Foreigner to Celebrate 50th Anniversary with Intimate Ellis Island Concert and Documentary
via Winnipeg Live Echoes / YouTube
Foreigner, one of the most iconic rock bands of the past half-century, is set to mark its 50th anniversary in a way few fans could have imagined. On September 6, 2025, the band will perform an intimate concert on a closed set at Ellis Island, framed by the Statue of Liberty. This symbolic backdrop highlights not only Foreigner’s legacy but also the band’s connection to the American Dream.
The concert will be filmed for a major documentary scheduled for release in 2026, produced by Vertigo Live Productions. Only 250 fans will witness the show in person, making it one of the most exclusive live music experiences of the year. Attendees will be part of the finished film, with all mobile devices sealed to preserve the cinematic atmosphere.
Known for anthems like “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” Foreigner promises to deliver a career-spanning setlist that captures the energy and emotion of their decades-long journey. The Ellis Island event is not just a concert—it’s a moment designed to be preserved as part of rock history.
Lou Gramm’s Triumphant Return
Adding to the significance of the event, original lead singer Lou Gramm will make a special appearance, sharing the stage with Luis Maldonado, who recently stepped into the role of lead vocalist. Gramm’s return comes at a poignant time, with founding guitarist Mick Jones unable to perform due to health concerns. For Gramm, this appearance is a way to “fly the flag” for both the original band and its current lineup.
In a recent interview, Gramm acknowledged the renewed interest in Foreigner since their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. He explained that his presence is about honoring the band’s achievements during a period of transition. His guest performances will reconnect fans with Foreigner’s early years while bridging the gap with today’s lineup.
Maldonado himself expressed excitement about performing alongside Gramm, calling the experience both historic and personal. Their collaboration ensures that the 50th-anniversary celebration will honor Foreigner’s roots while showcasing the band’s future direction.
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Vertigo Live’s Cinematic Approach
The Ellis Island performance will follow Vertigo Live’s unique approach to live music: creating cinematic experiences in iconic locations. Unlike traditional concerts, these productions are designed for film first, with limited audiences experiencing the event as part of the set.
Past Vertigo Live events include “Duran Duran: A Hollywood High,” staged atop the Capitol Tower in Los Angeles, and “Billy Idol: State Line,” filmed at the Hoover Dam. Each event transforms music into an immersive visual story, capturing legendary artists against dramatic backdrops. Foreigner’s Ellis Island show will be the latest chapter in this growing series of one-of-a-kind performances.
For fans unable to attend, the forthcoming documentary ensures they’ll still share in the magic. By blending concert energy with cinematic storytelling, Vertigo Live aims to preserve these historic performances for generations to come.
Revisiting Foreigner 4 and a New Era
The 50th anniversary coincides with another milestone: the release of super deluxe editions of Foreigner’s 1981 smash album 4. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios with producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the album remains one of the band’s most successful works, boasting hits like “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Urgent,” and “Juke Box Hero.”
The deluxe package, set for release on September 12, 2025, includes remastered tracks, previously unreleased songs, alternate takes, instrumentals, and live performances from the band’s 1981–82 world tour. This comprehensive release shines new light on an album that once spent a record-setting 10 weeks at the top of the Billboard charts.
To support the reissue, Foreigner will launch the Foreigner 4 Deluxe Tour, featuring Maldonado on vocals and guest appearances by Gramm. The tour not only revisits a pivotal era in Foreigner’s history but also ushers in a new chapter, ensuring that the band’s music continues to resonate with fans old and new.
