Formed in 2023, Urgent – Tribute to Foreigner is a six-piece powerhouse made up of seasoned veterans. The band delivers an authentic Foreigner experience, recreating the iconic sound, harmonies, and energy of one of the greatest rock bands of all time—all performed live without the use of backing tracks.
At the heart of the band are Mark McNelley (lead vocals) and Todd Thanhauser (drums), a dynamic duo who have collaborated for nearly two decades. During the pandemic, the pair released an album, Lockdown Diaries, under the name AD2020, which featured notable collaborations with industry friends. Their singles, “Undivided” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” garnered over 30,000 views each on YouTube, showcasing their creativity and reach in challenging times.
After the pandemic, Mark and Todd sought a fresh direction, laying the foundation for Urgent – Tribute to Foreigner. Drawing from their experience as members of the cover band ESCAPE—where they performed hits from Journey, Styx, and Boston—they reached out to trusted collaborators from their ESCAPE days: Dave Hafer (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Rick Yohe (bass guitar, backing vocals).
To bring Foreigner’s intricate textures to life, the band recruited Doug Kimberling (keyboards, backing vocals), a talented musician Todd knew from the Lancaster-based band Screaming Daisies. Rounding out the lineup is Rob DeSimone (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), a veteran of the Philadelphia music scene whose versatility perfectly complements the band’s sound.
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