Community Concerts will bring the band Foreigner, one of the most popular rock acts in the world, to the Crown Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Michael Fleishman, Community Concerts Attractions Director, said of the upcoming show: “Foreigner is rock royalty. When it comes to hits, Foreigner is in the same realm as groups like Journey, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.

They’ve had amazing success, you know all the songs and we’re very lucky to have them. It’s gonna be a zoo in there! We are anticipating full capacity.”

English musician and lead guitarist Mick Jones established Foreigner in 1976, propelled by a desire “to combine Blues and R&B with British rock and make it sound soulful and authentic.” Jones and his original band mates, including Lou Gramm as lead vocalist, rocketed to stardom when they released their self-titled debut album in 1977. This album produced immediate hits such as “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice” and “Long, Long Way from Home.”
Foreigner has grown with the times – both in its membership and audience. Today, the band boasts 10 multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits spanning a 40-year legacy. Jones remains the band’s heartbeat and leader, but he is now joined by vocalist Kelly Hansen (since 2007), bassist Jeff Pilson, multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel, guitarist Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein on keyboards and Chris Frazier on drums.

According to Hansen, “The best part about being in this band is getting the chance to do something I feel I was meant to do…what happens on stage with this group of guys is something rare and palpable. It’s like the old saying, if I have to describe it, you wouldn’t understand.”

And Foreigner’s music’s appeal has not faded with the digital age, being featured in popular films such as “Anchorman 2,” “Magic Mike” and “Pitch Perfect” as well as the video game “Grand Theft Auto V.” Their most popular hits today include “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You” and “Double Vision.”

Community Concerts, responsible for bringing Foreigner to the Crown and holding the title of Fayetteville’s oldest art organization, was founded in 1935. The organization is an “all-volunteer, non-profit whose goal is to bring the finest in top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville.”

After the Foreigner concert on Feb. 25, Community Concerts will host the Australian singing sensation and world-renowned music group The Ten Tenors on March 18. This concert will be preceded by a short induction ceremony for new members into The Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame. Now going on its 10th year, The Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame was founded by Community Concerts to honor those who have brought musical distinction to the community.

This year’s season finale will take place on April 11 when Community Concerts features the Broadway smash hit, “RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles.”

Tickets to Foreigner range from $39.50 to $89.50 and are available in person at the Crown Box Office or online at www.CapeFearTix.com. There is a VIP package available when you buy online, which includes a pre-show photo with the band and an autographed limited edition CD, along with other bonuses.