Mitch West
Michael Bluestein of Foreigner Photo Credit: Foreigner
In a career spanning decades, Michael Bluestein has established himself as a versatile and accomplished keyboard player. Since 2008 he's been rockin the keys for the legendary rock band Foreigner, Bluestein's journey through the music industry has been anything but linear. As Foreigner embarks on their farewell tour, with a stop at Omaha's CHI Health Arena on August 26, 2024, Bluestein talked with us to discuss his musical odyssey, fatherhood, and the road ahead.
For myself, the conversation with Bluestein represents a full-circle moment. Years ago, when I helped with a regional craft beer publication called "Perfect Pour Magazine," Foreigner was our first feature, and it started the first chapter in my concert photography career. That experience sparked much of the inspiration that eventually led to the creation of Gallery Space Media in 2022. Through the years, I've maintained a strong relationship with the band, making this interview a natural progression in our ongoing dialogue and in some sense a full-circle moment.
From Berklee to the Big Stage
Bluestein's musical journey began at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he immersed himself in jazz studies. Unlike some of his peers who had clear visions of playing massive arenas, Bluestein's path was more open-ended. "I didn't have that kind of clear vision," he admits. "I was always just motivated by the music itself."
This open-minded approach led Bluestein to explore various musical avenues post-Berklee. He found himself deeply involved in the San Francisco jazz and funk scene during the 1990s, riding the wave of the acid jazz movement. It was during this period that Bluestein experienced one of his most memorable moments as a young musician.
"We got a chance to open for Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters," Bluestein recounts with evident excitement. "Herbie's definitely one of my heroes, one of my idols on keyboards." This opportunity to share the stage with a jazz legend at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco left an indelible mark on Bluestein, even before his days with Foreigner.
The Road to Foreigner
Bluestein's journey from jazz clubs to rock arenas wasn't a straight path. He describes his career progression as "far from a straight line," instead following opportunities as they presented themselves. This flexibility eventually led him to Los Angeles, where new doors opened, ultimately paving the way to his position with Foreigner.
Now, as a key member of Foreigner, Bluestein finds himself part of rock history. The band, known for hits like "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "Waiting for a Girl Like You," has been a staple of classic rock radio for decades and as of 2024 the band finally got the overdue nod into the Rock & Roll Music Hall of Fame. Bluestein's role involves not just playing the iconic keyboard parts but also contributing to the band's evolving sound and energy on stage.
Balancing Rock Stardom and Fatherhood
As Foreigner embarks on their farewell tour, Bluestein faces a new chapter in his personal life: fatherhood. His daughter, just over nine months old at the time of our interview, has brought significant changes to his lifestyle and outlook.
"Being a dad has been a huge shift," Bluestein shares. This new responsibility has coincided with other major life changes, including a move to a new house in Burbank and a decision to stop drinking. "I stopped drinking almost six months ago," he reveals. "It was a really good thing. I was ready for a change."
The timing of Foreigner's decision to wind down their intensive touring schedule couldn't be more fortuitous for Bluestein. "I'm thrilled that it's going to be changing and I'll be home a lot more," he says, looking forward to being present for crucial developmental stages in his daughter's life.
The Farewell Tour and Beyond
While Foreigner has announced this as their farewell tour, Bluestein clarifies that it's more of a scaling back than a complete stop. "We're saying goodbye to touring at this intense level," he explains. "We'll still be doing shows, but it's just going to be a lot less."
This change in pace opens up new opportunities for Bluestein to explore other musical avenues. He's currently working on producing a Christmas album featuring artists from Tulsa, Oklahoma, recorded at Leon Russell's famous Church Studios. Additionally, he's looking forward to dedicating more time to his own compositions and collaborations with his wife, Tina, in their duo project, Tina Blues.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
Reflecting on his journey, Bluestein offers valuable advice to the next generation of musicians. "Stick with the love of what you want to do," he emphasizes. He encourages young artists to trust their instincts and embrace their unique tastes and influences. "Don't second guess that because I think everybody has their own unique set of influences and tastes and sounds and ideas that drive them," Bluestein advises, stressing the importance of authenticity in musical expression.
Foreigner in Omaha
Fans can catch Michael Bluestein and Foreigner on their farewell tour when they stop at the CHI Health Arena in Omaha, Nebraska, with Styx and John Waite this August on the 26th. This performance promises to be a celebration of the band's enduring legacy and a chance for fans to experience their classic hits live one last time. Ticket information and additional tour dates can be found on the band's official website.
As Bluestein looks to the future, balancing his role in one of rock's most iconic bands with his new responsibilities as a father, he remains excited about the musical journey ahead. Whether it's on the big stage with Foreigner or in his home studio working on new projects, Bluestein's passion for music continues to drive him forward, inspiring both longtime fans and aspiring musicians alike.
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