1970 'Timeless Classic' Gets a 'Beautiful' New Version From Iconic Rock Band
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel released what would become one of the most celebrated songs in popular music history. More than five decades later, another legendary group is putting its own stamp on the classic.
As part of its ongoing 50th anniversary celebration, Foreigner has released a live rendition of the Grammy-winning masterpiece "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
The track appears on the band's upcoming live album and concert film soundtrack, In the Eye of the Storm, which arrives July 24.
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"We have released a special rendition of the classic 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' from our upcoming live album In The Eye Of The Storm," the band wrote in a message to fans. "A song we've always admired and one we're proud to now make our own."
Foreigner also shared a message on Facebook reflecting on the significance of the release.
"As we celebrate 50 years of Foreigner, we're honored to share our rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's timeless classic, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,'" the band wrote. "Recorded live and featured on our upcoming album and concert film soundtrack, In the Eye of the Storm, our performance is available now on all streaming platforms."
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Founding member Mick Jones said in a statement, "50 years ago, I had a vision for a band. I wanted the best musicians I could find to perform and record the best songs we could create. Foreigner succeeded largely because of the wonderful lead vocalists that I was fortunate enough to work with. Lou Gramm, Kelly Hansen, and Luis Maldonado lit the way to the fulfillment of my original vision. To hear them sing together the song that started it all was a very special moment for me. Their performance of 'Feels Like The First Time' and Luis Maldonado's passionate rendition of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' are emotional highlights."
Fans were quick to praise the performance.
"This sounds so awesome!" wrote one listener on YouTube.
"Perfectly beautiful," added another.
A third fan called it a "beautiful version of a timeless classic."
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Over on Facebook, one listener singled out current Foreigner vocalist Luis Maldonado, writing, "A wonderful rendition of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water.' Luis nailed it with his outstanding voice."
The original version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was released by Simon & Garfunkel in January 1970 and became one of the biggest hits of the decade. The song spent six consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and finished as Billboard's top song of 1970.
It went on to win five Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, and has since been covered by dozens of artists ranging from Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin to Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
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The new recording is the latest release from Foreigner's ambitious 50th anniversary campaign. The upcoming In the Eye of the Storm project features performances filmed during the band's special anniversary concert and includes appearances from multiple generations of Foreigner singers, including original frontman Lou Gramm.
Alongside the new music, Foreigner has also launched a new 18-month wall calendar covering July 2026 through December 2027. The collectible calendar features rare photographs from throughout the band's history and is available for $20 through the group's official store.
Nearly 50 years after first emerging as one of arena rock's defining acts, Foreigner continues to celebrate its legacy while introducing classic songs to a new generation of listeners.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 8:09 AM.