Lou Gramm, the original lead singer of the rock band Foreigner, has confirmed that he will retire from live performing at the end of 2026. Speaking to Steve Harkins of TalkShopLive's Rock 'N' Roll Channel, the 76-year-old said he wanted to stop while he was still able to sing well, rather than continue past his peak, describing his current summer tour as a high point after which he wants to "go out with a bang". The announcement marks the end of a career spanning more than five decades and the voice behind many of Foreigner's biggest hits.

Gramm joined Foreigner at its formation in 1976, having previously been in the band Black Sheep, and sang on hits such as "Feels Like The First Time", "Cold As Ice", "Hot Blooded" and "I Want to Know What Love Is" before leaving the group for good in 2002. He cited a wish to spend more time with his children, his home and his classic cars, and pointed to milestones including induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with Foreigner in 2024 and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. He had previously signalled retirement plans in 2018 and again for the end of 2024, before making guest appearances with the band; this past March he also released what he called his third and final solo album, "Released", featuring 10 songs from his archives. Foreigner itself replaced Gramm with Kelly Hansen in 2005, with Luis Maldonado taking over lead vocals from Hansen in 2025.