Producer Mark Ronson has recruited a list of Rock & Roll superstars in a campaign to induct Foreigner into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Founded by Ronson’s stepfather Mick Jones, the band despite selling more than 80 million records worldwide, have been overlooked for America’s private members’ club so far.
Foreigner have been eligible for an induction since 2002.
Speaking last year, the band’s frontman Lou Grimm alleged that this ongoing snub, has stemmed from a historic falling out between Mick Jones, and Jan Wenner, Hall of Fame’s co-founder.
Among this year’s nominees include the late Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor who received a nod alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Mariah Carey, Kool & The Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Foreigner, Cher, Sade, and Oasis.
“swagger and bite”
Following this, Mark Ronson has now launched a campaign to have Foreigner added to this list, posting a video with several musicians pleading Foreigner’s case.
“Everything that made me want to be a record producer came from being in the studio watching Foreigner make records. I’m still completely in awe of the sound of those first five albums. Guitars with swagger and bite”, Ronson wrote on social media.
“Heavy drums that groove like a mutha with the bass. Wide layers of synths. And then there’s that voice. And those songs. It’s really crazy”.
He continued, “It’s also kind of crazy that this is the first time they’ve ever been on the ballot for the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame – after 20 years of eligibility. So we had to celebrate by getting some very special friends (aka JACK BLACK, JOSH HOMME, SLASH, DAVE GROHL & CHAD SMITH) to show love”.
“fun facts”
Elsewhere, Mark Ronson who is renowned for his collaborations with the late Amy Winehouse, also quoted some “fun facts” to back up his argument.
“Foreigner are the most played band on classic rock radio to not be in the hall of fame. They’ve been sung by our fave characters from the Simpsons, The Office, I, Tonya, Stranger Things and Wet Hot American Summer. They’ve been covered by Diana Ross and Mariah Carey (what the rock band can boast that??). They were sampled and turned into HOT FIRE by M.O.P. (remember that Cold As Ice joint?) and Tone-Loc who used them to concoct some Funky Cold Medina”.
“Yes, Mick is my stepdad and I love him more than anything,” he concludes. “But I’m also a MEGA fan just like Dave, Jack, Slash, Chad and Josh (shown here). Enjoy this video and VOTE BABY VOTE!”.
In the video posted by Ronson, musicians can be heard calling on Foreigner to be inducted including Queen of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme and others.
“You want to know what love is? Love is putting Foreigner in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”, Homme can be heard saying.
Check that out here.
