THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.
Batavia, NY – Legendary, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted vocalist Lou Gramm, best known as the original voice of Foreigner since the band’s formation in 1976, returned to Western New York for a powerful hometown performance at the Batavia Downs “2025 Summer Concert Series.” Before his meteoric rise with Foreigner, Gramm fronted the Rochester-based hard rock band Black Sheep, a local favorite that earned national attention before disbanding in the mid-’70s. Gramm remained with Foreigner through its most iconic years, ultimately parting ways with the band for the final time in 2003.
With the largest crowd of the season packing the venue, the atmosphere was electric from the start-locals from Rochester and beyond came out in full force to support one of their own. The weather was picture-perfect early on, but cooled down just as Gramm hit the stage, adding a chill to the air that couldn’t compete with the “Hot Blooded” energy pouring off the stage.
Gramm was backed by an all-star lineup that brought serious firepower to the stage. Guitar maestro Gary Hoey ripped through solos with precision and swagger, while legendary bassist Tony Franklin locked in the low end with finesse and punch. On drums, Ben Gramm-Lou’s brother-delivered rock-solid rhythms that gave the set its backbone. Keyboardist Jeff Jacobs, formerly of Foreigner, added familiar textures that tied the night together with an unmistakable classic rock vibe. Super-star saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, Scott Gilman stole the spotlight several times. For many in attendance, this lineup captured the heart of Foreigner’s classic sound. And with Lou at the helm, it was a clear reminder that he is the true voice of the band-an undeniable and essential part of those timeless hits.
The show kicked off right on time at 8:30 PM with a thunderous rendition of “Feels Like the First Time,” instantly pulling the crowd to their feet. Lou’s voice-gritty, soulful, and unmistakable-cut through the night air with conviction.
Before launching into “Long, Long Way from Home,” Gramm took a moment to reflect on Foreigner’s long-overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year. He spoke candidly about how bittersweet the honor felt, noting that founding guitarist Mick Jones is now battling Parkinson’s and was unable to attend the ceremony. Gramm also acknowledged the loss of fellow original members-Ian McDonald, who passed away in 2022, and Ed Gagliardi, who died in 2014—adding a layer of poignancy to the celebration.
Before launching into the Foreigner classic “Cold As Ice,” Gramm leaned into the mic and asked, “Can we turn it up a bit?”-a cue that sent the crowd roaring in agreement. The band delivered the classic anthem with intensity and precision, but the momentum briefly shifted when Lou’s brother Ben took an extended drum solo. While technically impressive, the solo stretched a bit long for an audience hungry for non-stop hits, prompting a few restless glances and murmurs.
Gramm quickly brought the crowd back with “Midnight Blue,” his highest-charting solo hit from the 1987 album Ready or Not. Gary Hoey’s guitar solo was tasteful and expressive, adding fresh bite to the track, while Jeff Jacobs’ haunting piano textures gave it emotional depth. Lou’s vocals-slowed down and soulful-set the tone for “That Was Yesterday,” which followed with a reflective, almost cinematic feel.
Then, with a sly grin and a raspy declaration- “It’s an emergency!”-Gramm launched into “Urgent,” igniting the crowd once again with its pulsing rhythm and sax-driven swagger.
Gramm’s rendition of the Foreigner hit “I Want to Know What Love Is” was simple and sincere. Though Mick Jones often gets primary credit for writing the song, Gramm’s vocal interpretation played an equally significant role in making it iconic. With his All-Stars, the arrangement was more stripped-back-no choir, no dramatic buildup-just a band playing it straight.
The band returned for an encore and stormed through the hits “Juke Box Hero” and “Hot Blooded,” delivering both with energy and precision that felt more club gig than theatrical showcase.
Unlike the current Foreigner lineup, which leans heavily into big arena rock show-style production and dramatic staging, Gramm’s performance had a more organic vibe. It felt like a real rock band on stage—not a spectacle. The songs stood on their own, delivered with clarity and purpose.
It was a great night out for classic rock fans at Batavia Downs, a venue that continues to deliver cool summer energy and a laid-back atmosphere. Lou Gramm, at 75, proved once again why he’s a true rock legend. Despite facing serious health challenges-including a life-threatening brain tumor and complex surgery that impacted his pituitary gland-Gramm still has the voice and spirit that made Foreigner’s hits iconic.
Gramm returns to Foreigner this fall for select performances during their “Foreigner 4 Deluxe Tour,” including stops in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Fans can expect him to join the current lineup for a few songs, adding a historic touch to the band’s latest chapter, which coincides with the deluxe reissue of their multi-platinum album “4.” Perhaps Foreigner should just go full in with Gramm. The band’s vocalist for the last 20 years, Kelly Hansen, is leaving at the conclusion of their current summer tour.
Batavia Downs isn’t done yet either. The summer concert series continues with Motown legends The Commodores on August 8, followed by the grand finale on August 15 featuring Kansas, celebrating 50 years of classic rock with hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind”. for more info go to https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/events/concerts/
Setlist
Feels Like the First Time
Double Vision
Long, Long Way From Home
Waiting for a Girl Like You
Blue Morning, Blue Day
Cold as Ice
Drum Solo
Midnight Blue
That Was Yesterday
Head Games
Urgent
I Want to Know What Love Is
Encore:
Juke Box Hero
Hot Blooded
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Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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