I fear that the movement that started in the late 60's will officially end on the day when we can no longer hear Mark Farner sing "I'm Your Captain". On that day I will cut off what's left of my thinning gray pony tail, put away my headband, faded blue jeans and my old tied dyed T-shirts and thank Mark for over 50 years of hope, promoting peace and beautiful memories of an incredible but fleeting period in American history. What a long strange trip its been. God bless you Mark, you were there at the beginning and seeing that you're still active keeps hope alive that the movement will never end. You are legend and you're music has brought us all Closer to Home.
It boggles my mind that a group as talented and popular as Grand Funk isn't in the hall of fame. I really don't know who makes those decisions, but if (of all groups) ABBA could make it in 2010 then Grand Funk should have been inducted in 1986. How in the Hell could the likes of ABBA make it at all no less to the exclusion of Grand Funk?! Makes no sense to me.
The R&RHOF is nothing more than a high school clicque & proved long ago how irrelevant they are by all of the deserving acts who routinely are ignored each yr during the inductions ..but I'm sure glad Madonna & Tupac are in there.. 😑 Nothing against their fans, but...yeah.
Mark has lived down the road from me for 30 some years. He is as kind and down to earth a family man as he is talented. I do not give my comments or admiration lightly and I admire Mark greatly. Also one of my guitar playing inspirations.
@@Mff48 Well howdy back! I know I can't pass on any videos of Mark either. Wife saw Mark and Leisa in the grocery store few days ago. She was busy and didn't get a chance to talk with them though.
So, you could say that he's the real deal? I learned some bad things lately about a few people I thought were someone they're not: Springsteen, Neil Young, Tommy Chong......
@@kellyjohns6612 There is no pretense or false front with Mark. If you ever meet him or talk with him you know immediately he is a very special and unique man. Word!
Yes, 100% true. What stuck out to me was his controlled, vibrato which most rock and rock 'n' roll singers did not possess. When Led Zeppelin eventually unseated them by way of popularity, I couldn't understand that & though Zep was really good, I feel they paled in comparison to the legendary GFR.
Agreed! Frontmen like Mark Farner, Steve Marriott, and Rick Emmett of Triumph, etc. are a special breed for sure. Seeing them perform live is a special treat!
@Barry Frye Farner’s vocals ring clear as a bell! And his guitarwork is worldclass in my book. So is his stage presence! He’s a gifted, consummate performer! AND a great songwriter/composer! Mark Farner is a truly talented musician whose music I have been enjoying for 48 years now. I can’t imagine the music world without him. On top of all his gifted musicianship, he also happens to be a wonderful, down-to-earth, person with a genuine caring soul. Mark follows Christ’s admonition to FORGIVE OTHERS and he is a friend and brother to all. My he receive from God tenfold all the goodness he has shared from within himself.
I met Mark after a great show he did with his band in a pub in Vegas when we lived there in 1989, and he was gracious enough to invite me and my wife onto his tour bus after the show. and we talked for a good half hour taking some pictures. He was so humble and down to earth making us feel like we were the best of friends even though he had only known us for just that one half hour, while giving me a huge poster of himself playing his guitar, and signing it personally to me, which I still have hanging on my wall in a frame today in 2023. God Bless Mark Farner, being one of the coolest people I've ever met, and best guitarist and front man ever to play! Rock on Mark, and thanks for the memories!
Saw the original GFR 4 time and Mark Farner solo dozens of times. Have known Mark for 30+ years. He's a brother and a friend. I respect Brewer and Schacher as musicians, but would never go see them and disrespect Mark. No Farner, No Funk! Great video, thanks!
My husband and I saw Mark several years before covid; he must have been 70 or so then. And I can tell you, he still rocks and can kick the snot out of most 'NEWER' bands since the 2000's. He is powerhouse and his voice is STILL powerful, melodic and distinct. The other 2 can sod off for all I care.
A few years ago Mark was one of the featured acts on a Rock Legends Cruise. His performance was the best of all the acts that were booked. And then during one of the lunchtimes he invited me to sit at his table. He was as approachable and unassuming as a performer could possibly be. What a genuinely nice guy.
I remember when they were the biggest band in the world. The thing I respect the most about Mark is he's a man of God, a Christian, and in this day and time that's about as radical as you can get. Rock on Mark. ❤️✝️
no god's exist souls spirits none of it get over yourself. you have devoured the big lie and it shows. Best bet, dismiss superstition altogether. No more magical thinking. 😂😂😂
I fear that the movement that started in the late 60's will officially end on the day when we can no longer hear Mark Farner sing "I'm Your Captain". On that day I will cut off what's left of my thinning gray pony tail, put away my headband, faded blue jeans and my old tied dyed T-shirts and thank Mark for over 50 years of hope, promoting peace and beautiful memories of an incredible but fleeting period in American history. What a long strange trip its been. God bless you Mark, you were there at the beginning and seeing that you're still active keeps hope alive that the movement will never end. You are legend and your music has brought us all Closer to Home.
Mate that was deep made me fill up,you cant give up,Mark would want you to pass the baton to the next generation!!!!! There music has to live on its his legacy! i love Mark so much! DONT CUT YOUR PONY TAIL OFF!!!!! ROCK ON BROTHER!!!
I saw GFR Labor Day weekend 1969 at the Texas International Pop Festival. They were introduced as a band traveling free with the festival...please make them welcome. Unknown but they almost stole the show that day. Most of the same bands that played Woodstock a couple weeks earlier were there too so it was a huge show. The trio was awesome but it was Farner who commanded the stage. Yes they deserve to be in the Hall of Fame and I'm glad Mark stays true to himself.
The Grand Funk that tours now is nothing but a tribute band,I wouldn't want to see that,but a tour with the three original members would be awesome. One of my favorite groups as a young man.
I'm 66 year's old. I am a musician. A drummer for over 26 years. I live in Seattle & have seen many Grand Funk concerts. I followed them from inception. They are my all time favorite band. Played a lot of their music growing up. I still don't know why they aren't in the hall of fame. God bless you Mark.
