Photos by Andy Argyrakis

A major void in live classic rock is on the horizon when Lou Gramm officially retires from the road, though considering the original Foreigner singer/co-writer and solo artist has toured for half a century, the decision is certainly understandable.

In the meantime, the Des Plaines Theatre was treated to about 90 minutes as the newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer looked back on a monumental career, which moved albums by the multi-millions thanks to hits sure to resonate long after he’s gone.

“Feels Like The First Time” was one such anthem, greeting the crowded house alongside Gramm’s All Stars, who consist of guitarist Alex Garcia, bassist Tony Franklin from the Jimmy Page/Paul Rodgers supergroup The Firm, keyboardist Jeff Jacobs, drummer Ben Gramm and guitarist/saxophonist Scott Gilman, many of whom also appeared in latter day Foreigner line-ups.

Given their mastery of the material behind the man who made it in the first place, the authenticity continued throughout the aggressive likes of “Double Vision” and “Long, Long Way From Home,” plus the softer yet no less impactful ballad “Waiting For A Girl Like You.”

Gramm is now be 74-years-old with a brain tumor behind him, but was nonetheless unmistakable and impressive, especially given those variables, while delivering his former band’s “Blue Morning, Blue Day” and “Cold As Ice,” in addition to the individual breakout “Midnight Blue.”

The headliner’s been hinting new material is around the corner, although he drove mainly in Foreigner’s lane, including “That Was Yesterday” and “Head Games,” each building the mood towards the sax-drenched attack of “Urgent.”

Power ballad “I Want To Know What Love Is” called for everyone to join as the backing choir, bringing a soulful touch to the otherwise explosive evening, which resumed in the encore where even those who weren’t in attendance probably “heard the roar of the crowd” and “could picture the scene.”

Those who were fortunate enough to be there heard the humongous “Juke Box Hero,” then left the Des Plaines Theatre feeling “Hot Blooded” having witnessed the legendary Lou Gramm for theoretically the last time that ranked amongst his recent best.

For additional information on Lou Gramm, visit LouGrammOfficial.com.

Upcoming concerts at the Des Plaines Theatre include Thunderstruck (Dec. 7); Christmas Wizards (Dec. 8); “Do You Hear What I Hear?” The Concert (Dec. 12); One Christmas Night In Memphis (Dec. 13); Jazz Is Dead (Dec. 14); The Uncle Louie Variety Show (Dec. 15); “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” (Dec. 17); Cascada (Dec. 19); One Vision Of Queen (Dec. 20); Motown Christmas (Dec. 21); A Very Cher-y Christmas (Dec. 22); Richrath Project 3:13 (Dec. 27); Bad Motor Scooter (Dec. 28); Ronnie B Elvis (Dec. 29); Phat Cat Swinger (Dec. 30) and Infinity (Dec. 31). For additional details, visit DesPlainesTheatre.com.

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