50th ACURA Grand Prix Of Long Beach Delivers On A Tradition Of Spectacle
With FOREIGNER
Foreigner headlined the Saturday night concert at the 50th Anniversary Acura
Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 12, 2025, delivering a high-energy
performance that complemented the motorsport festivities. The concert took
place at 6:30 p.m. PT at the Terrace Theater Plaza, an outdoor stage in the
heart of the Grand Prix’s vibrant atmosphere, and was free for all Saturday
ticket holders, enhancing the weekend’s appeal for race fans. Below is a
detailed overview of Foreigner’s appearance, the context of the event, and
specifics about their performance, based on available information.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, held April 11–13, 2025, celebrated its
50th anniversary as North America’s longest-running major street race,
drawing approximately 190,000 fans over three days. The event featured the
NTT INDYCAR SERIES, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Super Drift
Challenge, Stadium Super Trucks, GT America, and a Historic Formula
Exhibition showcasing Formula 5000, Formula 1, and IndyCar vehicles.
Off-track attractions included a Lifestyle Expo, Family Fun Zone, food
trucks, and concerts, with Foreigner’s performance serving as a
centerpiece of the Saturday evening festivities. The Grand Prix, often
called “America’s Fastest Beach Party,” is known for blending high-speed
racing with entertainment, and Foreigner’s inclusion aligned with this
tradition, especially given their own milestone approaching—50 years since
their formation in 1976.
Foreigner, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee (class of 2024),
performed a setlist packed with their classic hits, including “I Want to
Know What Love Is,” “Cold As Ice,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “Hot Blooded,” as
highlighted in promotional materials. The band’s current touring lineup
for the event consisted of:
• Kelly Hansen – Lead vocals,
percussion
• Jeff Pilson – Bass, backing vocals, keyboards
•
Michael Bluestein – Keyboards, keytar, backing vocals
• Bruce Watson
– Lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
• Chris Frazier – Drums,
percussion
• Luis Maldonado – Rhythm and lead guitars, backing
vocals, occasional lead vocals
Mick Jones, the band’s founder
and lead guitarist, has not made appearances as a general rule due to
Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2024. The intensity and tone of this
performance, however, did not miss a beat or tone inflection since this
touring band covers the original FOREIGNER perfect in every note.
A standout moment was Foreigner’s collaboration with students from
Jordan High School’s choir, who joined the band for “I Want to Know What
Love Is.” Juan-Jose Garcia, the choir director, described the experience
as unforgettable, noting the students’ exposure to “rock ‘n roll energy”
and the recognition of their talent. This collaboration added a local
community element, resonating with the packed crowd at Terrace Theater
Plaza.
The performance was praised for its energy and connection with the
audience. A Press Telegram report noted that the plaza was filled with
fans showing their love for Foreigner, who reciprocated with a dynamic
set. With over 80 million albums sold worldwide and more top 10 hits than
peers like Aerosmith or Journey, Foreigner’s timeless appeal amplified the
celebratory mood of the Grand Prix’s milestone weekend.
Additional Event Details• Concert Access and VIP Perks:
The concert was accessible to all Saturday ticket holders (general
admission starting at $75), making it a significant draw for attendees.
VIP packages, including a charity auction for the Road Racing Drivers
Club, offered perks like a meet-and-greet with Foreigner, a four-night
stay at the Hilton Long Beach, and access to the Seaside Suites for race
viewing. The auction, which raised funds for the Mark Donohue Foundation
and The Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, sold for $10,074.
• Event Atmosphere: The concert followed a day of racing, including INDYCAR
qualifying (where Kyle Kirkwood secured pole position) and the IMSA
SportsCar Grand Prix. The Terrace Theater Plaza’s outdoor setting, near the
1.968-mile street circuit, blended the roar of engines with rock music,
creating a festive vibe. Kelly Hansen emphasized the band’s connection to
motorsports, noting past performances at the Indy 500 and NASCAR events, and
their Los Angeles-area roots, which made the Long Beach appearance
particularly fitting.
• Organizers’ Perspective: Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix
Association of Long Beach, described Foreigner’s performance as
“electrifying,” stating it was the “perfect way to celebrate our fifty years
of racing here in Long Beach.” The band’s set was seen as a bridge between
generations, much like the Grand Prix’s appeal to both racing purists and
casual fans.
Critical NotesForeigner’s performance was
a highlight of the Grand Prix’s 50th anniversary, but the absence of Mick
Jones likely tempered the experience for some longtime fans, given his
foundational role.
The band’s reliance on Hansen and the current lineup, while polished
and well-received, reflects their evolution into a modern iteration, which
some critics view as less authentic without original members. Nonetheless,
the inclusion of local students and the free concert access for ticket
holders underscored Foreigner’s commitment to community engagement and fan
accessibility, aligning with the Grand Prix’s community-driven ethos.
The event also highlighted logistical challenges, such as road
closures and parking restrictions in downtown Long Beach, which attendees
navigated to enjoy the racing and entertainment. The Grand Prix’s economic
impact, estimated at nearly $100 million for the region, was bolstered by
high-profile acts like Foreigner, drawing diverse crowds.
…
notes from
The EDJE
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#HistoricFormula, #RacingLegends. #GrandPrixLB, #TheEDJE
