Ed Gagliardi, American bass player (d. 2014)

Edward John Gagliardi (February 13, 1952 – May 11, 2014) was a distinguished American bass guitarist, celebrated for his foundational role as the original bass player for the iconic 1970s rock band, Foreigner. His unique style and dedication left an indelible mark on the landscape of classic rock, contributing significantly to the band's initial meteoric rise.

Founding Foreigner: A Legacy Begins

From the band's very inception in 1976, Edward Gagliardi was an integral member of Foreigner. Formed by British guitarist Mick Jones, former King Crimson multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald, and American vocalist Lou Gramm, alongside Dennis Elliott on drums and Al Greenwood on keyboards, Gagliardi completed this powerhouse lineup. His bass lines provided the driving rhythm and melodic foundation for Foreigner's groundbreaking sound, which seamlessly blended hard rock aggression with melodic pop sensibilities. This original configuration of Foreigner quickly ascended to international fame, defining an era of rock music.

The Iconic Fireglo Rickenbacker and McCartney's Influence

Gagliardi was renowned for his distinctive instrument of choice: a Fireglo Rickenbacker bass guitar. This visually striking instrument, famous for its vibrant red finish and unique sonic characteristics, became synonymous with his stage presence. What made Gagliardi's playing truly remarkable was his approach: despite being naturally right-handed, he played the bass left-handed. This seemingly counter-intuitive method was a profound tribute to his musical idol, Paul McCartney.

His admiration for McCartney was so deep that Gagliardi would often take right-handed Rickenbacker basses and meticulously "self-doctor" them. This intricate process involved re-engineering the instrument to be played upside down, re-stringing it from scratch, and potentially adjusting the nut and bridge to suit a left-handed, inverted playing style. This demonstrated not only his profound devotion but also a significant level of technical skill and commitment to his craft, enabling him to channel the unique melodic and structural qualities of McCartney's bass work.

Studio Success: Foreigner and Double Vision

Edward Gagliardi's invaluable contributions are prominently featured on Foreigner's first two critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums:

• Foreigner (1977): This debut album exploded onto the music scene, achieving quintuple-platinum status in the U.S. and spawning timeless hits like "Feels Like the First Time," "Cold as Ice," and "Long, Long Way from Home." Gagliardi's bass work was fundamental to the album's raw energy and melodic hooks.
• Double Vision (1978): Building on the debut's success, "Double Vision" reached even greater heights, selling over seven million copies in the U.S. and featuring smash singles such as "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," and "Blue Morning, Blue Day." Gagliardi's rhythmic backbone was crucial to these tracks, helping solidify Foreigner's status as rock giants.

Despite his integral role in these foundational albums, Gagliardi departed from Foreigner in 1979. This period saw various lineup changes in the band, common in the evolving landscape of 1970s and 80s rock, often due to creative differences or strategic shifts in musical direction.

Spys: Shaping the Sound of the 80s

Following his tenure with Foreigner, Edward Gagliardi continued to innovate within the music scene. In 1981, he co-founded the band Spys alongside former Foreigner keyboardist Al Greenwood. This collaboration marked a significant shift in musical direction, with Spys pioneering a sound that blended hard rock with prominent synthesizers, effectively setting a stylistic precedent for much of the burgeoning synth-rock genre of the 1980s. Spys released two albums:

• Spys (1982): Their self-titled debut was lauded within the musical community for its sophisticated arrangements and melodic hard rock, infused with a distinct keyboard-driven sound.
• Behind Enemy Lines (1983): The follow-up album further cemented their reputation, showcasing a powerful blend of rock energy and intricate synth textures, earning them critical acclaim for their forward-thinking approach.

Spys' music offered a fresh perspective, demonstrating Gagliardi's versatility and his ability to adapt and influence new musical trends beyond his initial success with Foreigner.

Life Beyond Music and Later Years

In the early 2000s, Edward Gagliardi transitioned into a different professional role, applying his detail-oriented approach and problem-solving skills as a Service Department Writer at Rallye Lexus in Glen Cove, New York. This career shift highlighted another facet of his life, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to a professional career outside of touring and recording.

A Valiant Battle and Passing

Edward John Gagliardi passed away on May 11, 2014, at the age of 62, after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer. His passing marked a significant loss for the music community and his loved ones. A private ceremony was held by his friends and family, honoring his memory and his lasting contributions to rock music. His legacy as a pioneering bass guitarist, a dedicated artist, and an influential figure in two distinct rock eras continues to resonate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edward Gagliardi

Who was Edward Gagliardi?

Edward Gagliardi was an American bass guitarist best known as the original bass player for the legendary 1970s rock band Foreigner, and later a co-founder of the influential 1980s synth-rock band Spys.

Which Foreigner albums did Edward Gagliardi play on?

He played on Foreigner's first two highly successful albums: "Foreigner" (1977), which featured hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold as Ice," and "Double Vision" (1978), known for singles such as "Hot Blooded" and the title track.

What made Edward Gagliardi's bass playing unique?

Gagliardi was unique for playing a Fireglo Rickenbacker bass left-handed, despite being naturally right-handed. This was a direct homage to his idol, Paul McCartney, often involving him custom-modifying right-handed basses for his inverted playing style.

What band did Edward Gagliardi form after Foreigner?

After leaving Foreigner, Edward Gagliardi co-founded the band Spys in 1981 with former Foreigner keyboardist Al Greenwood. Spys released two albums and were recognized for their innovative blend of hard rock and synth-pop, influencing the 1980s music scene.

When and how did Edward Gagliardi die?

Edward Gagliardi passed away on May 11, 2014, at the age of 62, following an eight-year battle with cancer.