FORREST CITY — The University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will open the 2026-27 performance season with Foreigner’s 50th Anniversary tour on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased online at UAEACC.edu.
With more Top 10 hits than Journey and Aerosmith, and as many as Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner ranks prominently across categories in Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time” list. At times, the band’s weekly catalogue sales have surpassed those of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Def Leppard, Van Halen, and Aerosmith (Source: Nielsen SoundScan). With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, the band is widely recognized as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, boasting a powerful catalogue that continues to drive sold-out tours and total sales exceeding 80 million records.
Foreigner is responsible for some of rock’s most enduring anthems, including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” and “Long, Long Way from Home.” Their worldwide No. 1 hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” is also part of Spotify’s exclusive Billions Club. Fifty years into their career, Foreigner remains a major presence on the charts with strong airplay and continued Billboard album success. Their catalogue sales recently ranked them among the Top 40 Best-Selling Music Artists of All Time, according to Business Insider.
Founded in 1976, Foreigner’s debut album produced the hits “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice” and “Long, Long Way from Home.” The album “Double Vision” followed, as did a string of hits including “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” Those songs helped give Foreigner’s next album, “4,” its impressive run at No. 1 on the Billboard chart. At the peak of 80’s sound, Foreigner‘s fifth album, “Agent Provocateur,” gave the world the incredible No. 1 global hit,” I Want to Know What Love Is.” This musical milestone followed the record-breaking song “Waiting for a Girl Like You.”
Founded in 1976 by Songwriters Hall of Fame member Mick Jones, the visionary maestro’s stylistic songwriting, indelible guitar hooks and multi-layered talents were the cornerstone of the band’s success. Jones reformed the band after a 2002 hiatus and followed the same formula that he used in 1976 when he founded the original Foreigner. He surrounded himself with the very best musicians he could find and led Foreigner into the digital era while inspiring a whole new generation of fans.
Foreigner’s lineup includes lead singer Luis Carlos Maldonado, noted Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, guitarist Bruce Watson, Chris Frazier on drums, and John Roth on guitar. The current level of energy has led the group to a re-emergence of astounding music that speaks to their enduring popularity. The band’s music has been featured in primetime television, major motion pictures, video games, advertising, and digital content. Films such as “Rock of Ages,” “Bad Moms,” “Angry Birds,” “Magic Mike,” “Pitch Perfect,” “Good Boys,” “The Eternals,” and “Happy Gilmore 2,” as well as television shows “Stranger Things,” “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Wednesday,” “Euphoria,” and others have all featured Foreigner’s songs.
Tickets for Foreigner’s 50th Anniversary tour are $59 and will be available online at UAEACC.edu, by calling 870-633-4480, ext. 352, or in person at the Fine Arts Center Ticket Office. Season subscription packages are available and save 20%. The UA-EACC Fine Arts Center is located at 1700 Newcastle Road in Forrest City, just off Interstate 40.