Greetings. We may have met. I did sound in the eighties and ninetes. Pioneer square regular. The Groove, Andy O, Head First, The Phoenix, Ragamuffin, .... Can't recall the name the hard rock band that I worked with starring Dave Booth as superior lead singer.
"F" the rock 'n roll hall of fame and their corporate bullocks. Mark Farner doesn't need them and we don't either. Love and respect for Mr. Mark Farner ❤️🇺🇸
Thanks for this retrospect. I don't understand how the guys, who didn't write the songs, could control what he created. One of the worlds tragic stories. Mark was surely a talent.
I saw Grand Funk when I was in high school . The big bands at that time were Led Zep , Black Sabbath , Grand Funk , Santana , and Savoy Brown . They were great . Inside lookin out has got to be one of the greatest hard rock songs in rock history and they're performance was outstanding . I'm 65 now but I still love me some rock n roll !
I saw GFR in November of 1972 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Billy Preston opened the show, and GFR totally blew everyone away. Anyone could see Mark was the star and power that ran GFR. Don and Mel were good, but most drummers and bass players can be replaced like a light bulb. Don might have screwed Mark, but he couldn't take Mark's Mojo from him. I just visited the GFR website at www.grandfunkrailroad.com and it is freak'in hilarious Don and Mel are touring as Kid Rock's "special guest..!!!" Back in their day, GFR didn't have to play 2nd fiddle to anyone. Today, I wouldn't go see GFR if they were playing in my front yard because without Mark Farner, it ain't Grand Funk Railroad..!!!
Saw Don Brewer in an airport in Florida. I am a huge GFR fan and couldn’t bring myself to say anything to him after what he did to Mark . Saw GFR at Shea in 71, Florida in 98 and the tribute band with Don and Mel . No Mark, No GFR.
@@matthatter2849 Don and Mel sat idle for two years, begging Mark to come back. Mark had done the reunion tour back in 96, and made it clear that he would give it two years, and then he would go back to his solo career. He ended up extending it, because he conceded it had taken awhile for things to kick in, so he agreed to another year. Eventually he pulled the plug and said he was done. And along with it, created some bad blood - accusing Mel of getting Mark's son to smoke weed, and there were other issues that were dividing them. I believe Don and Mel were just tired of Mark yanking their chains at every turn. They just wanted to work, plain and simple.
I saw Mark and his band a few summers ago at Michigan's "Arts, Beats and Eats" in downtown Royal Oak. He was splendid! That would be my dying wish...to meet him and pray together. I'm a born-again Christian too.
Saw them in Cleveland at Public Hall in 1971….They played for almost 2 hours , a great show. One of the most underrated bands, they deserve to be in the Rock Hall.
I saw GFR in October 1971 while I was still in high school. Living in Fargo North Dakota one of my friends parents had to drive us to Bloomington Minnesota outside of Minneapolis where the concert was. They waited for us during the concert and then drove us back home. We were yelling at each other all the way back because we couldn’t hear. Couldn’t hear for three days after that one but it was fucking awesome. Black Oak Arkansas opened. One of the best concerts of my life. And I worked for a major record company later in life so I’ve been to a lot.
Great story Tom!!!! I wish I could have seen that one! I have a video on my channel about Ruby Starr who sang some with BOA if you want to check it out. Thanks for watching and sharing your story!
Must have been the same tour I saw Grand Funk. Atlanta Ga. Black Oak was the opening band. Black Oak Arkansas was hell of a band too. Jim Dandy ran out on stage with a sneer and eyes rolled back in his head playing a washboard. I knew we were on our way to a kick in the ass show. Late 60s early 70s. What a time to see great concerts.
One of my first rock concerts without my parents tagging along! My Mother's younger sister took me in '73. We were front row. It was great to finally put the faces to the music I had been listening to, in my young Aunt's room. The show was absolutely ROCKIN'! They played all of their current hits plus stuff I hadn't heard before, but now dug it! It's too bad things wound up like they did? Still a fan.
Guys like Farner and Fogerty made it possible for guys like me to get into guitar and making music... And to me, I think that's a great thing to be credited for. I've been able to thank both of them.
Their Grand Funk Live double album was a masterpiece that came out in 1972. That was the first lead guitar riff I learned on guitar of “Inside looking out” while learning guitar. His playing had Bizzazz!!!
That double-live album was one of my all-time favorites and I wore that 8-track out on my daily 10-mile trips into town in my blue ‘71 Plymouth Barracuda (traded a year later for a yellow/black ‘74 Plymouth ‘Cuda) to attend high-school in ‘75-‘77 (central Arkansas). So I had Mark Farner riding to school with me just about every day back then. Farner is a world class vocalist and a world class rock guitarist who should have been in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame WAY before some of the cheesy other guys who are in it! There will never be another Mark Farner. Love that guy as a performer AND as a person! He’s a true American Patriot and a Brother. I love him!
@@jackwezesa1081 Critics hate everyone so your statement is invalid. They sold out almost every place they played once again your statement is invalid. The only album that may have seen the discount bens was their “Studio/Live” album not their Double Live Album so your about half right there. Where on earth are you getting your information from man. Your dishing out propaganda!!!
@@garyjones783 Department stores in our area in the early 70’s always had discount bins . They advertised them as overstock . Most of them had the conners cut off , hole punched( sometimes through the label ) & saw cut. I got the live album for $1.99 & Morrison Hotel for .99! It’s not propaganda . I don’t know your age but that was very common when we were in Highschool. J.M. Fields would run a 3/99 cents deal. Bowie’s Man who sold the world just sat in those racks @ .99. I could go on all day.
@@jackwezesa1081 It possibly was the area you lived in that had poor sales but in general throughout the nation in big cities where younger people had nightclubs to go to and hear bands playing Grand Funk music. Radio stations played their music 24/7. They were exposed to their sound and songs. I’m 67 years old, a musician myself and saw first hand by living through this time period. They were a phenomena. I’ve seen them twice and the packed Arenas shook like crazy from start to finish. Sounds like you missed out on the Grand Funk action. How many big bands have you seen?
