In a new interview with ABC News, Lou Gramm discussed Foreigner’s induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and opened up about Mick Jones and Dennis Elliott’s absences from the ceremony.
“Rick Wills, Al Greenwood, and I were there representing the band. It was unfortunate, but Mick Jones could not be there; he’s not in the best of health,” the singer explained. “Dennis Elliott couldn’t be there either, for one reason or another. But the three of us represented, and it was an incredible honor. The show was one highlight after another, and the others being inducted were very special too.”
“It was just a night of celebration, complete with some live performances. I had the opportunity to sing ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ with Kelly Clarkson, and boy, does she have a voice,” Gramm added.
Elliott said in a Facebook statement that the last-minute schedule provided by the event organizers was ‘totally unacceptable,’ and he decided to stay home even though he was getting ready to attend.
“Dear Foreigner Fans & Friends, Don’t look too hard, we will not be there. We were finally given the schedule last night, and it is not to our satisfaction. So we are staying home. We have been asking for this for weeks, and they have waited until the very last minute to send it knowing we were all packed and going to bed. Totally unacceptable to us. Hope you have a good time,” the drummer wrote in his statement.
In addition to Elliott, Foreigner also revealed in a separate statement that Mick Jones wouldn’t be joining the ceremony either.
The induction ceremony included performances by Slash, Sammy Hagar, Chad Smith, Demi Lovato, and Kelly Clarkson to honor the band.