Foreigner in Sacramento

About Foreigner

Foreigner formed in 1976 when British guitarist Mick Jones and American Lou Gramm teamed up to write arena rock anthems that somehow balanced stadium-sized choruses with genuine emotional weight. They hit their stride in the early 1980s, when "Cold as Ice" became their first hit, followed by the double-platinum album "4," which spawned "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "Juke Box Hero." "I Want to Know What Love Is," complete with gospel choir, became their signature song and one of the most ubiquitous power ballads ever recorded. The band sold over 30 million records worldwide, dominating MTV and rock radio throughout the decade. While their heyday was the 80s, they've remained a touring act, and their songs have maintained a weird cultural permanence—part stadium rock legacy, part unironic middle school dance soundtrack.

Foreigner crowds are predictable but genuinely into it. People come ready to sing along to every word of the ballads. The energy picks up noticeably when "Cold as Ice" hits. Lou Gramm's voice has weathered, but there's still something compelling about watching people in their fifties and sixties actually move.

Known for I Want to Know What Love Is, Cold as Ice, Waiting for a Girl Like You, Juke Box Hero, Double Vision

Foreigner + Sacramento

Foreigner's most recent Sacramento stop landed them at Hard Rock Live in June, where they rolled through a 13-song set anchored by arena rock classics like Double Vision. The band has maintained a steady presence in the region, continuing their reputation for reliable, no-nonsense rock performances that appeal to both longtime fans and casual listeners.

Foreigner in Sacramento News

• New Year’s Eve countdown underway, here’s where to celebrate FOX40 · Dec 30, 2025
• Foreigner at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland 6/21 and Includes Lincoln HS Choir KFBK · Jun 9, 2025
• Lou Gramm wants to continue to tour as Foreigner’s special guest Rock and Roll Garage · Jun 5, 2025
• Kelly Hansen Announces Departure from Foreigner WMGK · May 21, 2025
• Foreigner Announce Canadian Fall Tour Exclaim! · Mar 24, 2025

Live Music in Sacramento

Sacramento's music landscape is fragmented in interesting ways—strong indie and hip-hop communities, a scrappy punk tradition, but not a ton of arena rock nostalgia like you'd find in LA or the Bay. That means Foreigner's hard rock fundamentals and catalog depth might hit differently here, playing to people who appreciate the craft rather than just the reunion appeal.

Sacramento road trip to see Foreigner?

Stay in Midtown Sacramento, where the neighborhood actually feels alive—walk to restaurants, bars, and galleries without planning logistics. Dinner at The Kitchen restaurant offers precise, ingredient-focused cooking that pairs well with the area's wine bar culture. Spend an afternoon at the Crocker Art Museum, one of the country's oldest art institutions, or wander the American River Bike Trail if you need to clear your head before the show. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets and vintage architecture beat anywhere else in town.