Despite being eligible for entry since 2002, Foreigner have yet to receive a single nomination from the Cleveland, OH-based institution.
“I think it's very, very simple why, and that's because critics were never all that into Foreigner: they always viewed it as very commercial and corporate,” explains Pilson. “You always have to see where critics are coming from and, to them, when something sells a lot of records, in most cases, they will view that as having been because of some kind of compromise made by the artist. I don't feel like Foreigner did that, I feel like we made honest music that's just really good that people happen to like.
“I think that they just look down on the band and that's okay, they're critics, that's what they do. But I have a feeling that that has a lot to do with it because the Academy and everything very much reflects on that whole credible side of things and Foreigner was just never included in that.”
By any measure, Foreigner have a strong track record with music fans, having racked up five straight US Top 5 albums since the release of their 1977 self-titled debut while earning worldwide sales of more than 80 million records … long before Pilson joined the lineup in 2004.
“I think over time, I think someday Foreigner will get inducted,” says the rocker. “I don't think I will, nor necessarily should I, but I think the band will, and I do think the original guys really do deserve their due.”
Foreigner’s current lineup have shared the stage in recent years with original-era members, which the bassist feels bodes well for a smooth induction should it happen one day.
“Most bands get into such hostility between the new and old line up and all that kind of stuff,” Pilson adds. “I think to KISS and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, not letting two guys come up and play and all that kind of stuff. And I'm just so glad that we're beyond that, I really am. That, to me, feels like an evolution that's really healthy. And I know the fans love it and it makes for both bands to do better.
“I think when we get up there and play, we kick each other's butts. I wouldn't call it a competition really, but a motivation, Well, they are what they are and we are what we are; the common bond is this delightful music that [guitarist and founder] Mick [Jones] and, in many cases, [vocalist] Lou [Gramm] came up with and it just it really makes for a great evening. And it makes for a great long term band relationship that I think has helped carry the torch down the line. And so if they're passing it to us, we're gonna run to the finish line.”
Read more of Pilson’s interview at Misplaced Straws.
While Foreigner’s most recent studio album is 2009’s “Can’t Slow Down”, the group have released a number of live projects and compilations in recent years, including 2019’s “Double Vision: Then And Now”, which captured a 2017 reunion event in Michigan that featured original and current members.
Foreigner recently announced plans to headline the first socially-distant music festival in the US this spring as part of the Frontyard Festival in Orlando, FL.
See also:
Foreigner share Waiting For A Girl Like You from 2017 reunion show
Foreigner stream Head Games from 2017 reunion show
Foreigner share Cold As Ice from 2017 reunion concert
Foreigner mark Netflix debut of The Lovebirds with new version of I Want To Know What Love Is
Search Foreigner at hennemusic
