The classic rock band Foreigner truly needs no introduction. Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 for a legendary career that has spanned 50-plus years and includes multiple top ten hits such as Double Vision, Cold As Ice, Hot Blooded, Feels Like the First Time, Urgent and I Want to Know What Love Is, the band has undoubtedly solidified themselves as one of the greatest acts to ever grace the stage.
On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Foreigner will return to the local area to perform a live show at the Corbin Arena as part of their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Celebration Tour. Recently, keyboardist Michael Bluestein took the time to chat about the upcoming show, as well as sharing some thoughts about what life is like as a member of one of the most iconic rock bands of all time.
“We’ve been touring the world, and it’s been great,” said Bluestein, who has been with Foreigner since 2008. “Here we are in 2025, still going.”
When asked what the experience has been like for him to get to play such an important role in the Foreigner musical legacy, Bluestein said, “It’s pretty amazing. Definitely a dream come true. I grew up in the seventies, and in the late-seventies these songs crushed the airwaves. I was listening to these songs as a kid, and by 2008 I had joined the band. It’s been amazing, I’ve got to tour the world several times over playing these huge hit songs for fans. It’s been a thrill, and it’s been an honor.”
Currently, Foreigner leader and founder Mick Jones is the only remaining original member of the band. As band members have been replaced for one reason or another over the years, the main focus has always been to enlist capable personnel who can adequately carry on the band’s legacy of producing timeless hits and offering fans unforgettable performances on the stage and in the studio.
Speaking about the importance of bringing capable musicians into the fold in order to ensure Foreigner continues to fire on all cylinders, Bluestein said, “There is a high bar as far as getting the right personnel and the right kind of players in the band. It’s really important that you have the right people who understand how the music is supposed to be played.”
Bluestein also said that members should bring a positive energy, as life on the road can be a grind and very demanding in a variety of ways.
Bluestein said that he and his bandmates are “psyched to be back” in southeast Kentucky for the Sept. 16 concert, adding, “We really look forward to seeing everyone at the show. It should be high energy, and we’re good to go.”
Foreigner will have some help at the Corbin Arena courtesy of the Williamsburg High School choir, who will be singing on stage during the performance of I Want to Know What Love Is, and will also be receiving a donation from Jones, Bluestein and company in the amount of $500. This is something that the band has been doing for many years in order to support music and arts programs in local school systems across the United States, and in other countries as well.
For more information on Foreigner, visit them online at www.foreigneronline.com. For details regarding their Sept. 16 concert in Corbin, search for the show on www.ticketmaster.com or contact the Arena box office directly by calling (606) 258-2020.
