Upon arrival at the AB we learned that contrary to earlier communication there was indeed a support act lined up before Foreigner would take the stage themselves. The support act went by the name of Deborah Bonham, sister of the late John Bonham and aunt of mister Jason Bonham who occupied the drum stool with the headlining act. Fellow Rock Report editor Antoinette was quick to tell me that misses Bonham released an album chock full of pop rock tunes in the ’80’s but despite the album getting critical acclaim it was never released outside of Europe due to complications with then label Carrere.
Little or nothing was heard of Deborah until now. Tonight’s performance was in support of her 2004 album “The Old Hyde” and sees her walking a different musical route. The new direction is best described as blues rock with a touch of soul. Although not my preferred cup of tea I have to admit I was most impressed with her vocals. She brought her songs with much passion and emotion while being backed up by a group of solid musicians, including founding member of Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley. All in all a nice introduction to the music of another member of the Bonham family and one that was greeted with enthusiasm by a large part of the crowd.

Foreigner’s performance started with an intro tape inviting us to go on a trip to some of music’s best known classic rock songs and the 700 or so people who had bothered to show up were eager to leave the station. And once we were off there was no stopping this 90 minute melodic rock roller coaster ride.
The current line-up of the band - as SDR correctly remarked - can easily be filled under the “super group” banner. Besides founding member Mick Jones, there was Jeff Jacobs on keyboards, Thom Gimbel on guitar, flute and sax (and boy does he know how to handle the latter!), Jason Bonham on the skins, former Dokken and War & Peace member Jeff Pilson on bass and ex-Hurricane vocalist Kelly Hansen. To tell you the truth-and this may sound weird to some of you-my main reason for being here tonight was the catch a glimpse of the latter 2 gentlemen…and to hear some classic Foreigner at the same time. And mister Pilson and Hansen didn’t disappoint me. Along with Jason Bonham, Jeff provided the perfect backbone for both the rockin’ and more laidback stuff. He also used the space provided by the AB stage, working’ the crowd and bangin’ his head fiercely. But I was simply awestruck by the vocal powers of Kelly Hansen who was every bit as good (if not better!) than original vocalist Lou Gramm. Kelly first joined the band a little over a year ago and according to Mick he brought with him the much needed energy. And it showed cause you could tell from all of the member’s faces that they were happy being on stage, bringing their music to an appreciative audience.
The set list on the current tour is made up of some of the band’s best known cuts such as “Cold As Ice”, “Jukebox Hero”, “Waiting For A Girl Like You”, “Dirty White Boy”, “Urgent” and “Head Games”. Of course a Foreigner wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory “I Wanna Know What Love Is” and needless to say this track was received with much enthusiasm from the crowd.
As with all good things the performance came to and end a bit too soon but when the house lights went back on both the band and the audience left the building with a satisfied feeling.