ST. GEORGE — The 1980s returned to Tuacahn Amphitheatre for two nights this week in the form of popular, longtime rock ‘n’ roll band Foreigner.

Replete with bright lights, bangin’ pyrotechnics and a big sound, the April 11-12 shows delivered on the promise made by bass player Jeff Pilson, who said a couple of weeks before that concert-goers should be prepared for a high-energy show.

And if you ask just about any of the several thousands who attended, chances are they will make it clear that Foreigner made good on their promise.

The parking lot and concert venue filled up early, and among those clad in classic Foreigner attire were Lisa Bateman and Julie Van Dijk, who said they have always loved the band and have special memories attached to their songs.

“My favorite song is ‘Waiting for a Girl Like You’ because it reminds me of when I was a teenager dreaming about my boyfriend at the time,” said Bateman of Idaho Falls, Idaho. “I hope tonight to just relive that time when music was just so fun.”

Added Bateman’s concert companion Julie Van Deijk of Pleasant Grove: “Foreigner 4 — the best album.”

Todd Wood of Santa Clara, whose Foreigner favorite is “I Want To Know What Love Is,” was all smiles just minutes before entering the amphitheater.

“It’s an ’80s song. I grew up in the ’80s cruisin’ in my truck with my girlfriend sitting next to me,” he said. “The song just felt really great.”

Wood also said  “Juke Box Hero” is a classic because it is so true to life.

“It builds up,” he said. “When the climax hits, you’re air-guitaring the whole thing. It’s just the greatest song ever.”

From elementary-age children to walker-bearing seniors and just about every age group in between, several generations of eager fans provided a sort of unofficial chorus to back lead singer Kelly Hansen, who is just shy of 63 years old himself. Beckoning to concert-goers to sing along and clap their hands, Hansen fronted the other five members of Foreigner who performed 12 songs worthy of a greatest hits title.

The band members themselves are a microcosm of the fans for whom they’ve been performing for 47 years. The youngest current members are lead guitarist Luis Maldanado and keyboardist Michael Bluestein, who are both 48. The oldest is original member Mick Jones, who is 79 but not currently touring with the band due to health challenges.

Hansen, while introducing the band members, took a few extra minutes to poke fun at Pilson, also 62, who was seated on a stool as a result of “doctor’s orders,” his knee in a brace. Guitarist Bruce Watson is 64, and drummer Chris Frazier evens things out at 56 years old.

Together, these six displayed a youthful exuberance. And throughout the concert, two fans from St. George in particular — Debbie Grant and her son Curtis Grant — showed their own level of excitement as well from their second-row, center-stage seats.

“It was awesome. We love Foreigner,” Debbie Grant said. “We saw them about nine years ago when they were here. So we’ve seen them several times. They have so much energy.”

And when asked what his all-time favorite Foreigner tune is, Curtis Grant responded the way dedicated fans often do: “Too hard to pick. There are so many good ones.”

Among those anticipating which song would be next were 24 students who comprise Vista Rising Stars, along with their families. The youngsters joined Foreigner on stage for the second encore number — the iconic “I Want To Know What Love Is.”

Clad in jeans and black T-shirts, the 24 Vista School students entered the stage and took their places between the keyboardist and drummer, waiting for the chorus: “I want to know what love is. I want you to show me. I want to feel what love is. I know you can show me.”

After the concert, Troupe member Alyse Pollock described what it was like to perform with the legendary Juke Box Heroes themselves.

“It was so fun — it was a party,” said Pollock, who added that upon learning she and her classmates would be performing, “I was so excited. I went home and told my parents and they immediately bought tickets.”

Her parents, indeed, were excited.

“When she told me she was selected for this, I almost cried happy tears,” Alyse’s mom Charity Pollock said.

“I grew up listening to Foreigner and I’ve always liked them” added Alyse’s dad Kevin Pollock ” Their songs are great and it’s something our kids can listen to. It’s wonderful.”

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