Concert Reports
Foreigner
06/18/2025, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles
Foreigner performed on “The Voice” on Tuesday May 20 and Kelly Hansen announced his retirement on the show while passing the torch to the band’s new lead singer Luis Maldonado. Kelly will ride off into the sunset at the conclusion of the band’s last U.S. show in 2025 and Luis will be the band’s new lead singer starting in 2026, just in time to celebrate the band’s 50th Anniversary next year. Foreigner’s appearance at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on June 28th would be the last time local fans could see Kelly with the band.
All Photos: Ray Soto / Central Coast Rocks
ForeignerOnline.com
Goodbyes should be a Party, and Foreigner put on a Rock n Roll Party for the ages as they bid adieu to singer Kelly Hansen in what is the front man’s final tour with the band after 20 years of service. The night was filled with “Lots of energy, songs you've known forever- in fact more songs than you think you know from the Foreigner catalog, and plenty of audience participation!” as Bassist Jeff Pilson told us pre show when asked to describe the group’s live experience.
The band’s chemistry was evident from the first notes of the show opening “Double Vision,” which had the capacity crowd on its feet under the stars at Vina Robles Amphitheatre. “Well our chemistry is incredible. It's like a family, but with everyone incredibly focused on preserving and advancing the Foreigner legacy,” Pilson added in our pre show conversation.
“Head Games”, and “Cold As Ice” followed before the band slowed things down momentarily with “Waiting For a Girl Like You” before launching into a bombastic version of “Dirty White Boy.”
The night was a Greatest Hits sendoff & celebration to the band’s storied career as well as for singer Hansen, who cut his teeth in the 80’s band Hurricane before joining Foreigner in 2001. The singer effortlessly & confidently engaged the crowd throughout the night as only a seasoned rocker can do, at one point declaring to the crowd “Our only goal here tonight is to have a great time with all of you guys alright!?” Guitarist Luis Maldonado will step into the lead vocals spot and by all accounts is a fitting replacement as he already has some shows as front man under his belt. “The fact that our soon-to-be new singer (Luis) comes from within the band shows how deep the talent pool is that Mick (Jones) put together.” Bassist Jeff Pilson added.
The band continued to bombard the crowd with mega hits “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” followed by engaging keyboard and drum solos that sequed into “Juke Box Hero,”
“Long, Long Way from Home” “I Want To Know What Love Is” (which included The Paso Robles High School Choir on stage ) and “Hot Blooded” ended the show in a blazing trifecta of an encore.
Just how long can Foreigner persevere and how many more generations could the band reach, either with this lineup or with different lineups? “Our goal is to spread the word about Foreigner and its' music so that people will still listen 100 years from now. We've already got 50 under our belt!” Bassist Jeff Pilson told us, and after witnessing the band’s amazing show, we tend to believe him.
Interview with Foreigner’s Jeff Pilson
CentralCoastRocks.com: Welcome back to Paso Robles. The last time you guys played Vina Robles ( 2019 ) you really brought the house down. Describe your live show for people who will be seeing you for the first time.
Jeff Pilson: Lots of energy, songs you've known forever- in fact more songs than you think you know from the Foreigner catalog, and plenty of audience participation!
CentralCoastRocks.com: Some things have changed since 2019, most notably Foreigner has been inducted into The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Although none of the current band were inducted, I believe the last twenty years were crucial for induction as you guys kept the music alive on tour for older & newer fans alike. Those of you who attended the induction ceremony, what are your impressions from that night.
Jeff Pilson: It was exciting, but very chaotic on the day. But it made for a great night of rock and roll and one of the more memorable experiences we've ever faced in my time with the band.
CentralCoastRocks.com: You have a storied career in the Music Industry, was there a certain event or personality that inspired you to pursue music?
Jeff Pilson: Seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan was a pivotal moment for me. And how ironic that Mick Jones, at the time playing with a French artist named Sylvie Vartan, was partying with the Beatles the night they received the telegram from Brian Epstein saying I Wanna Hold Your Hand had gone to #1 in America. I knew music was gonna be my path. Then when I heard Chris Squire from Yes as a 15 yr old, that's when I knew what kind of a bassist I should be. I met him when I was 17 and he was so polite and courteous to me- an excited kid- that I'll never forget that and have tried to be cool with fans ever since.
CentralCoastRocks.com: Mick Jones brought a fantastic group of musicians together to carry on the songs of Foreigner, tell us about the chemistry in the band & what are some of the highlights for yourself through the years being in the band?
Jeff Pilson: Well our chemistry is incredible. It's like a family, but with everyone incredibly focused on preserving and advancing the Foreigner legacy. The fact that our soon-to-be new singer (Luis) comes from within the band shows how deep the talent pool is that Mick put together. We truly love and care for one another, which is good because we sure spend a lot of time together!
CentralCoastRocks.com: I know you guys stay busy when not touring with Foreigner. What side projects are you currently involved in?
Jeff Pilson: Michael Bluestein has been doing some cool jazz stuff, and you can search and buy that online. He's such an incredible musician and his stuff is beautiful. He also does stuff with his fiancee Tina- they love making great music together. Chris Frazier is doing some projects with Billy Sheehan and other really great musicians. It's great cuz Chris is such a fantastic player so it's wonderful for him to get to show what he's capable of. And yes, I have The End machine with George Lynch, Girish Pradhan and Steve Brown- younger brother of Dokken drummer Mick Brown. Great music and an opportunity for George and I to play, write and record with each other. We love doing that. Plus I have Black Swan with Reb Beach, Robin McAuley and Matt Starr. Another great opportunity for us to write and work together. And sometime next year I wanna release a progressive rock project I have with Craig Goldy, Scott Warren and Tim Pedersen. It's music that no one would expect from me but it's music from a very deep place that people absolutely have to hear. It's very intense! Plus all these guys are dear friends. I feel lucky!
CentralCoastRocks.com: Foreigner celebrates their 50th Anniversary in 2026 with dates already booked in Las Vegas. In your opinion, with the group’s timeless music and endless hits, how many more generations could the band reach, either with this lineup or with different lineups.
Jeff Pilson: Our goal is to spread the word about Foreigner and its' music so that people will still listen 100 years from now. We've already got 50 under our belt!
CentralCoastRocks.com : Plans for the rest of the year & Final words for your fans?
Jeff Pilson: Lots of shows, more recordings, including Spanish versions sung by Luis, and a TV special and 50th anniversary Tribute record with special guests next year. So all I can say is Thank You!!!!
www.ForeignerOnline.com
www.VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com
About Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Welcome to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where European Inspiration meets California Character and the stars always shine. Here, two of California's great compositions meet, as exceptional wine and intimate live music are paired to create an unforgettable wine country experience.
The 3,300 seat boutique amphitheatre is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. With its opening in the summer of 2013, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first class hospitality. The concert season runs from May through November and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options all within 150 feet from the stage, including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating, make events accessible to anyone in the community. We look forward to sharing our love of wine and the arts with you soon. For more information about the Vina Robles Winery, Click Here