Lou Gramm and The All Stars

Lou Gramm and The All Stars Brings It All Back Home – Batavia, NY

***Lou Gramm – Rockin’ The Downs Concert Series, Batavia, NY***

On a cool Friday evening at Batavia Downs, Lou Gramm and The All Stars delivered what many believe could be the Rochester native’s final hometown performance before his rumored retirement. As part of the Rockin’ the Downs 2025 summer concert series, the show drew the largest crowd of the season. It was an impressive testament to Gramm’s enduring legacy and deep local roots.

Best known as the original lead singer of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Foreigner, Gramm still commands the stage with the same gritty and soulful voice that powered decades of rock anthems. Though he has hinted at retirement, he has a solo album slated for 2026 and future appearances with Foreigner, leaving fans hopeful that this will not be the last chapter.

From the first notes of “Feels Like the First Time,” the crowd was on its feet. The warm summer air gave way to a comfortable breeze, setting the perfect tone for a night of nostalgia and high energy rock. “Long, Long Way from Home” followed, during which the 75-year-old frontman took a moment to reflect on Foreigner’s long overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. It was an emotional highlight for longtime fans.

One of the standout moments of the night came with Gramm’s playful introduction, “It’s an emergency,” before launching into the sax-driven hit “Urgent.” The performance was tight, energetic, and deeply satisfying, supported by a powerful lineup of seasoned musicians.

Guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey delivered searing solos that combined precision with flair, while bassist Tony Franklin anchored the sound with a strong and punchy groove. On drums, Lou’s brother Ben Gramm, provided the steady rhythm that gave the set its drive and intensity but also stepped into the spotlight for a blistering drum solo. His performance earned roaring applause and added a dynamic punch to the night’s momentum. Keyboardist Jeff Jacobs, formerly of Foreigner, added familiar layers that recreated the signature sound fans came to hear.

Together, this band did more than revisit the past. They brought it fully alive for a night that felt both familiar and fresh. For many in the audience, it was a reminder that Lou Gramm is still the true voice of Foreigner. His presence and vocal strength remain a defining part of these timeless classic rock anthems.

Whether this was truly a farewell or just another stop along the road, Lou Gramm and The All Stars gave a performance full of energy, heart, and gratitude. It was a night that celebrated not just a legendary career, but the lasting power of rock and roll itself.