Al Greenwood found himself backstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland last weekend, surrounded by music legends that he had admired for years. The co-founder of Foreigner, who just turned 72, was overwhelmed by the moment and the music that had shaped his past.
He was in awe of artists like Dionne Warwick, Cher, Peter Frampton, Ozzy Osbourne, and Dave Matthews being inducted at the same time. Greenwood reminisced about growing up listening to the same music on the radio as these icons and being a fan of music in general.
Joining his longtime Foreigner bandmate Rick Wills, Greenwood took the stage with the band at The Venetian in Las Vegas for a sold-out run that opened on Friday night. This marked the first time that the Foreigner favorites from the 1970s had performed an entire run with the band.
Frontman Kelly Hansen, who has been leading the current Foreigner lineup for 20 years, has been instrumental in keeping the band’s legacy alive through their live performances. Hansen had even made pleas to the crowd to vote for Foreigner to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which ultimately led to their induction.
Despite missing the presence of founding guitarist Mick Jones, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2023, the band delivered a spectacular performance at The Venetian. Jones’ daughter accepted the Hall of Fame award on his behalf, and Greenwood expressed deep gratitude for Jones’ contributions to Foreigner over the years.
Looking ahead, Greenwood hopes that more deserving artists will be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He mentioned artists like Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Humble Pie, and Bad Company who are still waiting for their induction. He believes that the Hall of Fame should recognize a diverse range of artists who have made significant contributions to music.
In addition to the Foreigner reunion, the Raiders Show at Allegiant Stadium featured performances by Cypress Hill and Starship’s Mickey Thomas. Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, a former Raider and Chiefs player, lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch at the game.
For those seeking a cool hangout spot, Christine Shebeck’s “Soul Serenade: An Intimate Evening of Music” at Myron’s promises an evening of love, loss, and renewal through classic songs by music legends like Stevie Wonder, Judy Garland, and The Beatles. The show is also partnering with the Las Vegas charity Hope For the City for a teddy bear drive, encouraging attendees to bring a clean, new bear to support a good cause.
As the music scene continues to evolve, Greenwood remains hopeful that more artists will receive the recognition they deserve, and fans will have the opportunity to enjoy timeless music for years to come.
