Foreigner founder Mick Jones revealed in a social media post on Wednesday that he has secretly been battling Parkinson’s disease.
The rock star has been notably absent from the band’s farewell tour and hasn’t been seen at their live concerts since 2022, according to Billboard. He took to Instagram to reveal to fans that he has been battling health issues behind the scenes. “Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” he told fans. “I want everyone to know that I am doing alright.”
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Jones addressed his time away from the band head-on and explained what he has been going through.
“Fans will have become very aware that for some time now, I have not been performing onstage with the band. However, I’ve always liked to be at my best when performing onstage, and sadly, at present, I find that a bit difficult,” he wrote to Instagram.
In spite of his ailing health, Jones assured fans that this was not the end of the road for him.
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“I am still very much involved in the background with Foreigner and remain a presence,” he told his nearly 100,000 followers on the social media platform.
The talented musician admitted his diagnosis has been challenging to endure, but kept a positive outlook throughout his message.
“Parkinson’s is a daily struggle; the important thing is to persevere and remind myself of the wonderful career I’ve had in music,” he told his fans.
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“I thank all the fans who have supported Foreigner throughout the years and continue to attend our concerts — I want you to know I appreciate your support; it always means so very much to me, but especially so at this point in my life,” he wrote, before signing off.
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The Foreigner members have been entertaining fans since the British-American rock band was first formed in 19676. In addition to Mick Jones on guitar, Lou Gramm provides the vocals, Dennis Elliott is the band’s drummer and Al Greenwood takes the keyboard with Ed Gagliardi on the bass. Ian McDonald has lent his multi-instrumental skills to the band on a variety of different instruments. (RELATED: ‘I’ve Got 10 Years Left’: Ozzy Osbourne Details Tragic Health Issues)
The band reportedly has a number of unfinished, unreleased songs that they’ve considered releasing sometime in the future, according to Billboard.