Head Games

Zoo Freaks, get ready to dive into the hypnotic riffs of Head Games by Foreigner, spinning straight from the 1979 album of the same name at THE ZOO! This track, the second single off the album, is a classic rock gem that hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. One juicy piece of trivia is the album’s controversial cover, featuring a young woman, actress Lisanne Falk, in a men’s bathroom, leaning against a urinal. The image stirred up so much debate that some retailers refused to stock the album, and certain radio stations shied away from playing its songs, deeming the cover in poor taste. Songfacts notes that Foreigner had to defend themselves against accusations of misogyny, insisting their songs often celebrated women. The cover’s cheeky nod to “head” as slang for bathroom didn’t help ease the backlash, but it sure made the album unforgettable!

Another tidbit from the Foreigner Facebook page highlights the band’s own struggle to explain the provocative artwork, which they’ve admitted was tough to justify. Despite the controversy, the song itself is a fan favorite, with its driving rhythm and Lou Gramm’s piercing vocals. Posts on Foreigner’s X account celebrate the song’s legacy, like their 2024 post marking the album’s 45th anniversary, asking fans to share their favorite tracks. The band has called Head Games a pivotal moment in their career, blending raw energy with polished production, thanks to co-producer Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with Queen. Classic Rock critic Malcolm Dome, cited on Wikipedia, praised the album’s hard-hitting tracks like Dirty White Boy, but Head Games stands out for its infectious melody and emotional depth.

Now, let’s rewind to how Foreigner got their start. Formed in New York City in 1976, the band was the brainchild of British guitarist Mick Jones, who’d previously played with acts like Spooky Tooth and the Leslie West Band. Jones, a seasoned musician with a knack for crafting hooks, teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald, formerly of King Crimson, and American vocalist Lou Gramm, whose powerful voice became the band’s signature. The trio, joined by Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliott, and Ed Gagliardi, fused British rock influences with American radio-friendly swagger, creating a sound that was both gritty and polished. Their self-titled debut in 1977, featuring hits like Feels Like the First Time and Cold as Ice, skyrocketed them to fame, selling over five million copies in the U.S. alone. Jones’ vision was to blend the best of both sides of the Atlantic, and Foreigner’s early success proved he was onto something big.

Foreigner’s journey wasn’t without bumps. By the time Head Games dropped in 1979, the band saw lineup changes, with Rick Wills replacing Gagliardi on bass and McDonald and Greenwood departing soon after. Yet, their resilience kept them rocking, and they’ve since sold over 80 million records worldwide. You can keep up with their latest gigs and news on their official website, where they post tour dates and merch. Their Facebook page is a hub for fan interaction, sharing throwback photos and live performance clips. On Instagram, they post vibrant concert shots and behind-the-scenes moments, while their X account keeps the vibe alive with fan polls and album anniversary posts. For Zoo Freaks who want to connect with fellow fans, check out the Foreigner Fans Facebook Group, a lively community sharing memories and concert stories. There’s also Foreigner’s official fan club for exclusive content and updates straight from the band.