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Thom Gimbel
Thom Gimbel
Thom Gimbel
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Key Information

Thomas Ellis Gimbel (born November 1, 1959) is an American rock musician and multi-instrumentalist, best known as a member of the rock band Foreigner from 1992 to 1993 and again from 1995 to 2021.[1]

Early life

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Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Gimbel started playing drums as a young child, beginning lessons in third grade. Later he got interested in the guitar. He played flute and guitar and was lead vocalist at Northfield Mount Hermon School in a band called Your Sister's A** with Matt Thurber (drums; who later played in The Rings), Travis Hudelson (drums; who later played with Rich Deans), Jim Steinwedell (lead guitar; who later played in Panzer [CA]), Steven Harriman (lead guitar), and Robert Burns (bass). In the following year, he continued to play in bands at school, applying to music schools on the east coast.

After high school, Gimbel attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he majored in jazz composition and arranging. Не met guitarist Jon Butcher with whom he toured the United States. He played with Butcher for four years recording three studio albums for Capitol Records. One of the songs he co-wrote with Butcher called "The Ritual" was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Career

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Gimbel in 2009

Aerosmith

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Gimbel became a touring musician with Aerosmith from 1989 until 1995, performing keyboards, saxophone, percussion, and backing vocals. During this time, he appeared in a "Wayne's World" sketch on Saturday Night Live, and in the movie Wayne's World 2, where they performed two songs.

Foreigner

[edit]

After touring with Aerosmith on the Pump Tour from 1989 to 1990, Gimbel then joined up with Foreigner in 1992. He returned to Aerosmith in 1993–1994 for the Get a Grip Tour and later rejoined Foreigner in 1995, he has remained a member of Foreigner since that time. Gimbel played rhythm guitar, saxophone, and flute, as well as keyboards and backing vocals. In March 2021, Foreigner's bassist Jeff Pilson announced Gimbel's retirement from the band.[2]

Personal life

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When he is not on the road with Foreigner, Gimbel plays golf, and enjoys playing a wide variety of instruments.

He has three older brothers and sisters and is, among many others, related to the television producer and Emmy Award winner, Roger Gimbel (1925–2011).

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thom Gimbel

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Ellis Gimbel (born November 1, 1959, in ) is an musician and best known for his role as a longtime member of the band Foreigner from 1995 to 2021. During his career, he has played multiple instruments including , guitar, , and keyboards, and contributed to Grammy-nominated work early on. In addition to music, Gimbel is a certified instructor who balances his passions by participating in charity golf events when his touring schedule allows. Gimbel grew up in , where he began learning and as a child before pursuing formal training at in , from which he graduated. After graduation, he entered the professional music scene by playing in local club bands to make ends meet, eventually joining the Boston-based rock group Jon Butcher Axis in the early 1980s. With Jon Butcher Axis, Gimbel co-wrote the instrumental track "The Ritual" from their 1985 album Stare at the Sun, which earned a nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the . The band gained visibility by opening for major acts such as and . In the late 1980s, Gimbel transitioned to touring with , serving as their keyboardist, backing vocalist, saxophonist, and percussionist from 1989 through 1995, including high-profile performances at , , and . He first joined Foreigner in 1992 as a but departed shortly thereafter to continue with Aerosmith, before rejoining Foreigner full-time in 1995 at the invitation of founder Mick Jones. Over the next 26 years, Gimbel became the band's second-longest serving member, contributing to live albums like Alive & Rockin' (2012) and supporting vocalists and through countless international tours; Foreigner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. Gimbel announced his departure from Foreigner in May 2021, citing a desire to end full-time touring and spend more time at home, though he remains open to occasional guest spots with . Outside of music, he has advocated for by collaborating with school choirs during Foreigner tours and donating proceeds to programs. His dual interests in music and continue to define his post-touring life, with the latter providing a therapeutic outlet amid a career spanning over four decades in rock.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Thom Gimbel, born Thomas Ellis Gimbel, entered the world on November 1, 1959, in . He grew up in a close-knit with older sisters who shared in the household's vibrant atmosphere. Gimbel's upbringing occurred in a supportive environment where music permeated daily life, with his parents fostering an appreciation for diverse sounds through record players and casual performances, laying the groundwork for his lifelong passion without formal structured lessons at that stage.