Traveled from down the bayou to Loyola Field House in New Orleans to see them with Bloodrock opening in 1971. Both bands kicked ass. Of course they should be in the hall of fame along with other bands like Steppenwolf
Brother Bob Boy are you going back!!! Loyola FieldHouse!....Damn. Not even The Warehouse. Man, just brought back some incredible memories. One was seeing the Harlem Globetrotters at the Loyola FieldHouse with my dad.
@@AlmostReady504 That was the only show I saw at the Loyola Field house . I did see a few New Orleans Bucs ABA games there and dozens of shows at the Warehouse.
Been a fan of GFR since the late 60's. Was an original member of "The Roadkill" fan club. Me, my sister and my brother are in Sonny Brewers book. Worked getting signatures for GFR to get in to the RR Hall of Fame. Was at Don' s birthday party in Las Vegas. These guys have been an important part of my life. Saw GFR in Washington a few years ago minus Mark of course. THAT was NOT GFR!! Until it is Mark ,Don and Mel again it will NEVER be GFR. Don was unethical and unscrupulous in what he did. Mel didn't jump in there and stop it either. They are both guilty of many evil doings. Mark is a Godly man and he has forgiven them. Perhaps the Gods Lord will see fit to reunite these three talented men once more before they die. I hope so as I miss the REAL rock and roll Grand Funk Railroad gave the world. Until then may God bless us all!!!
Saw the original line up twice. December 10, 1972 at the Baltimore City Civic Center then in 1996 at Merriwether Post Pavilion. I too would go the great lengths and expense to see the original line up one more time. It was Mel that inspired me to start playing bass. I’m still playing.
I hear ya. This is one group I never got to see. Like I said in the video if it ever happened I would spend the bucks to see them for sure but it has to be Mark, Don and Mel together on stage. Thanks for watching!
have the same following as in the states over here!! For me Mark is one of the greatest rock frontmen EVER!! A true rock patriot.I would give anything to see him play with the guys again!!!
I was lucky to see them at The Fillmore East in NYC . Great Show . I have seen Mark's shows numerous times over the years . He always puts in 100% . It's more than obvious where most of the talent came from . As a side note , I saw Dick Wagner twice with Alice Cooper . They also had Steve Hunter , another fine guitarist with them . And they both played on the Lou Reed Rock and Roll Animal live album , along with bass player Prakash John , who also played on the Alice Cooper shows with them . We are talking about a lot of talent here . As you said , without Mark Farner , there would be no Grand Funk Railroad .
Wow...I was introduced to Grand Funk by two brother in laws back in 73. Ha...I was about 9 years old. I was hooked . I was one of those kids that had head phones on and laid back and listened. I never got to see Grand Funk live but did get to see Mark doing a show at the Florida Theater about 10 years ago. He was probably 60 and looked very healthy and was all over the stage. What gave me goosebumps was seeing the equipment backstage labeled as Grand Funk.
Im still searching back in to the late sixties in to 70's ..I love that period ...which I studied, the music really made people feel good, there were trouble times, like always ...music heals ...we need pure blues, jazz, rock back again. Its a soul thing. Lot of people have lost there souls...there is no music like it left to uplift ..I still listen to this music....my soul intact!
My childhood buddy and I from New Orleans were GFR junkies at an early age. Anywhere they played within a few hundred miles we were there. Small bar or larger venue it didn’t matter. The warehouse in New Orleans was our go to place. No Mark = No Funk!
When I was in Jr. High, I started playing drums. Then I discovered Grand Funk and Mark Farner. I fell in love with his playing and decided to learn guitar. Not to long after that I went see them in concert and was blown away. And the fact that he is a Christian gives me even more respect for him as a person. I wish I could meet him someday.
I got to see Mark in the 89's on a solo tour. He was playing to Christian audiences then, releasing records on a Christian record label. He put on a great show and his voice was amazing. The show also featured the Christian blues harp player Daryl Mansfield ( I think that was his name) He was really good too.
He was playing Variety Playhouse in Atlanta a few years ago, getting to stand a few feet from him while he performed was amazing, later Mark signed autographs and meet fans, shaking his hand I was like wow! He has a STRONG grip BTW.
Yeah, did the same here one night in a bar in Salt Lake. Stood in the middle of the dance floor with us all just jammin. Never seen anyone do that without their body guards surrounding them.
I was there too ! Great show ! I also saw them in 1970 at Lake Spivey with Bloodrock. I saw the Mark Farner Band In Montgomery 4-5 years ago. He’s still got it !
Grand Funk Railroad is still my all time favorite Rock and Roll band! It blessed me to that Mark Farner is a believer in Jesus Christ. Keep on Rockin Mark. Many of your FAN'S still love you Brother. God Bless you.
He was my Major influence. When I was 12, I hid under a seat on a bus to get to London. You had to be 15 to go. I worked all day to get close to the stage. They Blew my mind. I'm 64 now, I have played With many bands, recorded, concerts and I owe it all to that one show....
Jan 03, 1982 at the Omni in Atlanta, I was 19 and had never seen them before. I knew they were huge in the 70's but that was several years prior so I didn't expect much. HOLY COW!!! THEY WERE AMAZING!!! I had come to learn from seeing other bands live that some of them aren't that good live, or they just have a bad or an off night, and also often the sound isn't mixed right or there are issues with the sound equipment. NOT THAT NIGHT! I can't name a better concert I have seen. Many Rush and ZZ Top shows were close, but I have to give my personal award to Grand Funk that night for the best sounding concert I have ever seen!
Saw Grand Funk in Albuquerque in Feb. 71. Bloodrock opened for them. I went to a lot of concerts in my day and that one was most likely the best. Mark on the very top of the huge wall of amps behind the band playing the guitar solo to Inside Looking Out. WOW!
