Mick Jones has been secretly battling the progressive condition for several years.
Foreigner founder Mick Jones has revealed he’s been battling Parkinson's disease for "several years".
The 79-year-old musician is the last remaining original member in the rock band - which is currently completing a mammoth final tour - and he's been unable to perform live since 2022, due to the neurodegenerative disorder - symptoms of which include tremors, stiffness, balance problems and slow mobility.
The 'I Want To Know What Love Is' hitmaker – who underwent heart surgery in 2012 - admits it's "a daily struggle" dealing with his symptoms and explained that it's important to "preserve" his legacy and has vowed to “remain a presence” behind the scenes.
In a social media statement issued this week, he explained: “Fans will have become very aware that for some time now, I have not been performing onstage with the band. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I want everyone to know that I am doing alright.
“However, I’ve always liked to be at my best when performing onstage, and sadly, at present, I find that a bit difficult. I am still very much involved in the background with Foreigner and remain a presence. Parkinson’s is a daily struggle; the important thing is to persevere and remind myself of the wonderful career I’ve had in music. I thank all the fans who have supported Foreigner throughout the years and continue to attend our concerts — I want you to know I appreciate your support; it always means so very much to me, but especially so at this point in my life.”
The final shows he did perform at saw him come out for a select number of songs.
In his absence, bassist Jeff Pilson has taken Mick's place. The group is fronted by Kelly Hansen.
Foreigner are one of the world's bestselling bands of all time, having sold more than 80 million records worldwide.
The original lineup also included Ian McDonald of King Crimson and Lou Gramm from Black Sheep, alongside Dennis Elliott, Al Greenwood, and Ed Gagliardi.
The 'Feels Like the First Time' group's original members and former backing vocalist and bassist Rick Wills recently received their first-ever nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
On the same day that Glastonbury welcomed back Margate's adopted sons, The Libertines, Margate itself put on it's very own Leisure Festival as it...
Sheffield's very own all girl group Pretty Fierce are still on a high after the recent release of their debut single - 'Ready For Me'.
Three nights before the end of his current tour Will Varley returned to his home town of Deal to delight a sold out crowd in The Astor Theatre.
With only a few days to go before Portsmouth based songstress and producer WYSE releases her new single, 'Belladonna', we caught up with her to find...
Colorado raised, Glasgow educated and Manchester based Bay Bryan is nothing if not a multi-talented, multi-faceted artist performing as both...
Former Marigolds band member Keelan Cunningham has rediscovered his love of music with his new solo project Keelan X.
Wiltshire singer-songwriter Luke De Sciscio, formally known as Folk Boy, is set to release is latest album - 'The Banquet' via AntiFragile Music on...
Electronic music pioneer and producer Annie Elise says that the release of her first EP - 'Breathe In, Breathe Out' feels "both vulnerable and...