Foreigner hits 50: Rocking Ellis Island like it’s 1976 all over again
Ellis Island is famous for its history, immigration lines, and getting grilled by stern officials. Soon it’ll be known for something a little louder: Foreigner celebrating 50 years of rocking the planet with one heck of an intimate concert.
On September 6, the band that gave us "I Want to Know What Love Is" is flipping the script; trading giant arenas for a 250-person show on this legendary island.
Because nothing says American Dream like belting out power ballads where millions started their dreams (or nightmares).
Flip
Foreigner
Foreigner
Followers: 3.7M
Foreigner is a British-American rock band formed in New York City in 1976. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Lou Gramm, guitarist Mick Jones, drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald (formerly of King Crimson), and bassist Ed Gagliardi. Foreigner is one of the best-selling bands of all time, with worldwide sales exceeding 80 million records, including 38 million in the US.
This content adapted from the Wikipedia page Foreigner (band), licensed via CC BY-SA. Content retrieved was modified to fit the context and style of this story.
How to snag tickets: social media or bust
Want in? Dust off your thumbs and brace yourself for the digital Godzilla that is Foreigner’s social media giveaway. Like the post, tag a friend who pretends to know the lyrics, and slam that follow button like your rock cred depends on it, because it kinda does. Winners get ferry rides and tickets, making "boat party" suddenly sound way cooler. No cash needed.
Miss it? Don’t panic just yet. Premium and VIP tickets are on deck, but pro tip: surrender your phone at the door because this gig is being filmed for a documentary dropping in 2026. No selfies, no TikToks, just pure, unfiltered rock nostalgia. And if Lou Gramm calls on you for a duet, well, may your vocal cords be merciful.
The eternal quest for rock ‘n’ roll immortality
To turn the nostalgia up to full blast, Foreigner is reissuing their 1981 classic 4, complete with 60 exclusive photos. If you’ve ever wanted to own a rock album with more selfies than a Kardashian, this is your moment. Pre-order it now and have bragging rights before you even set foot on Ellis Island.
So forget chasing elusive dreams, sometimes all you need is a killer guitar riff and a legendary rock ballad to feel alive. As Foreigner rocks the island, Lady Liberty might just raise her torch in approval. Or she might roll her eyes. Either way, it’s going to be a night to remember.
Good luck winning tickets. May your tagging be swift, your luck legendary, and your dance moves—well, let’s just say history is made for those who dare.
Foreigner marks their 50th anniversary with an epic celebration! Catch the legendary band on their new tour dates, featuring ...
Louis Andrew Grammatico , known professionally as Lou Gramm, is an American singer and songwriter.
Once we were young
Key Takeaways
Foreigner is hosting an intimate concert on Ellis Island to celebrate 50 years of rock music, turning the historic site into a venue for nostalgia and power ballads.
Foreigner is hosting a 250-person concert on Ellis Island, flipping the script from giant arenas to a more intimate setting.
Tickets are exclusively available through a social media giveaway, making for a digital scramble among fans.
The event includes a reissue of Foreigner's 1981 classic album 4, complete with exclusive photos, adding to the nostalgic experience.