On a recent episode of the Rock & Roll High School podcast, original FOREIGNER singer Lou Gramm reflected on being diagnosed with a type of brain tumor called a craniopharyngioma nearly 30 years ago.

Although the tumor was benign, the resulting surgery severely damaged Gramm's pituitary gland, leading to a massive weight gain and keeping him off the stage for a year.

In an interview with LifeMinute.tv last October, Gramm discussed how he had to re-learn how to talk after the surgery, stating, "I went to three brain surgeons and they all did MRIs and they sent me home to put my affairs in order because they didn't think I had a chance of surviving the operation." The surgeon who performed Gramm's operation warned him that he would experience some struggles, including equilibrium issues and trouble remembering words.

Gramm said this is why he had to have lyrics written out on stage during FOREIGNER's live shows after his surgery.

"I used to move around a lot when I was on stage [and after the surgery] I had to plant myself and keep looking over at the words to make sure I'd remember everything," Gramm recalled.

The singer also discussed how his weight doubled within six months of undergoing massive steroid treatment, saying he had to throw away all his clothes from that time.

Foreigner's management had initially canceled a number of shows due to Gramm's surgery, but rebooked them two months later when Gramm was deemed healthy enough to perform.

Gramm is best known as the voice behind FOREIGNER's biggest hits, including "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice." FOREIGNER replaced Gramm with Kelly Hansen in 2005.

Guitarist Mick Jones has been dealing with some health issues since 2011, eventually undergoing heart surgery in 2012.

In February 2024, Jones revealed on social media that he was battling Parkinson's disease, which explained his absence from FOREIGNER’s live shows since 2022."