Mick Jones, the founder of the band Foreigner, announced on social media that he has been battling Parkinson’s disease for several years. Due to his health issues, he has been unable to perform live with the band since 2022, with some of his struggles being a result of neurodegenerative disorders such as tremors, stiffness, balance problems, and slow mobility. Jones confirmed that Parkinson’s is a daily struggle, and he is finding it difficult to be at his best when performing onstage. Nonetheless, he is actively involved in Foreigner and remains a presence backstage.
Despite his absence, Foreigner recently embarked on a farewell tour, with Kelly Hansen as the group’s frontman. Jeff Pilson, rather than Jones, is currently filling in for the bassist’s role. Jones has participated in a select number of performances at various shows on the tour, returning for some of the band’s most famous tracks.
A 79-year-old musician, Mick Jones is Foreigner’s last remaining original member. He formed the band in New York in 1976 with Lou Gramm, Dennis Elliott, Al Greenwood, Ian McDonald, and Ed Gagliardi. Foreigner’s self-titled debut album in 1977 was a hit, and the band’s most well-known tracks include ‘Feels Like the First Time,’ ‘Cold As Ice,’ and ‘Long, Long Way From Home.’ Currently, they have been nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024.
Many members of the music industry have come out in full support of Foreigner’s inclusion, such as Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, members of Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N’ Roses, and Queens of the Stone Age. Mark Ronson is leading the charge to have the band inducted. Although they have been eligible since 2002, 2024 marks the first year Foreigner has been nominated for induction into the Cleveland hall. Meanwhile, Ronson has reshared the post prompting Jones’ battle with Parkinson’s, describing the musician as “brave, honest, and beautiful,” and proud and lucky to have grown up with him.
Foreigner’s rocky road shows that despite health issues, perseverance, hope, and love for one’s fans will always be the driving force behind musicians’ ambitions
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