Jukebox heroes

Foreigner just keeps rolling on the road, armed with hits and notwerthy openers

Foreigner may not have needed to remind fans of its platinum catalog, which includes more than 75 million albums sold and 16 top30 hits, but the classic-rock band is doing just that with its recently released DVD “Foreigner with the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus.”

Over the last month, the concert has aired on PBS stations across the nation.

“We’re just happy it’s out there and people are liking it,” said multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel, calling from somewhere in Virginia. “It’s been really wellreceived and so successful. It was on the top of the classical charts in Europe. That was really nice.”

The orchestral concert is one of two DVDs the band may be releasing in a short amount of time. Last fall the outfit reunited with original singer Lou Gramm, who can be heard on Foreigner hits including “Juke Box Hero,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “Hot Blooded,” “Cold as Ice,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

The two special shows, which also included former members Dennis Elliott, Al Greenwood, Ian McDonald and Rick Wills, were recorded at a Michigan casino for a future DVD project release.

“It was so much fun,” Gimbel said. “Of course, everybody loves Lou. We were so glad to see him come back. Every once in a while, Mick and Lou get back together, tell stories and reconnect. We did this big concert. It was the original band, new band and then both bands together. It’s really just like Mick Jones’ giant musical family at that point.”

These days, Jones is the only remaining original member of Foreigner, which continues to play for sellout crowds every year. The band’s newest tour, which features openers Whitesnake and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, comes through Northeast Ohio for a show July 10 at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls.

“We’re psyched to return to Ohio,” Gimbel said. “So many years I remember playing there, it’s just the energy with the people in this part of the country. They really know how to rock, and that’s been something that’s been consistent over the years. We’re looking forward to it.”

Likewise, Foreigner fans should be looking forward to a lean-and-mean set that mirrors its seven-timesplatinum 1982 greatest hits effort “Records” with monster hit “I Want to Know What Love Is” and popular album track “Starrider” added in for good measure. The latter tune features Jones on vocals.

“‘Starrider’ really gives Mick a chance to go into outer space,” Gimbel said. “It’s like an adventure into the stars, and he really steps up and knocks it out of the park.”

Considering the different iterations of Foreigner appear to be on good terms, it does bode well for a peaceful, drama-free experience if the band ever makes it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“That kind of stuff is always just an honor, and if it happens, it’s great,” Gimbel said.

“I was so thrilled to be there when Mick and Lou were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.”

Guitarist Mick Jones, center, is the only original member of the band who performs with the group on a regular basis.