gramm poured his heart and soul into reimagining his earlier work. The results culminated in an album that showcases both his enduring passion for music and his dedication to delivering quality songs.

With Released, Gramm demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his craft, embracing the opportunity to breathe new life into his musical legacy. By revisiting the past and infusing fresh creativity into his songs, Gramm offers fans a chance to experience his evolution as an artist, showcasing his timeless talent in a contemporary light.