I was very young when the Funk was at their peak. About five or six years old. My older brother seen them live back in the day in Florida. Either at Pirate's World, Bicentennial Park or the Sportorium. I really like Mark Farners Christian based Railroad Funk now. All the best to you Mark. Thank you. 🙏🙏🙏
I never got to see Grand Funk live but as a young musician I remember something came on and I didn't pay much attention until I saw this guy going from keyboards to guitar and he was feeling it and moving to the feel and for anyone that's played in a band that remotely felt what Mark was feeling knows that carried away feeling and even though Brewer and Mel where keeping it down I couldn't take my eyes off Mark and I had to know more and really I never stopped wanting more of Mark and I never heard it said better MARK WAS THE ENGINE THAT PULLED GRAND FUNK. Top 5 front man of all time .
Saw them in 1973 for the we’re an American band tour in July of that year in Duluth Minnesota with Craig frost on keyboards,what a fantastic concert! I had just picked up the 2 record set mark,Don,and Mel which covers a lot of the first albums and is a great retrospective. The power and talent in that group was amazing! It would be great to see them again as life is way too short!
I good friend of mine has met Mark a few times in the past. I was up in TC Michigan a few years ago at the annual Cherry Festival, Mark was playing there. I’ve seen GFR a few years back but without Mark it wasn’t the same. He is by far one of a kind.
Mark was hanging out with my friend Brother Ben in Gladewater, Texas. a shortwave radio minister, but when Ben told me Mark had become a Christian I was afraid to fawn over him because I wasn`t sure if he would be insulted so I pretended I didn`t recognize him and said nothing. I regret that now.
Grew up playing GFR songs. Looking forward to jamming with you, Mark, when we get home to play for Jesus. Blessings, brother. You've been an inspiration musically and in how to deal with people who haven't been forthright.
What can I say.i am 70 years old I first seen them in Rochester NY in 1970 . unbelievable I have seen all moist all the bands from the 70s but this 3 peace band from Flint Michigan.was the Best of all of them. It was the first Havey Madle band. So Loud for 3 guys. And the learicks would tell you a story. Mark would move all over the stage.never stop. He is my brother and he is your brother too.he sings about the save the Land. Let's all love one another.girls. Peace.your freedom.he loves American.and the right to bare armes.and moust of all GOD.not right wright what Don and mail did. But he forgives them. That is the kind of man he is. Love you my brother ✝️☮️✌️❤️
I saw Terry Knight and the Pack several times at the Armory in Owosso, Michigan during the 1960’s and, a few of those times, Mark Farner was playing bass. Those performances were among the best I’ve seen anywhere in the world. Also saw Mark Farner and Dick Wagner perform at the Armory in Owosso with The Bossmen. Another great band and a great show. Unfortunately, Mark Farner’s great friend and former fellow Bossmen, Dick Wagner, died about a month after the final concert of his final concert tour in 2014. That final show was held at the beautiful Lebowsky Center for the Performing Arts in Owosso, Michigan on June 29, 2014. The concert was phenomenal and it will be remembered forever. Mark Farner last visited Owosso in 2019.
Mark is so interesting with his stories of life in Michigan. He could have specialized in soft rock and would still have been famous as his vocals are so good. Grand Funk without Mark cannot be taken seriously.
I just saw him at a celebration for Burton Mi in May and I'll tell you what, that dude can still sing great and his playing is still great. He played a lot of his Grand Funk tunes and they sounded like they originally did. Awesome.
GFR was one of my favorite bands (along with Steppenwolf) as I was transitioning from The Beatles to Led Zeppelin. On more occasions than i can count, my older brother, Jimmy (RIP), and I would sit on our beds and crank up 'Survival' and the live album while tokin' a J. 'Survival' is still one of my all-time favorite albums and it still gets heavy rotation on my home stereo. I saw Mark solo in Indianapolis around 1988 or '89 and he was fantastic! Then, after all those empty years, I finally got to see THE Grand Funk Railroad at Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock when they did a reunion tour around 1997 or '98 (time flies, and memories fade as you age!). The show was a highlight of my life, and I've seen hundreds of bands over the last 45 years or so. Long live GFR--that is, the one with Mark, Don and Mel. Absolutely they as well as Steppenwolf should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Mark was screwed over by his band mates. He was coerced to sign papers and trusted them but never realize that he was signing over their right to use the bands name and tour without him. Yes, he should've hired an attorney to see that his interests were preserved but NEVER thought they'd cut him out ! They were his buds! How could they? Anyway, There names are Don Screwer and Mel Snatcher! Rock on Mark Farner. You are the man!
Back on the 70's I was a fan of Grand Funk (still are) bring good memories from my younger days Heartbreaker one of my faves. Yes definitely they belong in The Hall of Fame..
I'm from TIJUANA MX 🇲🇽 and i'm one of he's GREATES fans, is My Idol, My favorite singer, song writer, one of My favorite guitar palyer, amaizing songs, gotbno words to Say yo the all world how great is Mark, his músic whit Grand Funk Railroad one of the GREATES rock band un the history, i always lisent Grand Funk, i hope You guys there understand wath i Say, GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!!!!! and Rock whit Mark !!!!!!! sorry forn my einglish 🤘🏾😎🙏🙏🙏
One of the Best Guitar players ever and best musicians ever in 1 Band. Should get more recognition and been in Rock & RollHallOfFame years ago. For noons out rocked this band period!
i bought their Closer to Home album when it came out and practised playing to it with my first cheap bass guitar (I payed $20 for it) my amp was a small record player where i wire the guitar cord to the wires that came out of the players needle. thats how i taught myself to play
The first album I ever bought was We’re an American Band. Wow! Their self titled Grand Funk has to be one of the best albums ever. The RRHOF is like an abandoned 7-11 without Grand Funk Railroad in it!
