Urgent-Tribute to Foreigner

About this event

**URGENT – Tribute to Foreigner**

Formed in 2023, URGENT – Tribute to Foreigner is a six-piece powerhouse dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Foreigner and its timeless catalog. With unmistakable guitar riffs, soaring vocals, layered harmonies, and powerful stage energy, URGENT delivers an authentic concert experience—performed 100% live, without backing tracks.

The band has toured extensively throughout the East Coast on its *Long Long Way From Home Tour*, bringing Foreigner’s music to theaters, performing arts centers, and live music venues while building a growing following of classic rock fans.

At the heart of URGENT are **Mark McNelley (lead vocals)** and **Todd Thanhauser (drums)**, musical collaborators for nearly two decades. During the pandemic, the pair released *Lockdown Diaries* under the name AD2020, featuring collaborations with friends throughout the music industry. Their singles “Undivided” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends” each generated more than 30,000 views on YouTube.

Following the pandemic, Mark and Todd reunited with longtime collaborator **Dave Hafer (lead guitar, backing vocals)** to build a band around the music they loved, laying the foundation for URGENT.

Today’s lineup features **Rob DeSimone (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals)**, a veteran of the Philadelphia music scene whose versatility captures the depth and detail of Foreigner’s arrangements, and **Scott Kressley (keyboards)**, whose layered keyboard work adds another essential dimension to the band’s live sound.

Rounding out the group is **Freddy Villano (bass)**, whose career includes touring with Quiet Riot, performing with Dee Snider’s Widowmaker, and playing bass with Holy Mother. Freddy brings decades of professional touring and recording experience, a commanding stage presence, and a rock-solid musical foundation.

“These songs are so iconic that it’s an honor to play music that has been part of the soundtrack to so many lives, including my own,” says drummer Todd Thanhauser.

From the opening note to the final encore, URGENT celebrates the songs that continue to connect generations of rock fans. With precision, passion, and respect for the music, the band brings Foreigner’s timeless catalog to life every time it takes the stage.