Michael Bluestein of Foreigner Reflects on Music, Fatherhood, and Farewell Tour

Michael Bluestein, a versatile keyboardist, has been a key member of the legendary rock band Foreigner since 2008. As the band embarks on its farewell tour, including a stop at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, on Aug. 26, 2024, Bluestein shared insights into his musical journey, fatherhood, and future plans in an exclusive interview. His story, spanning decades in the music industry, offers inspiration for aspiring musicians and fans of classic rock alike.

A Full-Circle Moment

This conversation with Bluestein holds personal significance for me. Years ago, while working for Perfect Pour Magazine, a regional craft beer publication, I photographed Foreigner for our first feature. That experience ignited my passion for concert photography and led to the founding of Gallery Space Media in 2022. My ongoing relationship with the band makes this interview a meaningful milestone in our shared history.

From Berklee to Rock Stardom

Bluestein’s musical journey began at Berklee College of Music, where he honed his skills in jazz studies. Unlike peers with clear ambitions of playing arenas, Bluestein’s path was driven by a love for music itself. “I didn’t have that kind of clear vision,” he said. “I was always just motivated by the music.”

Post-Berklee, Bluestein immersed himself in the 1990s San Francisco jazz and funk scene, thriving in the acid jazz movement. A standout memory was opening for Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters at the Great American Music Hall. “Herbie’s definitely one of my heroes, one of my idols on keyboards,” Bluestein said, recalling the profound impact of sharing the stage with a jazz legend.

Joining Foreigner: A Nonlinear Path

Bluestein’s road to Foreigner was anything but straightforward. “It was far from a straight line,” he said, describing how he followed opportunities as they arose. After moving to Los Angeles, new doors opened, eventually leading to his role with Foreigner. Now, as a key member, he contributes to the band’s iconic sound, playing hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” In 2024, Foreigner’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame marked a long-overdue recognition of their legacy.

Balancing Fatherhood and Rock Life

As Foreigner’s farewell tour unfolds, Bluestein is navigating a new chapter: fatherhood. His daughter, now over nine months old, has transformed his perspective. “Being a dad has been a huge shift,” he said. Alongside fatherhood, Bluestein recently moved to a new home in Burbank, California, and made the decision to stop drinking six months ago. “It was a really good thing. I was ready for a change,” he shared.

The timing of Foreigner’s reduced touring schedule aligns perfectly with his new responsibilities. “I’m thrilled that it’s going to be changing, and I’ll be home a lot more,” Bluestein said, eager to be present for his daughter’s early milestones.

The Farewell Tour: Scaling Back, Not Stopping

Foreigner’s farewell tour doesn’t signal the end of the band but rather a shift in pace. “We’re saying goodbye to touring at this intense level,” Bluestein clarified. “We’ll still be doing shows, but it’s just going to be a lot less.” This change allows him to explore new creative ventures, including producing a Christmas album at Leon Russell’s Church Studios in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and collaborating with his wife, Tina, on their duo project, Tina Blues.

Advice for Aspiring Musicians

Reflecting on his career, Bluestein offered advice for aspiring musicians: “Stick with the love of what you want to do.” He emphasized the importance of authenticity, urging young artists to trust their unique influences. “Don’t second-guess that because everybody has their own unique set of influences and tastes and sounds and ideas that drive them,” he said.

Foreigner’s Omaha Performance

Fans can experience Michael Bluestein and Foreigner live during their farewell tour stop at CHI Health Center in Omaha on Aug. 26, 2024, alongside Styx and John Waite. This concert promises to celebrate Foreigner’s enduring legacy with classic hits and electrifying performances. Tickets and tour details are available on Foreigner’s official website.

Looking Ahead

As Bluestein balances his role in Foreigner with fatherhood and new creative projects, his passion for music remains unwavering. Whether performing on stage or composing in his home studio, he continues to inspire fans and aspiring musicians with his dedication to authentic musical expression.