In Concert: Foreigner hoping it ‘feels like the first time’ again in 2012

Things are lining up nicely if you happen to be part of a classic-rock band these days.With the potential blockbuster status of the movie Rock Of Ages – which has a full-on rock soundtrack of ‘70s and ‘80s music – this summer, this music will hit the ears of a whole new generation of potential fans.And Foreigner hopes to be a big part of it. The group has three songs in the film, one of which will be sung by Tom Cruise. That, plus a tour and a three-disc set – Feels Like the First Time, which features the current roster singing the group’s biggest hits in various formats (straight-up, acoustic and live) – has Foreigner hoping for a big year in 2012.“You can feel the momentum, you can feel things happening,” said the group’s lead singer, Kelly Hansen, in a telephone interview. “Last year, we had a phenomenal tour with Journey and Night Ranger. We were on the road for six months, playing in England, Ireland, and 60-odd shows in the States. It had a snowball-like feel to it.”Hanson and the rest of the group – which still includes the band’s founder, guitarist Mick Jones – are bringing their classic sound to the opening night of the revamped Seminole Casino at Coconut Creek and the new Pavilion venue on Thursday night.