Mark is one of the most talented people to ever grace a stage , he performed with great intensity and ability , it’s a shame whatever happened to this band , he’s also comes across as a real down to earth human being , like someone you could sit at a bar with and talk to like you’ve known him personally, these guys performed with great intensity , it’s a shame if someday in the near future they don’t tour and maybe even put out some new music, I’m pretty sure they could still perform at a high level
Ya it’s a shame the Group doesn’t get the respect it deserves. As a rock and roll band , come on if there not in the running for being One of the best is just not right. Barring that what they did to Mark is troublesome but there is just bad things that happen to good people. As a fan from when I was a kid in the 60’s till now I still just play and listen to there music. The Rock and Roll Hall of shame can’t take that away. They would draw such a big crowd if they where to get together and play just the same as any of the So called big groups of the day and you can take your pick on that. I’m glad and thankful for the memories as a young kid Rocking out and thinking I could play Inside Looking out Solo!!! Thanks for the memories GFR………
I saw GFR in 1972 or 1973 in Kansas City, Missouri. They had a Huge video screen behind them, and would play videos on it during the show. I distinctly remember a video on the screen of Mark in a canoe rowing down some river. It was super cool to see them in their leisure time having fun. One of the greatest concerts I ever went to. Don's drum solo was incredible ! Great memories !
Awesome video got into the band 10 years ago and been hooked ever since. My dad was into The Who and The Beatles so never heard Funk growing up but man it been a trip listening to them good stuff!
I have been a Grand Funk fan since they first started. I never got the opportunity to see them in concert which is a shame. They were definitely a force to be reckoned with. Good time rock / soul at it's best. Mark Farner was the "heart" of that band and without him it just doesn't work. I wouldn't walk across the street to see Mel and Don play.
Nicely done. Always been a fan. Another huge thing about them, they were the band that launched so many garage bands They gave young guys the push to just go for it.
I saw Grand Funk at The Spectrum in Philly in 1972. Best concert ever! The raw energy was so real. The way Mark threw that guitar around to his back when he played keys on Foot Stompin Music, and then pulled it right back to the front for the lead guitar part, Don Brewer's other worldly drumming, Mel's powerhouse bass riffs flowing right through the middle of it all, the unbelievably tight vocals between Mark and Don, these guys were the real deal!! They were the definition of rock music! I still listen to their albums, but oh how I would love to see them live one more time. I recently watched a video on RUclips from Shea Stadium where Mark plays timbales during a Brewer solo. I thought, "he must know how to drum too!" And he was a dynamic incredible front man, but I think Brewer could've been that too if he wasn't behind the drums. As a musician myself, Grand Funk was my number 1 inspiration to become a rock star. I didn't quite hit those heights, but it's been an amazing, and incredibly fun journey! Rock on Mark, Don, and Mel!
Saw them at the "Shine On tour"in San Antonio, TX, great concert, they showed then in a video as kids during a break before they played We're An American Band! Also saw them at an outdoor festival called Semana Allegre,in San Antonio so they we're bathed in beer, as is custom to do to performers and they rocked it man, one of the best love love performances ever!
Thank you so much for sharing this! My first concert was Grand Funk w Wet Willie opening 5/3/74 at the Spectrum in Philly! Changed my life! Just amazing live! Go listen to Live Album, so much power and movement. Don and Mel are the most underrated rhythm section in Rock and Grand Funk are the best American band of that Era and so deserve the hall. HOW CAN WE MAKE THAT HAPPEN?
Grand Funk Should be in the Hall of Fame! What do you say?
ruclips.net/user/riverdocs
I fear that the movement that started in the late 60's will officially end on the day when we can no longer hear Mark Farner sing "I'm Your Captain". On that day I will cut off what's left of my thinning gray pony tail, put away my headband, faded blue jeans and my old tied dyed T-shirts and thank Mark for over 50 years of hope, promoting peace and beautiful memories of an incredible but fleeting period in American history. What a long strange trip its been. God bless you Mark, you were there at the beginning and seeing that you're still active keeps hope alive that the movement will never end. You are legend and you're music has brought us all Closer to Home.
@@Tron-Jockey Well said!!! Thank you!
It boggles my mind that a group as talented and popular as Grand Funk isn't in the hall of fame. I really don't know who makes those decisions, but if (of all groups) ABBA could make it in 2010 then Grand Funk should have been inducted in 1986. How in the Hell could the likes of ABBA make it at all no less to the exclusion of Grand Funk?! Makes no sense to me.
Great video Mark's a great guy Donnie and Mel should be ashamed of what they did
The R&RHOF is nothing more than a high school clicque & proved long ago how irrelevant they are by all of the deserving acts who routinely are ignored each yr during the inductions ..but I'm sure glad Madonna & Tupac are in there.. 😑
Nothing against their fans, but...yeah.
Mark Farner is likely the most underrated rock guitarist, singer - songwriter, and performer of all time.
Eh, don't think so. They sold millions of records and had a brilliant career.
true Denny i like the song /can't be too long /great tune guys
Mark has lived down the road from me for 30 some years. He is as kind and down to earth a family man as he is talented. I do not give my comments or admiration lightly and I admire Mark greatly. Also one of my guitar playing inspirations.
That’s good to know! 🤡
fancy meeting you here patrick!!! lol kind regards catherine couldnt resist a new upload on my favourite man!!!
@@Mff48 Well howdy back! I know I can't pass on any videos of Mark either. Wife saw Mark and Leisa in the grocery store few days ago. She was busy and didn't get a chance to talk with them though.
So, you could say that he's the real deal?
I learned some bad things lately about a few people I thought were someone they're not: Springsteen, Neil Young, Tommy Chong......
@@kellyjohns6612 There is no pretense or false front with Mark. If you ever meet him or talk with him you know immediately he is a very special and unique man. Word!
Eddie Van Halen once said that seeing Mark Farner front GFR is what made him want to be a rock star.
Mark Farner is one of the greatest rock band singers of all time!
