Foreigner’s live cut “I Want to Know What Love Is” showcases timeless classic
The enduring musical legacy of Foreigner is perhaps best captured by their 2010 live performance of the power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is,” recorded at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. When Kelly Hansen joined the band in 2005, he faced the daunting task of stepping into a significant role as the group’s lead vocalist. However, this specific live recording serves as definitive proof that he is more than capable of handling the band’s extensive catalog. Hansen commands the stage from the very first note, demonstrating a vocal range that transitions seamlessly from the delicate, low-register opening verses to the soaring, high-altitude intensity of the chorus. His ability to interpret such a slow, melodic ballad with both technical precision and genuine emotion has solidified his place within the band’s long history.
The popularity of this particular live rendition is immense, as evidenced by its massive reach on YouTube, where it has accumulated 118 million views. This impressive figure highlights how effectively the live performance captures the spirit of the original studio track while adding a fresh, energetic dimension. During the Nashville concert, the band operated under the leadership of founding multi-instrumentalist Mick Jones. Jones contributed significantly to the performance, providing essential keyboard accompaniment and backing vocals that helped maintain the song’s signature sound. The arrangement created a rolling, romantic groove that clearly resonated with the audience, prompting many couples in the venue to slow-dance and share a poignant moment together. The band’s execution of complex four-part vocal harmonies during the chorus further encouraged the crowd to join in, turning the performance into a collective sing-along experience.
Beyond the success of this ballad, the Ryman Auditorium concert featured other notable highlights, such as the 1981 hit “Urgent.” This performance showcased a fiery guitar solo from Jones, reinforcing his role as the creative anchor of the group. Foreigner first formed in New York City in 1976, and their ability to remain a potent live act after nearly half a century is a rarity in the music industry. As of 2024, the band has been active for 48 years, though the reality of their long career is now approaching a final chapter.
Watch the full performance on page two
