Foreigner’s Mick Jones reacts to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
Despite being eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for over 20 years, it has taken until 2024 for Foreigner to be inducted, much to the delight of Mick Jones.
Foreigner’s induction came after his stepson and musical extraordinaire, Mark Ronson, spearheaded a campaign to get the iconic band into rock’s most exclusive club. Ronson’s passionate crusade received the support of Dave Grohl, Jack Black, Slash, Chad Smith and Josh Homme, who backed Foreigner to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
To be eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it needs to have been over 25 years since their debut album, meaning Foreigner have been qualified for induction since 2002. However, it took until this year for the group to receive their first nomination, and at the first time of trying, they have been welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Speaking to Billboard, Jones said of the induction: “I think it means more to me now than perhaps 20 years ago. I’ve had a great career, and this is like the whipped cream and cherry on top. It’s something I will savor over the years. It’s a great honor to be included amongst all these great artists that have been inducted over the years.”
Jones also explained he has no issues with former Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm, who he’d be happy to reunite with at the ceremony, noting, “On a personal level, I have no hard feelings toward Lou. We did perform together at the 40th-anniversary concert. It has been so many years now since Lou left Foreigner; I like to think that those ill feelings are in the past.”
The guitarist continued: “There is power in letting go of hard feelings and getting on with your life. Why carry the burden of hard feelings? It serves nothing in the long run.”
Earlier this year, Jones revealed he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease for “several years” which has prevented him from performing live with Foreigner since 2022. Nevertheless, he does plan to attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, but didn’t confirm whether he’ll perform.
Jones remarked: “I do plan to attend. I’m sure my whole family will be there. As to whether I get up on stage and perform hasn’t really been decided as yet. In some ways it might be nice just to be there to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy being inducted.”
Foreigner will be inducted alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Cher, Mary J. Blige, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang and A Tribe Called Quest. The ceremony will be held in Cleveland on October 19th, with a list of performers still to be announced.
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