:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Foreigners-Head-Games-in-1979copy-c00d7f055fd34eb893ccc9eb36b4d54e.jpg?ssl=1 "Model at 14: Lisanne Falk Recalls Her Iconic Appearance on Foreigner’s Album Cover")
Key Takeaways
- Lisanne Falk, an actress and model, appeared on the cover of Foreigner’s 1979 album "Head Games" at the age of 14.
- The album cover features Falk in a boys’ bathroom, perched on the edge of a urinal, washing something off the wall.
- Falk has spoken about the experience, stating that she was naive and did not understand the context of the photo shoot.
- The album "Head Games" is a classic rock staple, with hits like "Dirty White Boy" and the title track "Head Games".
- Foreigner is still active in the music scene, with a current tour featuring singer Lou Gramm making appearances on select songs.
Introduction to the Controversy
The album cover of Foreigner’s 1979 release "Head Games" has long been a topic of discussion due to its provocative and suggestive nature. The cover features a young girl, Lisanne Falk, who was just 14 years old at the time of the photo shoot. Falk, who is also known for her role as Heather McNamara in the 1988 dark comedy "Heathers", has recently spoken about her experience with the album cover. In a podcast interview with Patrick Labyorteaux, Falk discussed the photo shoot and her feelings about it, stating that she was naive and did not understand the context of what she was doing.
The Photo Shoot and Its Aftermath
Falk’s appearance on the album cover was one of her first modeling gigs, and she has said that she was not "super savvy" at the time. The photo shoot was mostly men, and Falk has stated that everyone thought it was "hilarious" that she was in a men’s bathroom. She has also said that she had likely never seen a urinal before and did not understand the context of what she was doing. After the photo shoot, Falk brought a Polaroid picture of the day’s events to her mother, who responded with a lukewarm "uhhhh, okay…". Falk has shrugged off the experience, stating that "it was a job" and that Ford Models had booked it for her.
The Album and Its Legacy
The album "Head Games" was a commercial success, and it is listed as 5x Platinum by the RIAA. The album features classic rock staples like "Dirty White Boy" and the title track "Head Games", as well as the lesser-known "Love on the Telephone". Foreigner has remained a popular rock band over the years, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. The band is still active, with a current tour featuring singer Lou Gramm making appearances on select songs. Despite the controversy surrounding the album cover, "Head Games" remains a beloved classic rock album.
Foreigner’s Current Tour and Activities
Foreigner’s current tour features a mix of old and new members, with founder/guitarist Mick Jones remaining at the helm of the enterprise. However, Jones is not performing live at this time, and the vocals are being handled by Luis Maldonado. Singer Lou Gramm will be making appearances on select songs, and the tour is scheduled to stop in Wallingford, Conn. on Dec 9. Fans of the band can expect to hear all of their classic hits, including those from the "Head Games" album. The tour is a great opportunity for fans to see Foreigner live and experience their music in a new and exciting way.
Reflection on the Album Cover
In hindsight, Falk has stated that she does not think the album cover would be acceptable in today’s day and age. The photo shoot was a product of its time, and it reflects the attitudes and values of the 1970s. While the album cover may have been seen as provocative and edgy at the time, it is now viewed as problematic and exploitative. Falk’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and young adults. The album cover of "Head Games" will always be a part of rock history, but it is also a reminder of the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in the entertainment industry.
