There was a bit of drama as the inductees began arriving and rehearsals began in Cleveland on Thursday (October 17) for this year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony as word got out that two original members of Foreigner – including founder Mick Jones – would not will be attending this weekend.
Jones, who founded Foreigner in 1976 in New York, is battling Parkinson's disease, which will keep him away from the festivities.
Drummer Dennis Elliott posted a note on Facebook that he will also not be attending the event, where the band will be joining after their first nomination this year. Elliott – who was with the band from 1976-1993 – wrote, “Dear Foreign fans and friends. Don't look too hard, we won't be there. We were finally given the schedule last night, and we are not happy with it. So we stay at home. We have been asking for weeks and they waited until the last minute to send it knowing we were all full and going to bed. Totally unacceptable to us. I hope you have a good time.”
Sources in Cleveland report Bulletin board that a particular point of contention was that only the band members should walk the red carpet before the show, without their husbands.
The band released a statement via social media saying: “FOREIGNER is very much looking forward to Saturday's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The band will be joined by Demi Lovato, Sammy Hagar and Kelly Clarkson in a set celebrating the introduction of the kids who started it all almost fifty years ago. Original members Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood and Rick Wills will be there to accept the awards on behalf of band leader and founder Mick Jones, drummer Dennis Elliot and the departed Ian McDonald and Ed Gagliardi.
Members of Foreigner's current lineup are expected to perform during Saturday's ceremony at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which will be streamed live on Disney+.
Fans who responded to Elliott offered support, with one writing “this is very sad news” and another calling it a “travesty”.
Xenos, eligible since 2002, has long been considered one of the Rock Hall's biggest draws over the years. The band has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, with hits including 'Feels Like the First Time', 'Cold as Ice', 'Hot Blooded', 'Juke Box Hero' and 'I Want to Know What Love Is'. Foreigner finished third in the fan vote, with 528,000.
Foreigner will be part of a class of 2024 that also includes Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne and A Tribe Called Quest in the artist category.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/foreigner-rock-hall-induction-2024-mick-jones-dennis-elliott-absent-1235804929/
