In a surprising twist, Foreigner announced in 2022 their plans for retirement, but they have now reversed that decision. This change of heart comes as a result of finding a new lead singer who has revitalized the band’s energy and enthusiasm.

In a recent interview, bassist Jeff Pilson shared insights about this transformation, stating that the band is experiencing significant momentum. “There’s just a lot of forward movement, and the band is incredibly excited,” Pilson told Billboard. “What started off as being a farewell tour ended up being Kelly’s last tour and [the band] moving forward.”

He is referring to the group’s current vocalist, Kelly Hansen. Initially, the farewell tour was planned primarily due to Hansen’s desire to conclude his career on a high note while prioritizing time with his family.

“This catalog of songs is extremely challenging for a rock tenor vocalist like myself to sing,” he explained. “I never would have thought in a million years I’d be singing these songs in the keys at this age, and I don’t know how much longer I can do that at the level I need to.”

With their 2024 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the horizon, Foreigner has continued to expand their farewell tour schedule. However, it was recently announced by Hansen that the North American leg this summer would be his final performances with the band.

“Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he declared. “But it’s time to pass the mic.”

READ MORE: Lou Gramm Reveals Why He Quit Foreigner

Fortunately, a seamless transition was in the making, as the band had already found a capable replacement within their ranks. When Hansen was unable to join Foreigner on a recent tour of Latin America, multi-instrumentalist Luis Maldonado, who became part of the group in 2021, stepped up to fill the lead singer role and wowed both his bandmates and the audience. He is now set to take on the position of Hansen’s successor.

“Luis really had no intention of this,” Pilson told Billboard. “He was trying to talk Kelly into staying. And when it became clear Kelly really wants to live a life now…Luis just stepped up and, oh my God, that voice came through.”

Having joined Foreigner in 2004, Pilson is the longest-serving member of the touring band. He mentioned that founding guitarist and band leader Mick Jones, who is currently off the road due to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis revealed last year, fully supports the decision to keep touring and recording new music.

Founding lead singer Lou Gramm, who has been making guest appearances at recent shows, has also expressed his willingness to support the band in any way possible. “Making this change, with Luis, with Mick and Lou’s endorsement and having the whole organization working more together, has been such a positive thing,” says Pilson.