Legendary rock band Foreigner will headline the Grand Prix of Long Beach‘s Saturday night concert this year, bringing an iconic act to the stage for the 50th anniversary of the city’s biggest annual event.
The concert will take place in the Terrace Theater Plaza at 6:30 p.m. April 12 and is free to all race ticket holders. The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, which announced Foreigner as the headliner this week, said the performance will be an incredible bonus for race fans during a thrilling weekend, which will take place from April 11 to 13.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Foreigner to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for our 50th anniversary,” Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, said in a press release. “Their music has defined generations, and their performance will bring an electrifying energy to our Saturday night festivities. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our 50 years of racing here in Long Beach.”
Foreigner will bring back the classic rock performance that longtime fans of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach know and love. Last year, officials decided to bring something new to the lineup of concerts with country music. Stars such as Eddie Montgomery, Gretchen Wilson, David Lee Murphy and the band Sixwire performed for a crowd of both racing and country fans.
The Grand Prix of Long Beach has put on musical performances since 2001, and the vast majority of Saturday concerts have been pop rock, alternative and classic rock – including bringing together artists to perform onstage, like Kings of Chaos in 2023.
Known for their chart-topping hits such as “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Cold As Ice,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Hot Blooded,” Foreigner has captivated audiences around the world with their powerful performances and timeless music, according to a press release.
Fans can expect to see lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, bassist Jeff Pilson, guitarist Bruce Watson, guitarist Luis Maldonado, Michael Bluestein on keyboards and Chris Frazier on drums performing at the Saturday night concert.
Fans will have the opportunity to experience the band’s legendary sound live, officials said.
“We have so much in common with the Long Beach Grand Prix,” Hansen said in a statement.
“The band was formed by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mick Jones in 1976 so our 50th anniversary is very close to yours,” Hansen said. “Additionally, most of us live right here in the Los Angeles area, and we love motorsports. Foreigner has played the Indy 500 twice and made multiple NASCAR performances across the country. We are so looking forward to our show with you all and hope this will be the first of many such appearances.”