Amen
Yes, 100% true. What stuck out to me was his controlled, vibrato which most rock and rock 'n' roll singers did not possess. When Led Zeppelin eventually unseated them by way of popularity, I couldn't understand that & though Zep was really good, I feel they paled in comparison to the legendary GFR.
Agreed! Frontmen like Mark Farner, Steve Marriott, and Rick Emmett of Triumph, etc. are a special breed for sure. Seeing them perform live is a special treat!
ABSOLUTELY!!!!
@Barry Frye
Farner’s vocals ring clear as a bell! And his guitarwork is worldclass in my book. So is his stage presence! He’s a gifted, consummate performer! AND a great songwriter/composer!
Mark Farner is a truly talented musician whose music I have been enjoying for 48 years now. I can’t imagine the music world without him.
On top of all his gifted musicianship, he also happens to be a wonderful, down-to-earth, person with a genuine caring soul. Mark follows Christ’s admonition to FORGIVE OTHERS and he is a friend and brother to all. My he receive from God tenfold all the goodness he has shared from within himself.
I met Mark after a great show he did with his band in a pub in Vegas when we lived there in 1989, and he was gracious enough to invite me and my wife onto his tour bus after the show. and we talked for a good half hour taking some pictures. He was so humble and down to earth making us feel like we were the best of friends even though he had only known us for just that one half hour, while giving me a huge poster of himself playing his guitar, and signing it personally to me, which I still have hanging on my wall in a frame today in 2023. God Bless Mark Farner, being one of the coolest people I've ever met, and best guitarist and front man ever to play! Rock on Mark, and thanks for the memories!
"I'm your Captain" is one of the greatest rock songs ever made.
That song Captain capitalized on the notorious chord progression Lynyrd, and a ton of other great rockers used: D-C-G.
Saw the original GFR 4 time and Mark Farner solo dozens of times. Have known Mark for 30+ years. He's a brother and a friend. I respect Brewer and Schacher as musicians, but would never go see them and disrespect Mark. No Farner, No Funk!
Great video, thanks!
You're very welcome and I agree. Thanks you for watching.
Damn straight! No Farner, no Funk!
My husband and I saw Mark several years before covid; he must have been 70 or so then. And I can tell you, he still rocks and can kick the snot out of most 'NEWER' bands since the 2000's. He is powerhouse and his voice is STILL powerful, melodic and distinct. The other 2 can sod off for all I care.
👍
Sod off! You must be from Alabama.
@@josephperreault997 Birmingham, to be exact! 😄
I seen G.F.R open up for Bob SEGAR a couple years back In Louisville KY. Great show. Two of my favorites.
Salute to Mark Farner. A class act all the way.
CONNEY THOWT SO 2
A few years ago Mark was one of the featured acts on a Rock Legends Cruise. His performance was the best of all the acts that were booked. And then during one of the lunchtimes he invited me to sit at his table. He was as approachable and unassuming as a performer could possibly be. What a genuinely nice guy.
I have heard this from many people. I really believe he is a decent guy!! Thanks for watching!
I wouldn't pay 10 cents to see Don and Mel, but I'd pay to see Mark with his band.
that's right lance
Grand Funk without Mark is nothing but a tribute band in my eyes.
They and other Michigan bands are why I love music.
I remember when they were the biggest band in the world. The thing I respect the most about Mark is he's a man of God, a Christian, and in this day and time that's about as radical as you can get.
Rock on Mark. ❤️✝️
no god's exist souls spirits none of it get over yourself. you have devoured the big lie and it shows. Best bet, dismiss superstition altogether. No more magical thinking. 😂😂😂
He may be a man of God, but they were never the biggest band in the world. Ever.
SDC you don't know about music , cero .
@@sdc7823 Yes they were my friend.
For 3 or 4 years, maybe more, nobody was bigger.
One of the great rock bands. Sell out concerts millions of albums sold and still hasn't been induced in the Hall Of Fame.
I fear that the movement that started in the late 60's will officially end on the day when we can no longer hear Mark Farner sing "I'm Your Captain". On that day I will cut off what's left of my thinning gray pony tail, put away my headband, faded blue jeans and my old tied dyed T-shirts and thank Mark for over 50 years of hope, promoting peace and beautiful memories of an incredible but fleeting period in American history. What a long strange trip its been. God bless you Mark, you were there at the beginning and seeing that you're still active keeps hope alive that the movement will never end. You are legend and your music has brought us all Closer to Home.
You don't have to end it... Keep the flag flying...
Mate that was deep made me fill up,you cant give up,Mark would want you to pass the baton to the next generation!!!!! There music has to live on its his legacy! i love Mark so much! DONT CUT YOUR PONY TAIL OFF!!!!! ROCK ON BROTHER!!!
I saw GFR Labor Day weekend 1969 at the Texas International Pop Festival. They were introduced as a band traveling free with the festival...please make them welcome. Unknown but they almost stole the show that day. Most of the same bands that played Woodstock a couple weeks earlier were there too so it was a huge show. The trio was awesome but it was Farner who commanded the stage. Yes they deserve to be in the Hall of Fame and I'm glad Mark stays true to himself.
The Grand Funk that tours now is nothing but a tribute band,I wouldn't want to see that,but a tour with the three original members would be awesome. One of my favorite groups as a young man.
I'm 66 year's old. I am a musician. A drummer for over 26 years. I live in Seattle & have seen many Grand Funk concerts. I followed them from inception. They are my all time favorite band. Played a lot of their music growing up. I still don't know why they aren't in the hall of fame. God bless you Mark.
You were probably at the Puyallup fair concert in the mid '90s. I was there too
Greetings.
We may have met.
I did sound in the eighties and ninetes.
Pioneer square regular.
The Groove, Andy O, Head First, The Phoenix, Ragamuffin, ....
Can't recall the name the hard rock band that I worked with starring Dave Booth as superior lead singer.
Be a the Hall Of Shame is all about Leftists Politics, not about Music. Mark is a Christian and need we say more?
Where did Grand Funk play in Seattle? The Kingdome?? I want a Seattle GF concert poster!