Musical beginnings and education

Gimbel's musical journey began in childhood with an early interest in rhythm, starting drum lessons around age seven after initially experimenting by banging on pots and pans. By , he was formally studying drums, which became his primary instrument through grade school. His family encouraged musical development, with parents insisting on lessons around age nine, providing a foundational rhythmic and melodic base. Transitioning in his pre-teen years, Gimbel picked up the at age ten, inspired by rock and progressive influences like Jethro Tull, allowing him to combine playing with singing and songwriting. He added the around age twelve, drawn to its expressive qualities in bands like Jethro Tull, and later took up at seventeen under skilled instructors. During high school in , he formed and performed in an early rock band called Your Sister's A**, serving as , , and flutist, which honed his multi-instrumental skills and stage presence. Gimbel pursued formal education at the in , where he majored in jazz composition and arranging, earning a bachelor's degree in the early 1980s. Influenced by jazz figures like and guided by instructors such as saxophonist Joe Viola, his studies emphasized comprehensive , , and artistic expression over mechanical technique. The program deepened his appreciation for and elements, blending them with his rock roots.

Career

Early professional work

Following his graduation from in 1982, Thom Gimbel immersed himself in the music scene, performing in local clubs as a versatile multi-instrumentalist proficient on keyboards, guitar, , and . These early gigs helped him hone his craft and gain visibility among regional musicians. In the early 1980s, Gimbel connected with guitarist Jon Butcher after his band shared a stage with the Jon Butcher Axis, leading to an invitation to jam and ultimately join the group. He contributed keyboards, , and other instruments during extensive U.S. tours with the band throughout the decade, participating in the recording of three studio albums for Polydor and : Jon Butcher Axis (1983), Stare at the Sun (1984), and Along the Axis (1985). His role expanded the band's sound, blending rock with jazz-inflected elements from his horn and keyboard work. A highlight of this period was Gimbel's co-writing of the instrumental track "The Ritual" with Jon Butcher for the 1985 album Along the Axis, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1986. The nomination recognized the contributions of Gimbel alongside bandmates Jon Butcher, Jimmy Johnson, and Derek Blevins, marking a significant early achievement in his professional trajectory. Through these experiences, Gimbel established a reputation for his adaptability across instruments and genres in the competitive Northeast rock circuit.

Time with Aerosmith

Thom Gimbel joined in 1989 as a touring musician during the band's , which supported their album and marked a significant phase in their comeback following sobriety and renewed commercial success. Recommended through mutual connections in Boston's music scene after his time at , Gimbel submitted a demo tape highlighting his ability to handle keyboards and high backing vocals, securing the position amid the band's search for additional live support. In his role with Aerosmith, Gimbel performed on keyboards, saxophone, percussion, and provided backing vocals, contributing to the band's dynamic stage presence without receiving credits on any studio albums. His multi-instrumental skills enhanced live renditions of tracks like "Mama Kin" and "Same Old Song and Dance," where his saxophone solos added texture to the hard rock arrangements during extensive touring from 1989 to 1995. This period aligned with Aerosmith's "clean and sober" era, where the group emphasized physical fitness—such as weightlifting and healthy eating—alongside rigorous daily vocal warm-ups that Gimbel shared with frontman Steven Tyler. Gimbel's tenure included high-profile media appearances, such as the band's performance in the 1992 film , where Aerosmith played "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)," and in (1993), featuring a live rendition of "Eat the Rich" that showcased the full ensemble on screen. Other notable live highlights encompassed performances at before an audience of 500,000 to 600,000, multiple episodes, and MTV's Unplugged session, all of which amplified Aerosmith's resurgence in the early . Gimbel departed in 1995 following a second stint from 1993 to 1995, as the band underwent lineup adjustments and he returned full-time to Foreigner, reflecting on the experience as "mind-boggling" due to the intensity of touring with icons like Tyler and guitarist Joe . He praised Tyler's disciplined approach to vocal care, noting their shared warm-up rituals that built camaraderie—"We had a lot of laughs while doing vocal warm-up exercises, which was a daily ritual"—and viewed the core duo of Tyler and as driving the band's enduring energy, akin to a "two-man band" dynamic.

