1976 Arena-Rock Anthem Still Hits Like the First Time 50 Years Later in New Video
It's been 50 years since Foreigner introduced their swaggering hard rock sound to the world with "Feels Like the First Time." And yet every time we hear the hit's explosive opening riff, euphoric refrain, and pounding drums, it feels like the very first time. You'll see what we mean when you hit play on Foreigner's newly filmed music video celebrating the band's 50th anniversary and one of classic rock's most enduring arena-rock anthems.
The new video arrives as the legendary rock band celebrates five decades of chart-topping hits, classic rock radio staples, and arena-sized sing-alongs.
An instant classic, "Feels Like the First Time" was recorded in December 1976, released in the spring of 1977, and, on this day, broke into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The hard rock anthem ultimately peaked at No. 4 in June and helped Foreigner's debut self-titled album go multi-platinum. Before they knew it, they had a swaggering radio crossover that cemented the band as a major voice in the rock arena.
The new music video was filmed on Ellis Island in New York City as part of the group's ongoing 50th anniversary celebration. The live performance appears in the band's upcoming concert film, Foreigner 50: In the Eye of the Storm, which hits theaters this summer and promises fans a nostalgic good time.
The concert film is just one of several ways the band is celebrating its half-century of rock. Along with concerts and a new tour, the band is releasing a companion album, In the Eye of the Storm (available for preorder now), featuring unreleased songs from the archives and fan favorites, like "Feels Like the First Time." In July, the rock icons are hitting the stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd for their Double Trouble Double Vision Tour.
Fans will also notice some new faces in the Foreigner lineup, as the band now features vocalist Luis Maldonado (who replaced Kelly Hansen earlier this year), bassist Jeff Pilson, keyboardist Michael Bluestein, guitarist Bruce Watson, and drummer Chris Frazier. Though the band's legendary original vocalist, Lou Gramm, isn't performing full-time with the band, he is expected to make select guest appearances for anny events.
Meanwhile, founding member and irreplaceable guitarist Mick Jones stepped away from the stage in 2024, sharing with fans in a statement that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
"I want everyone to know that I am doing alright," said Jones, who released a new song, "Shelter From the Storm," last year. "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."
Last December, Gramm updated fans on the legendary rocker, per Ultimate Classic Rock, telling a crowd in New Jersey, "We saw him last week at his apartment. He's doing pretty good. He sends his best to you guys and I want this song ["Girl on the Moon"] to go out to him."
Five decades, 10 multi-platinum albums, and 16 Top 30 hits later, "Feels Like the First Time" still rocks. Proving that Foreigner is one of the greatest of all time.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 2:32 PM.