
Foreigner – Live at the Rainbow 78 (Eagle Rock / Rhino)
Proof they really were THAT good
Foreigner sold millions of records, placed several singles in the Top Ten, and toured incessantly, yet never had a proper live album of the classic lineup of the band – until now.
It was DEFINITELY worth the wait.
Live at the Rainbow 78 finds the original six-piece in front of a rabid UK crowd after being on the road for over a year in support of their debut album.
No covers – no senseless noodling – this is rock n’ roll with a purpose.
The concert kicks off with a rousing version of “Long, Long Way From Home,” fitting as half of the band were from America. The real highlight on this track is drummer Dennis Elliott, adding frenetic fills throughout and building the excitement. Guitarist Mick Jones turns in some truly scintillating guitar work on “I Need You.” Then, he introduces “here’s one for the ladies here tonight, my mum included,” before kicking off “Woman Oh Woman,” with Jones and singer Lou Gramm trading off lead vocal duties.
Gramm really shines on “Hot Blooded,” a song that wouldn’t be out for several weeks yet (the lead single from their second long player, Double Vision). He effortlessly hits the high notes while Jones shreds on the solo.
Ed Gagliardi’s bass is intertwined with the keyboards on “The Damage is Done” – the live version has much more power, even grooving in the middle. “Cold as Ice” opens with a cool stager before briefly pausing, allowing the crowd to roar in approval. This live take is fueled by the keyboard duo of Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood. The band had been playing this track for at least a year now, yet it still sounds fresh. There’s even a nice acapella part, followed by a keyboard solo and a killer ending.
McDonald shows off his multi-instrumentalist skills, breaking out a flute solo on the spacey “Starrider,” featuring Jones on lead vocals. This extended flute jam might be the only part where things drag just a tad.
The twin guitar of Jones and McDonald are on display for another new song, “Double Vision” – and great harmonies in the middle and yet another great ending.
If you want proof that Gramm was one of the finest vocalists in rock, look no further than “Fool For You Anyway.” Sure, he could belt out rockers, but here he’s soulful. The Rhodes piano gives a gentle approach that the band would explore more fully on ballads like “Waiting For a Girl Like You” a few years later.
“At War With the World” is one of the hardest rockers the band ever played, while the concert closes with an extended take of “Head Knocker,” complete with Gramm getting behind another drumset and battling with Elliott – the entire song crests and whips the UK crowd once again into a frenzy, lasting over 12 minutes.
Live at the Rainbow 78 reminds us that Foreigner were a force to be reckoned with as a touring band. A phenomenal live set that does nothing but add to this great band’s legacy. —Tony Peters