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Music News

Actor Geordie Brown to Front Foreigner for Canadian Farewell Tour Dates

No details have been given for vocalist Kelly Hansen's absence from the group.

Foreigner

Foreigner

Krishta Abruzzini

Veteran rockers Foreigner have announced a Canadian leg for the ongoing Farewell Tour, but longtime vocalist Kelly Hansen won’t be fronting the outfit.

Having launched their Farewell Tour in 2023, Foreigner have since extended their run in recent years, with the trek now set to continue into November with the announcement of 13 new dates across Canada.


However, Hansen – who joined as the band’s vocalist in 2005 – will instead be replaced by actor Geordie Brown, who is perhaps best known for his role in Foreigner’s own Jukebox Hero – The Musical. Brown originated the lead role in 2018, with a sold-out run taking place in Toronto in 2019.

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Since then, he’s performed on stage to perform “Hot Blooded” with the band during their 2019 appearance in Halifax, and he was also in attendance during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Brown will also take on the lead role in Jukebox Hero once more for its upcoming 2026 run.

“I was most impressed by Geordie’s performances of Juke Box Hero, The Musical in Canada,” said Foreigner’s Mick Jones. “He is not only a consummate vocalist, but a verified Broadway actor to boot. We look forward to welcoming him at our shows on Foreigner’s 2025 Canadian tour.”

“I count myself so fortunate that they’re bringing me along on this next chapter with the musical, and this Canadian tour,” added Brown. “Right now, I’m most looking forward to our Halifax show, for my hometown crowd.”

Currently, no reason has been given as to why Hansen will not be joining the band on their upcoming Canadian tour.

Foreigner was first formed in 1976 by former Spooky Tooth guitarist Mick Jones, with the band releasing their self-titled debut album the following year. They topped the Billboard 200 in 1981 with the aptly-titled fourth album, 4. The record also boasted top five songs “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” though they would release their highest-charting single in 1984, with “I Want to Know What Love Is” topping the Hot 100 after it was issued as the lead track from Agent Provocateur.

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Various lineup changes over the years have left Jones as the only original member of the band, though he has been absent from the live stage since 2023. In October 2024, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Sammy Hagar.

Foreigner’s Canadian tour launches in St. John’s, Newfoundland on Oct. 21 and wraps in Kelowna, British Columbia on Nov. 7.

This article first appeared on Billboard U.S.

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Daniel Lanois
Marthe Vannebo

Daniel Lanois

Record Labels

Daniel Lanois Signs Extensive Licensing Deal With Warner Records

Under the deal, which covers solo and collaborative albums, 12 of the star Canadian producer and artist's catalogue titles have become available via streaming partners, including his gold-selling 1989 solo debut Acadie.

Acclaimed record producer, singer, songwriter and musician Daniel Lanois has signed an extensive and career-spanning licensing deal with Warner Records in the U.S.

The new deal sees 12 of the Canadian artist's catalogue titles now become available via streaming partners, and it marks the return of Lanois to the Warner Records roster. His lavishly praised 1989 solo debut, Acadie, was released via Opal/Warner Bros in 1989, and it remains his most popular solo work, certified Gold by Music Canada in 1991. A second solo album, 1993's For The Beauty of Wynona, also came out on Warner.

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