Luis Maldonado, the Mexican-born musician who became Foreigner’s lead singer, has described how hearing the band on Arizona radio as a child inspired his lifelong interest in music. His story matters because he now fronts the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group he admired from afar, as it continues its 50th anniversary tour amid major changes to its original line-up.

Born in Nogales, Sonora, and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Maldonado grew up in a musical family and learned guitar, bass, drums, piano, flute and cello before becoming a singer as a teenager. He later formed Into the Presence, worked with musicians including former Primus drummer Tim Alexander, and developed the vocal range needed for Foreigner songs such as “Juke Box Hero” and “Cold as Ice”. Mick Jones is the only founding member still associated with Foreigner but can no longer tour, while original singer Lou Gramm is appearing on selected dates and plans to retire from live performance by the end of 2026.