With Rock icons Foreigner ’s inclusion in the list of nominees possibly headed to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, some big names are stumping for the band to finally get their flowers.
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Well overdue for a Rock Hall nod, as to be eligible an individual artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination, Foreigner arrived on this year’s ballot for the first time in the band’s history after forming in New York City in 1976, releasing their self-titled debut album the following year.
Nominated this year alongside a bevy of other first-timers , a few of music’s biggest names have decided to speak up in order to sway the vote Foreigner’s way. DJ and producer Mark Ronson posted a video to his social channels arguing for the induction of the band alongside musician and actor Jack Black , Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl , Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash , Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith , and Queens of the Stone Age ’s Josh Homme .
“Yes, Mick is my stepdad and I love him more than anything,” Ronson says in the video’s caption, providing full disclosure of his family ties to founding member Mick Jones .
"Everything that made me want to be a record producer came from being in the studio watching Foreigner make records. I’m still completely in awe of the sound of those first five albums. Guitars with swagger and bite. Heavy drums that groove like a mutha with the bass. Wide layers of synths. And then there’s that voice. And those songs. It’s really crazy," Ronson says. "It’s also kind of crazy that this is the first time they’ve ever been on the ballot for the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame - after 20 years of eligibility," he adds. "Enjoy this video and VOTE BABY VOTE!”
In the clip, Dave Grohl explains how he’s “loved Foreigner since [he] got their debut record,” ripping into a beat when he admits, “There’s one drum riff that I have used in more than a few songs.” Then, we see Jack Black as he belts out his best “I Want to Know What Love Is” before begging, “Hey, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, open the door! Foreigner’s waiting outside. Let ’em in.”
Finally, QOTSA’s Josh Homme adds, “You want to know what love is? Love is putting Foreigner in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” while RHCP’s Chad Smith admits, “I can’t believe they’re not in already -- oh my God!”
The 2024 Rock Hall inductees will be announced in late April while the official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2024 Induction Ceremony will take place in Cleveland, OH this fall with date and on-sale information still to be announced. The ceremony will once again stream live on Disney+ and be available on Hulu the following day, with a special airing on ABC at a later date.
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