Tenure with Foreigner

Thom Gimbel first joined Foreigner in 1992 as a , serving a short stint until 1993 when he briefly returned to for touring commitments. He rejoined the band permanently in 1995, marking the beginning of a nearly three-decade tenure that lasted until his retirement in 2021. During this period, Gimbel took on versatile roles, including , , , keyboards, and backing vocals, which allowed him to adapt to the band's evolving needs across live and recorded performances. Gimbel's instrumental prowess became integral to Foreigner's live shows, particularly his signature saxophone solo in "Juke Box Hero," which added energy and authenticity to the classic rock staple during extensive worldwide tours. His contributions helped maintain the band's stability amid frequent lineup changes, including vocal shifts from to , enabling Foreigner to sustain a rigorous touring schedule that kept their hits like "Cold as Ice" and "I Want to Know " alive for new generations of fans. Over the years, Gimbel's multi-instrumental support ensured seamless performances and preserved the group's high-energy sound. In March 2021, Foreigner bassist announced Gimbel's impending departure, citing the musician's desire to end his touring career after decades on the road. Gimbel officially retired in May 2021, stating it was time for him to stop touring after nearly 30 years with the band. Foreigner replaced him with guitarist Luis Maldonado, formerly of , who brought a fresh dynamic to the rhythm section while honoring Gimbel's multi-instrumental legacy.

Other collaborations and contributions

Throughout his career, Gimbel has contributed as a and collaborator on various rock and pop projects, showcasing his skills on guitar, , keyboards, and backing vocals. In 1987, he co-wrote the track "Last Lover" with Jon Butcher for Ava Cherry's album Picture Me, blending and elements in the Capitol Records release. Later, in 1994, Gimbel provided guitar work on "St. Anne's Wheel" from Tamara Champlin's You Won't Get To Heaven Alive, a Records outing that featured contributions from her husband, keyboardist . Gimbel's session work extended into the 2000s with backing vocals on Bruce Turgon's solo album Outside Looking In (2005, Frontiers Records), a project by the former Foreigner and Shadow King bassist that highlighted influences. More recently, in 2017, he added soulful to Ronnie Montrose's posthumously released 10x10, a collaborative effort featuring and , which paid tribute to Montrose's legacy through tracks. Since departing Foreigner in 2021 to reduce touring, Gimbel has maintained a low profile with no major recorded projects or high-visibility gigs reported as of 2025, though he has expressed openness to occasional guest spots. His versatility across instruments has influenced rock's tradition, enabling seamless integrations in diverse sessions that underscore adaptability in the genre.

Personal life

Family relationships

Thom Gimbel is the youngest of four siblings, with three older brothers and sisters who shared a musically inclined household during his upbringing in . These familial ties, rooted in a supportive environment where was a central activity, have continued to influence his personal life and creative endeavors as an adult. While specific details on connections remain private, Gimbel's reflections highlight the enduring role of his siblings in shaping his appreciation for diverse musical influences, such as his older sister's introduction to .

Interests and retirement activities

Following his retirement from touring with Foreigner in 2021, Thom Gimbel has prioritized a more settled lifestyle, emphasizing reduced travel after nearly three decades on the road. He expressed in his departure announcement that it was "time for me to finally stop touring" to enjoy a calmer pace, while expressing hopes to reconnect with fans at events like tournaments. As of 2025, Gimbel maintains a low public profile with no major new projects announced, allowing greater focus on personal well-being and work-life balance after years of intensive global performances. A longtime enthusiast of , Gimbel holds certification as a golf instructor and has actively participated in charity tournaments, including the KLOS Mark & Brian Celebrity Golf Tournament from 2000 to 2004, which supported The through events featuring fellow musicians. He has described as a "really wonderful world," encouraging others to explore it, and has shared tips on techniques like putting in band-related content. His involvement often blends with music circles, such as pre-tournament gatherings with performers like and . Gimbel continues to engage with music privately, playing multiple instruments including guitar, , flute, and keyboards, drawing from his formal training at . While no large-scale public performances or teaching roles have been reported post-retirement, he has indicated openness to occasional guest appearances with Foreigner and remains supportive of initiatives, such as VH1's Save The Music program and the GRAMMY Foundation, which aid schools preserving instrumental programs.