@@jeffhammers5677 they were at the coliseum on April 16, 1971
"F" the rock 'n roll hall of fame and their corporate bullocks. Mark Farner doesn't need them and we don't either. Love and respect for Mr. Mark Farner ❤️🇺🇸
Thanks for this retrospect. I don't understand how the guys, who didn't write the songs, could control what he created. One of the worlds tragic stories. Mark was surely a talent.
I saw Grand Funk when I was in high school . The big bands at that time were Led Zep , Black Sabbath , Grand Funk , Santana , and Savoy Brown . They were great . Inside lookin out has got to be one of the greatest hard rock songs in rock history and they're performance was outstanding . I'm 65 now but I still love me some rock n roll !
You should hear the original "Inside Looking Out" by Eric Burdon and The Animals. It's totally different!
We may be old, but we got to see all the really great bands.
@@davesiringo7147 yes we did..great time back then
@@davesiringo7147 that's what it says on a t-shirt my son got me for Christmas a few years ago. 👍
How did Savoy brown get in that group and not some like deep purple
The most underrated band ever
For sure!
They are not underrated at all. "The most underrated band ever". The most overused statement on RUclips.
true tim
MARK FARNER IS A GENIUS,the others are a rhythm section,now they are definitely a rhythm section without a front man
Grand Funk is one of the greatest bands ever!
I saw GFR in November of 1972 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Billy Preston opened the show, and GFR totally blew everyone away. Anyone could see Mark was the star and power that ran GFR. Don and Mel were good, but most drummers and bass players can be replaced like a light bulb. Don might have screwed Mark, but he couldn't take Mark's Mojo from him. I just visited the GFR website at www.grandfunkrailroad.com and it is freak'in hilarious Don and Mel are touring as Kid Rock's "special guest..!!!" Back in their day, GFR didn't have to play 2nd fiddle to anyone. Today, I wouldn't go see GFR if they were playing in my front yard because without Mark Farner, it ain't Grand Funk Railroad..!!!
I hear ya. If Mark, Don and Mel were to play together again they wouldn't have to take a backseat to anyone! Thanks for watching!
No shit!
Grand Fake Railroad
Saw Don Brewer in an airport in Florida. I am a huge GFR fan and couldn’t bring myself to say anything to him after what he did to Mark .
Saw GFR at Shea in 71, Florida in 98 and the tribute band with Don and Mel . No Mark, No GFR.
Good for you! After what he's done, he doesn't deserve anybody fawning over him anymore.
Mark quit the band 3 times. Can’t blame Don
@@scuffy44 The Farner groupies always seem to overlook that FACT. But Farner and his flock need to create an enemy.
@@bobchasseur3811 Wow. So Don was in the right?
@@matthatter2849 Don and Mel sat idle for two years, begging Mark to come back. Mark had done the reunion tour back in 96, and made it clear that he would give it two years, and then he would go back to his solo career. He ended up extending it, because he conceded it had taken awhile for things to kick in, so he agreed to another year. Eventually he pulled the plug and said he was done. And along with it, created some bad blood - accusing Mel of getting Mark's son to smoke weed, and there were other issues that were dividing them. I believe Don and Mel were just tired of Mark yanking their chains at every turn. They just wanted to work, plain and simple.
I saw Mark and his band a few summers ago at Michigan's "Arts, Beats and Eats" in downtown Royal Oak. He was splendid!
That would be my dying wish...to meet him and pray together. I'm a born-again Christian too.
Same here about 3 yrs ago in sandusky Ohio at a bike rally still sound as good when 1st seen em in71
Saw them in Cleveland at Public Hall in 1971….They played for almost 2 hours , a great show. One of the most underrated bands, they deserve to be in the Rock Hall.
They sure do. Thanks for watching!!
I agree 100%!!!
I saw GFR in October 1971 while I was still in high school. Living in Fargo North Dakota one of my friends parents had to drive us to Bloomington Minnesota outside of Minneapolis where the concert was. They waited for us during the concert and then drove us back home. We were yelling at each other all the way back because we couldn’t hear. Couldn’t hear for three days after that one but it was fucking awesome. Black Oak Arkansas opened. One of the best concerts of my life. And I worked for a major record company later in life so I’ve been to a lot.
Great story Tom!!!! I wish I could have seen that one! I have a video on my channel about Ruby Starr who sang some with BOA if you want to check it out. Thanks for watching and sharing your story!
lovely story!!! you guys dont know how lucky you are to have seen these ledgends,love BOA too,Jim Dandy is awesome.....
Fantastic!!! i love hearing your stories from across the pond!! They were great times!.
Must have been the same tour I saw Grand Funk. Atlanta Ga. Black Oak was the opening band. Black Oak Arkansas was hell of a band too. Jim Dandy ran out on stage with a sneer and eyes rolled back in his head playing a washboard. I knew we were on our way to a kick in the ass show.
Late 60s early 70s. What a time to see great concerts.
I’m surprised you didn’t go completely deaf ! We tried to get tickets in 73 but it sold out ! Great somewhat underrated band.
I still crank up some Grand Funk every now and then! Loved his raw sounds… whether he was singing or playing
Their music is timeless!
An incredibly gifted and talented artist.Thanks Mark!!!🎸👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great guitarist and great singer also a great Man 💯💯💯😎😎😎
One of the greatest bands of all times. Damn I wish we could go back in time. Stay cool Mark.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🎸
Farner is one of a kind. Detroit Rock n' Roll cannot be topped.
One of my first rock concerts without my parents tagging along!
My Mother's younger sister took me in '73. We were front row. It
was great to finally put the faces to the music I had been listening
to, in my young Aunt's room. The show was absolutely ROCKIN'!
They played all of their current hits plus stuff I hadn't heard before,
but now dug it! It's too bad things wound up like they did? Still a fan.
Great story. Thanks for sharing!!
Still one of my all-time favorite bands. No Farner, no Funk.
