Head Games to perform Foreigner hits such as ‘Cold As Ice,’ ‘Hot Blooded’ in Phenix City
When Head Games — A Tribute to Foreigner is performing, lead singer Downey Poteat wants people to be able to close their eyes and believe they are hearing the iconic rock band.
He believes that happens.
After all, one of the reasons behind starting the tribute band is Poteat’s voice.
“Through the years I have often been told I sound like Lou Gramm,” he said.
Gramm was the original lead singer for Foreigner.
Poteat said Head Games is out of Atlanta and also provides much of the same look as Foreigner.
Band members watched a video of a Foreigner concert and recreate much of what was seen.
Local people will be able to see and hear for themselves when Head Games performs at the Phenix City Amphitheater Saturday at 8 p.m.
Foreigner was one of the most popular bands in the 1970s and 1980s. It had 16 Top 30 hits. Among the most popular songs are “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Urgent,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “I Know What Love Is,” “Say You Will” and “That Was Yesterday.”
Poteat said he wanted to do a Foreigner tribute because he loves their songs.
“Great writing,” he said.
Poteat has performed with several bands through the years. For seven of those he played with Gary Edwards, who plays guitar for Head Games.
On stage and in the studio, Edwards has played with artists such as Journey and Toto.
“Downey and I had kept in touch and when he thought of this project he called me,” Edwards said.
He said he was a fan of Poteat’s singing and of Foreigner.
“Foreigner had quite an impact on Top 40 radio in the ’80s,” said Edwards, who was working in Los Angeles at the time.
Other members of Head Games are three veteran musicians, Nate Fink on the keyboards, Dan Morgan on bass guitar and saxophone, and Steve Smith on the drums.
“I love when the people in the audience start singing along with us. They do every time,” Edwards said.
As for the Head Games sound, he said, “we try to stay as true to the original Foreigner sound as possible.”
Larry Gierer: 706-571-8581, @lagierer
If you go
What: Head Games – A Tribute to Foreigner presented by Phenix City Parks and Recreation
When: Saturday, July 8 at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Phenix City Amphitheater, 508 Dillingham St.
Cost: $10
Tickets: Tickets may be purchased online at Xorbia.com or at the gate.
Refreshments: Food trucks and adult beverages will be available.
Rules: No coolers or pets are allowed inside the amphitheater.
This story was originally published July 3, 2017 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Head Games to perform Foreigner hits such as ‘Cold As Ice,’ ‘Hot Blooded’ in Phenix City."