Previously, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its intent to induct Foreigner during its ceremony, set for Oct. 19 at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Ahead of Saturday’s event, particular members of the rock band’s original lineup altered their attendance status. In part, founding guitarist Mick Jones is stepping back as occasion due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. Meanwhile, bandmate and founding drummer Dennis Elliott sounded off on social media, expressing his dissatisfaction with the event’s circumstances. 

In a post shared via the band’s official Facebook, they shared details regarding the occasion, “FOREIGNER Is greatly looking forward to Saturday’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The band will be joined by Demi Lovato, Sammy Hagar, and Kelly Clarkson in a set celebrating the induction of the guys who started it all almost fifty years ago. Original members Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, and Rick Wills will be there to accept the awards on behalf of the band’s leader and founder Mick Jones, drummer Dennis Elliott, and Ian McDonald and Ed Gagliardi who are no longer with us.”

In response to the band’s post, the backbeat seized his opportunity to offer his perspective, expressing disappointment regarding the ceremonial lineup, addressing his note to Foreigner fans and friends, he expressed, “Don’t look too hard, we will not be there. We were finally given the schedule last night, and it is not to our satisfaction. So we are staying home. We have been asking for this for weeks, and they have waited until the very last minute to send it knowing we were all packed and going to bed.”

Despite the lineup change for the occasion, the event is still slated to feature iconic guest appearances from the likes of Dr. Dre, Slash, Dua Lipa, James Taylor, Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, Jelly Roll, Julia Roberts, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, The Roots and more expected arrivals including Cher, Mary J. Blige, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, and Dave Matthews Band. 

Prior to the event, Matthews sat down with Ari Fink to discuss the DMB’s accolades and other currents of conversation. Read Dave Matthews Sits Down With SiriusXM Ahead of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction. 

Watch the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction LIVE on Disney+ on October 19 at 7 p.m. ET.