Kelly Hansen is preparing to step away from his role as Foreigner’s frontman after two decades with the classic rock band, but he’s careful about how he describes this major life transition.
“I’m trying not to use the word retirement. I don’t even know what that means,” the 64-year-old singer told People in an interview. “I’m not looking for future work. I’m so fortunate to be able to make that choice.”
Hansen announced his departure in May during an appearance on “The Voice.” His final performance with the band is scheduled for October 11 at the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
COVID-19 Lockdown Sparked Reflection
The decision to leave Foreigner didn’t happen overnight. Hansen began contemplating this change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns forced him to spend extended time at his Los Angeles home. The former “Hurricane” frontman had recently married at the time. He experienced all four seasons at home for the first time in his career.
“I started to have the sense of being home. I started to say, ‘Wow, this is something I haven’t had in my life for a very long time,'” he recalled. “I had this feeling of what it’s like to be home and also with a sense of, I feel I have some kind of stability financially and otherwise, where I could start thinking about making a choice that’s different than what I’m doing. Although I love what I do, I’ve been in this business nearly 50 years, and I put in my time.”
Following his decision, Hansen and his bandmates discussed various options for the group’s future. Conversations even included the possibility of disbanding Foreigner, which originally formed in 1976. Ultimately, the “Juke Box Hero” performers decided that guitarist Luis Maldonado would assume lead vocals after Hansen’s departure.
Hansen has addressed speculation about health concerns influencing his choice, firmly stating he’s “completely healthy,” according to People. He acknowledged that “physicality plays a part because these songs are really difficult to do at the level and the standard that I will accept.”
Mick Jones remains the only founding member still affiliated with the band. He no longer tours due to his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Current members include Maldonado, Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, Chris Frazier, and Jeff Pilson.
Embracing a Different Lifestyle
Hansen’s perspective on work-life balance evolved through his extensive international touring experience. “I think that Americans, in a way, have a work ethic that says, work till you die, and I thought to myself, I’ve traveled the world, I’ve seen a lot of places, I’ve seen a lot of cultures and I’ve experienced how other people in other countries approach living and the style of living,” he explained. “I said to myself, I want to enjoy and live my life. I have many other passions and pursuits.”
As his final shows approach, Hansen has been documenting the experience both mentally and emotionally. “I don’t want to not acknowledge the weight of this for me, and I’m not even going to assume what the weight is like for anybody else. I want it to be joyous, and I want it to be memorable, and I want it to be fun,” he stated.
He described his current mindset. “I’ve been telling the audience that I’m taking mental snapshots because this year is different than the 20 years prior, because the 20 years prior were the blur of being in the thick of it. Now I’m poking my head out of the forest, and I’m seeing the pasture ahead, and I’m not just fighting the trees every day. I’m seeing the sun, the pasture in front of me.”
Hansen has developed strategies to manage the emotional intensity of his farewell performances. He mentioned building “mechanisms” in his mind to use when feeling “emotionally overwhelmed.”
Looking ahead to his post-Foreigner life, Hansen plans to pursue personal interests, including cooking and working with cars and mechanics. “I really am not troubled by living a smaller life. I really am not. I mean, I’ve lived, my whole life has been loud music and bright lights and a lot of [expletive], and I spent a lot of my time trying to avoid [expletive] landmines, and I don’t want to have to do that. I just want to live my life with my friends and my family and just dig it,” he stated.
On October 5, Hansen reflected on his remaining performances in an Instagram post. “As the shows are winding down for me, I still feel all the encouragement and support. Wow, only 2 left. Thank you all so much!… OK & TX ROCK!!” he wrote.
Supporters responded warmly in the comments section. “Wishing I could be present for your last shows but cannot. Thank you for breathing new life into the band 20 years ago and for your amazing showmanship! Wishing you happiness and continued success in this next chapter,” one fan wrote.
