Lou Gramm, the original lead singer of the iconic 1970s rock band Foreigner, has announced plans to release one final solo album before officially retiring from music. The 75-year-old artist revealed that this upcoming record will feature previously unreleased material and fresh compositions, offering fans a final musical offering. He also indicated a supporting tour for the album.
Key Takeaways
- Lou Gramm will release a new solo album, tentatively titled Released, in 2026.
- The album includes songs from his 1987 and 1989 solo archives, plus new material.
- Gramm plans a tour to support the new album.
- He will retire from music after the album and tour, ending a career spanning over 50 years.
- Gramm is a member of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
A Look Back at Unfinished Works
Gramm shared details about the creation of his forthcoming album with Ultimate Classic Rock. He explained that he revisited his solo archives. During this process, he found tracks originally intended for his 1987 album, Ready or Not, and his 1989 album, Long Hard Look. These recordings had not made the final cut for their respective albums due to various reasons.
The singer described the experience as a "labor of love." He noted that many songs written and recorded do not always get finished in time for an album's release. Often, these unfinished tracks contain valuable musical ideas.
"It was a labor of love, for sure, going back to listen to some of these almost finished songs from my solo albums," Gramm told Ultimate Classic Rock. "You know, a lot of the stuff that you write and record, the songs that get finished first are the ones that end up on the album. Some of the ones that aren't finished soon enough to make the cut are some of the gems."
Rediscovering Hidden Gems
Gramm further elaborated on his discovery process. He pulled out old 24-track tapes and played them on his equipment. This allowed him to listen to rough versions of songs that had remained incomplete. He found three or four songs with strong musical foundations.
These tracks were not included on previous albums simply because they were not completed in time. The ideas within these recordings, however, were still compelling. This prompted Gramm to finish the songs and develop new material based on these unearthed concepts for his next solo project.
Did You Know?
Lou Gramm co-wrote many of Foreigner's biggest hits, including "I Want to Know What Love Is," "Waiting for a Girl Like You," and "Juke Box Hero." His distinctive voice became a hallmark of 1970s and 1980s rock music.
The Album: Released and Upcoming Tour
The new album is provisionally titled Released. This title reflects Gramm's decision to bring these previously unheard songs out of obscurity. He plans for the record to be available to the public in 2026. Along with the album, Gramm intends to embark on a tour to support the release.
While his current focus includes Foreigner's upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations and new material for the band, Gramm stated his strong commitment to his solo work. He expressed hope that fans would listen to the new album and enjoy it.
Balancing Commitments
Gramm emphasized that his dedication to his solo career remains strong, even with other professional engagements. He told the outlet, "You know my focus is on Foreigner right now going into the 50th anniversary and new material and this and that. But I am also very, very dedicated to the work I've done on my own, and I'll be touring to support it. I hope everybody gives it a listen."
This tour will mark a significant moment, as it will be his last opportunity to perform for fans before stepping away from the stage permanently. It offers followers a final chance to experience his live performances.
Foreigner's Legacy
Foreigner, formed in New York in 1976, became one of the world's best-selling bands of all time, with worldwide album sales exceeding 80 million. Lou Gramm was instrumental in their success, contributing his powerful vocals and songwriting talents to many of their most enduring tracks.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
The announcement of the new album came alongside Gramm's confirmation of his upcoming retirement from music. His career has spanned over 50 years, during which he has achieved significant milestones. These include induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Gramm reflected on his decision to retire, indicating a desire for a quieter life. He looks forward to spending more time at home and with his family and friends. These are aspects of life he has often had to sacrifice due to his extensive touring schedule and musical commitments.
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Over 50 years in the music industry.
- Known for his powerful vocal range and songwriting contributions.
Embracing a New Chapter
For Gramm, the timing feels right to conclude his professional music career. He believes he has achieved all he set out to do. He shared his thoughts on this transition, stating, "[I'd like to] just stay off the road and enjoy my home, the surroundings and my family and friends, something that I've had to sacrifice for over 50 years."
He added, "I've done all there is to do I feel. And being in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are huge milestones for me. You know, I think in this business, you just know when it's time." This sentiment highlights a desire for personal fulfillment after decades dedicated to his craft.
The upcoming album and tour will serve as a final farewell from one of rock music's most recognizable voices. Fans anticipate this last chapter in his storied career, celebrating his contributions to music before his retirement.