About the song
Foreigner’s live performance of “Urgent” in Dortmund, Germany, in 1982, captures the energy and precision that made the band a powerhouse of the rock scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s. “Urgent,” originally released in 1981 on their album *4*, became one of Foreigner’s most iconic tracks, blending rock with elements of rhythm and blues. Written by the band’s lead guitarist Mick Jones, the song’s distinctive sound is driven by its powerful guitar riffs, urgent rhythm, and the unforgettable saxophone solo by Junior Walker, a renowned R&B saxophonist.
During this live performance, Foreigner brings the song to life with an intensity that can only be felt in a live setting. The crowd at Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle was treated to a performance that showcased the band’s tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence. Lou Gramm, the lead vocalist, delivers the lyrics with a sense of urgency and emotion that resonates with the audience, perfectly capturing the song’s theme of intense and immediate desire.
What makes this performance particularly memorable is the way the band maintains the song’s studio quality while adding the raw energy of a live concert. The rhythm section, with Dennis Elliott on drums and Rick Wills on bass, provides a solid foundation that drives the song forward, while Mick Jones’ guitar work is as sharp and electrifying as ever. The saxophone solo, a standout moment in the studio recording, is even more impressive live, as the band allows Junior Walker’s solo to soar, adding a layer of excitement to the performance.
The Dortmund concert is a prime example of Foreigner at the height of their career, where their ability to blend rock with other musical styles set them apart from their peers. “Urgent” remains one of their defining tracks, and this live performance captures the essence of what made Foreigner a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock music. For fans of the band and lovers of classic rock, this performance is a must-see, showcasing Foreigner’s ability to deliver a powerful and unforgettable live experience.
Video
Lyrics
You’re not shy, you get around
You wanna fly, don’t want your feet on the ground
You stay up, you won’t come down
You wanna live, you wanna move to the sound
Got fire in your veins
Burning hot but you don’t feel the pain
Your desire is insane
You can’t stop until you do it again
But sometimes I wonder as I look in your eyes
Maybe you’re thinking of some other guy
But I know, yes I know, how to treat you right
That’s why you call me in the middle of the night
You say it’s urgent
So urgent, so oh-oh urgent
Just wait and see
How urgent my love can be
It’s urgent
You play tricks on my mind
You’re everywhere, but you’re so hard to find
You’re not warm or sentimental
You’re so extreme, you can be so temperamental
But I’m not looking for a love that’ll last
I know what I need, and I need it fast
Yeah, there’s one thing in common that we both share
That’s a need for each other anytime, anywhere
It gets so urgent
So urgent
You know it’s urgent
I wanna tell you it’s the same for me
So oh-oh urgent
Just you wait and see
How urgent our love can be
It’s urgent
You say it’s urgent
Make it fast, make it urgent
Do it quick, do it urgent
Gotta rush, make it urgent
Want it quick
Urgent, urgent, emergency
Urgent, urgent, emergency
Urgent (urgent), urgent (urgent), emergency
Urgent (urgent), urgent (urgent), emergency
So urgent, emergency
It’s urgent