References

  1. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/6dca5e7f-1a24-4709-9606-a5ac58f5b27a
  2. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/thom-gimbel-leaves-foreigner/
  3. https://glidemagazine.com/22161/tom-gimbel/
  4. https://eatplayrock.com/2019/03/interview-with-tom-gimbel-foreigner/
  5. https://dailycollegian.com/2019/09/qa-with-foreigners-tom-gimbel/
  6. https://www.grammy.com/awards/28th-annual-grammy-awards
  7. http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2012/15-minutes-with-foreigners-thom-gimbel/
  8. https://mypianolessons.co.uk/2014/05/keyboardist-thom-gimbel-talks-foreigner/
  9. https://rockhall.com/inductees/foreigner/
  10. https://www.hollywoodsoapbox.com/interview-urgent-message-foreigner-ready-to-rock-garden-state/
  11. https://infocusvisions.com/tom-gimbel-foreigner-interview/
  12. https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2014/08/25/new-members-foreigner-will-play-two-hours-familiar-hits/15025007007/
  13. https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/arts-and-entertainment/weekend-watch-after-20-years-foreigner-guitarist-still-gets-a-kick-from-the-hits
  14. https://www.kmuw.org/music/2016-11-17/foreigners-thom-gimbel-talks-long-road-to-right-dimension
  15. https://www.mmone.org/jon-butcher-axis/
  16. https://www.ldnews.com/story/entertainment/2017/07/13/foreigner-hershey-part-40th-anniversary-tour/467602001/
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/7876848-The-Jon-Butcher-Axis-Along-The-Axis
  18. https://www.panhandlepbs.org/blogs/play-here/why-foreigners-tom-gimbel-may-be-having-more-fun-than-anyone-else-in-the-rock-band/
  19. https://www.theaquarian.com/2015/02/11/an-interview-with-tom-gimbel-of-foreigner-playing-your-song/
  20. https://www.masslive.com/the-big-e/2019/09/foreigner-preps-to-close-out-2019-edition-of-the-big-e.html
  21. https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/01/31/juke-box-heroes-foreigner-rocking-after-40-years/97269494/
  22. https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/story/entertainment/local/2016/10/19/thom-gimbel-excited-to-play/17596859007/
  23. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/music-theater-dance/2009/08/02/Foreigner-rocks-on-Band-survives-changes-in-its-lineup-and-the-music-business/stories/200908020007
  24. https://bravewords.com/news/foreigner-guitarist-saxophonist-thom-gimbel-to-retire-from-band-he-s-ready-to-get-off-the-road-reveals-jeff-pilson-video/
  25. https://blabbermouth.net/news/foreigners-thom-gimbel-officially-leaves-band-after-nearly-three-decades-its-time-for-me-to-finally-stop-touring
  26. https://blabbermouth.net/news/foreigner-plays-first-concert-with-new-guitarist-luis-maldonado-video
  27. https://www.discogs.com/release/3226644-Ava-Cherry-Picture-Me
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/9715305-Tamara-Champlin-You-Wont-Get-To-Heaven-Alive
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/4557442-Bruce-Turgon-Outside-Looking-In
  30. https://vintagerock.com/ronnie-montrose-10x10-cd-review/
  31. https://www.discogs.com/artist/388476-Tom-Gimbel
  32. https://www.facebook.com/Foreigner/videos/outside-of-being-a-multi-instrumental-savant-thom-gimbel-plays-a-mean-round-of-g/3975991402441279/
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