Foreigner's Thom Gimbel Won't Slow Down

Foreigner

It's been 15 years, but British/American rockers Foreigner are back with an album that sounds like a vintage album. That album, Can’t Slow Down, entered the charts at number 29 (their highest entry since Inside Information made its number 15 chart debut in 1987) and the 2008 album, No End In Sight: The Very Best of Foreigner, also re-entered the charts at number 147. It kinda' gives you double vision, doesn't it!

Foreigner has had many hits, such as Feels Like the First Time, Cold As Ice, Hot Blooded, Juke Box Hero, Say You Will, I Don't Want to Live Without You and maybe their most recognizable song, the unforgettable ballad I Want to Know What Love Is. Some of these songs have been covered by other artists, especially "I Want to Know What Love Is", which has been recorded by several different artists, including Rita Coolidge & Shirley Bassey, Wynnona Judd, Celtic Thunder's Keith Harkin, Clay Aiken and most recently Mariah Carey, who is currently on pop charts around the world with her take on the classic track.

Long-time member and multi-instrumentalist Thom Gimbel (guitar, sax, etc.) took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with RockStar Weekly about the new album and life as a Foreigner.

""The release date of the album was so much fun we did a concert - everyone was there - it was really wonderful" said Thom. "This band has gone through a really fun kind of rebuilding, re-establishing the process over the last 5 years. We are kind of working our way up again. Mick talks about that in the DVD (included with the new album, which can only be purchased at Walmart stores). I think he said that the first time they came out it was an instant overnight success pretty much. So this time since we sort of reformed the band in early 2004, we thought that we had to build it up the old fashion way - from the ground up. So in that regards it has been a really exciting to see the growth pattern."

Check out the interview and find out the difference between currently vocalist Kelly Hansen and original vocalist Lou Gram. Thom also recalled his life as a touring member of Aerosmith, what his favorite interment is, and if he as ever considered putting out a solo album of his own.

Tuesday, September 29th must have been an exciting day for you guys with Can’t Slow Down coming out.

It also must be nice that the Mariah Carey version of “I Want To Know What Love Is” is out as well?

How did the Mariah version come about?

After 15 years it must feel a bit like starting all over again.

It should be more fun touring to support a new CD than just going out for some gigs?

Any chance we’ll see you in Canada at all?

So Vancouver is one of your favorite cities, why is that so?

Can’t Slow Down sounds like vintage Foreigner. Was it hard to try and recapture that sound because the music scene has changed so much in the last 15 years?

It sounds awesome hearing Kelly Hansen on the new CD. Was it a long process to find Kelly? A voice like that doesn’t come along every day.

You’ve had the honor of playing with both Lou Gramm and Kelly. Are there different dynamics in the band with the different singers?

Foreigner is full of well respected musicians like yourself, Mick Jones and Jeff Pilson for example. What happens when all that musical experience gets together in a room to write or rehearse. Is it overwhelming at times?

This version of the band is a bit like Foreigner version 2.0. Is that a good way to look at it?

What happened with Jason Bonham - he kind of appeared in the band and left?

You also toured with Aerosmith. How did that come about?

I can imagine the Aerosmith tours being really crazy. What were the differences between your experience with Aerosmith and what you do with Foreigner.

As a multi-instrumentalist. What is your favorite instrument?

Is there an instrument you don’t play that you might someday learn?

Is there ever going to be a solo album from you?

I’ve noticed there aren’t many interviews with you – more of them are with Mick or Jeff. Are interviews not your favorite part of the job?