Kelly Hansen, the voice of Foreigner since 2005, recently spoke candidly with Fox News Digital about the band's upcoming farewell tour, sharing insights into his experiences with fans, the challenges of maintaining vocal prowess, and the concerning trend of objects being hurled at performers.
Hansen expressed his mixed feelings about social media, revealing how unsettling encounters with obsessive fans online led him to reduce his online presence. He described stressful situations involving individuals claiming to be his spouse or traveling long distances based on fabricated instructions from imposters. While acknowledging these negative experiences, Hansen emphasized the positive connections he's made with fans as well.

The farewell tour, which kicked off in July 2023 and extends into 2024, marks a significant milestone for Hansen and the band. At 62, Hansen admitted the demanding vocal range of Foreigner's hits is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. He stressed his commitment to delivering quality performances, stating his unwillingness to compromise the band's music with backing tracks or other shortcuts.

Hansen discussed the importance of self-awareness and setting boundaries, particularly regarding the number of performances and the strain on his voice. He quoted Clint Eastwood's famous line, "A man's got to know his limitations," highlighting the need for artists, management, and agents to respect these boundaries.

The farewell tour coincides with the release of a limited-edition collector's album, "FAREWELL – The Very Best Of Foreigner." Hansen expressed his gratitude for the camaraderie he's shared with his bandmates and the incredible opportunity they've had to perform for audiences worldwide. He acknowledged that the most challenging aspect of the band's final chapter will be the reduced interaction with his fellow musicians.

Reflecting on his journey with Foreigner, Hansen recounted the internal dialogue he had with himself before joining the band in 2005, acknowledging the potential for criticism from fans who missed original vocalist Lou Gramm. He expressed confidence in his ability to deliver the songs authentically and embrace the significant life changes that would accompany joining such an iconic band.

Hansen also addressed the dangerous concert trend of throwing objects at performers. He explained how stage lighting creates a blinding effect, making it nearly impossible to see incoming projectiles. He described instances of unopened beer cans being hurled at him and emphasized the potential for serious injury. He characterized the behavior as a thoughtless bandwagon trend that disregards the safety of the very artists fans are supposedly there to support.

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