Jones hasn’t performed with the band in two years

Founding Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones has revealed he’s been suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The rocker revealed the news via the band’s socials, stating his health has been the reason for his absence from the stage with his 50-year-old iconic group.

“Fans will have become very aware that for some time now, I have not been performing onstage with the band. A number of years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” Jones shares.

“I want everyone to know that I am doing alright, however, l’ve always liked to be at my best when performing onstage, and sadly at present find that a bit difficult. I’m still very much involved in the background with Foreigner and remain a presence.

“Parkinson’s is a daily struggle; several of my friends are also dealing with the disease. The important thing is to persevere with the loving support of my family, and remind myself of the wonderful career l’ve had in music.

“I thank all the fans who have supported Foreigner throughout the years and continue to attend our concerts. Please know I appreciate your support; it always means so very much to me, especially so at this point in my life.”

In 1976 Jones formed Foreigner. The group, comprised of two other Englishmen, Ian McDonald and Dennis Elliott, and three Americans, Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, and Ed Gagliardi, went on to release some of rock and roll’s most enduring classics, including “Cold As Ice,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Long, Long Way From Home,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” and the global No. 1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is.”

With more top 10 hits than Journey and as many as Fleetwood Mac, and ten multi-platinum albums, Foreigner continues to chart on radio airplay and the Billboard 200 almost five decades later.

Jones continues to elevate Foreigner’s influence and guide the band to new horizons with his stylistic songwriting, indelible guitar hooks and multi-layered talents. Lead singer Kelly Hansen, one of rock’s greatest showmen, has led Foreigner into the digital age, inspiring a whole new generation of fans. Bassist Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, guitarist Bruce Watson, Chris Frazier on drums, and guitarist Luis Maldonado provide an unprecedented level of energy that has resulted in the re-emergence of the astounding music that speaks to Foreigner’s enduring popularity.

The band continues its epic two-year Historic Farewell Tour with Las Vegas residences at The Venetian Hotel, a run of Canadian shows, and this summer, co-headlining the Renegades & Juke Box Heroes Tour with Styx and special guest John Waite.

As of last year, recordings of classic Foreigner songs by the current band line-up are under a new licensing agreement between Rhino, Mick Jones, and Trigger Productions.