Guys like Farner and Fogerty made it possible for guys like me to get into guitar and making music... And to me, I think that's a great thing to be credited for. I've been able to thank both of them.
I play a Parker 'Fly' cuz of Mark.
As I've always said, no Grand Funk without Mark Farner!
Got to Love Mark Farner!!
Their Grand Funk Live double album was a masterpiece that came out in 1972. That was the first lead guitar riff I learned on guitar of “Inside looking out” while learning guitar. His playing had Bizzazz!!!
That double-live album was one of my all-time favorites and I wore that 8-track out on my daily 10-mile trips into town in my blue ‘71 Plymouth Barracuda (traded a year later for a yellow/black ‘74 Plymouth ‘Cuda) to attend high-school in ‘75-‘77 (central Arkansas). So I had Mark Farner riding to school with me just about every day back then. Farner is a world class vocalist and a world class rock guitarist who should have been in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame WAY before some of the cheesy other guys who are in it! There will never be another Mark Farner. Love that guy as a performer AND as a person! He’s a true American Patriot and a Brother. I love him!
Came out my freshman year , 1970 . It didn’t sell well . The critics hated them . The album ended up in bargain bins in early 71 !
@@jackwezesa1081 Critics hate everyone so your statement is invalid. They sold out almost every place they played once again your statement is invalid. The only album that may have seen the discount bens was their “Studio/Live” album not their Double Live Album so your about half right there. Where on earth are you getting your information from man. Your dishing out propaganda!!!
@@garyjones783 Department stores in our area in the early 70’s always had discount bins . They advertised them as overstock . Most of them had the conners cut off , hole punched( sometimes through the label ) & saw cut. I got the live album for $1.99 & Morrison Hotel for .99! It’s not propaganda . I don’t know your age but that was very common when we were in Highschool. J.M. Fields would run a 3/99 cents deal. Bowie’s Man who sold the world just sat in those racks @ .99. I could go on all day.
@@jackwezesa1081 It possibly was the area you lived in that had poor sales but in general throughout the nation in big cities where younger people had nightclubs to go to and hear bands playing Grand Funk music. Radio stations played their music 24/7. They were exposed to their sound and songs. I’m 67 years old, a musician myself and saw first hand by living through this time period. They were a phenomena. I’ve seen them twice and the packed Arenas shook like crazy from start to finish. Sounds like you missed out on the Grand Funk action. How many big bands have you seen?
Traveled from down the bayou to Loyola Field House in New Orleans to see them with Bloodrock opening in 1971. Both bands kicked ass. Of course they should be in the hall of fame along with other bands like Steppenwolf
Absolutely Brother Bob
Those 2 bands not being in the Hall is an insult to Rock & Roll .
@Brother Bob - I saw the Houston show of that tour…fantastic!!
Brother Bob
Boy are you going back!!!
Loyola FieldHouse!....Damn.
Not even The Warehouse.
Man, just brought back some incredible memories. One was seeing the Harlem Globetrotters at the Loyola FieldHouse with my dad.
@@AlmostReady504 That was the only show I saw at the Loyola Field house . I did see a few New Orleans Bucs ABA games there and dozens of shows at the Warehouse.
Been a fan of GFR since the late 60's. Was an original member of "The Roadkill" fan club. Me, my sister and my brother are in Sonny Brewers book. Worked getting signatures for GFR to get in to the RR Hall of Fame. Was at Don' s birthday party in Las Vegas. These guys have been an important part of my life. Saw GFR in Washington a few years ago minus Mark of course. THAT was NOT GFR!! Until it is Mark ,Don and Mel again it will NEVER be GFR. Don was unethical and unscrupulous in what he did. Mel didn't jump in there and stop it either. They are both guilty of many evil doings. Mark is a Godly man and he has forgiven them. Perhaps the Gods Lord will see fit to reunite these three talented men once more before they die. I hope so as I miss the REAL rock and roll Grand Funk Railroad gave the world. Until then may God bless us all!!!
Saw Mark Farner at the Center Stage in Canton Michigan in the late eighties. Excellent singer, songwriter and entertainer. He is Grand Funk.
Saw the original line up twice. December 10, 1972 at the Baltimore City Civic Center then in 1996 at Merriwether Post Pavilion. I too would go the great lengths and expense to see the original line up one more time. It was Mel that inspired me to start playing bass. I’m still playing.
I hear ya. This is one group I never got to see. Like I said in the video if it ever happened I would spend the bucks to see them for sure but it has to be Mark, Don and Mel together on stage. Thanks for watching!
Mel was the reason I started playing bass as well. Nice to meet you brother. 😊
have the same following as in the states over here!! For me Mark is one of the greatest rock frontmen EVER!! A true rock patriot.I would give anything to see him play with the guys again!!!
It's hard to believe he is not a "household name". The true music lovers know who he is, but so many don't.
I was lucky to see them at The Fillmore East in NYC . Great Show . I have seen Mark's shows numerous times over the years . He always puts in 100% . It's more than obvious where most of the talent came from . As a side note , I saw Dick Wagner twice with Alice Cooper . They also had Steve Hunter , another fine guitarist with them . And they both played on the Lou Reed Rock and Roll Animal live album , along with bass player Prakash John , who also played on the Alice Cooper shows with them . We are talking about a lot of talent here . As you said , without Mark Farner , there would be no Grand Funk Railroad .
Great stories Bill. Thanks so much for sharing.
Wow...I was introduced to Grand Funk by two brother in laws back in 73. Ha...I was about 9 years old. I was hooked .
I was one of those kids that had head phones on and laid back and listened.
I never got to see Grand Funk live but did get to see Mark doing a show at the Florida Theater about 10 years ago. He was probably 60 and looked very healthy and was all over the stage.
What gave me goosebumps was seeing the equipment backstage labeled as Grand Funk.
Mark Farner is total badazzery....been digging his music for over 50 years and keeps getting better. Thanks for everything.
And yes they belong in the hall of fame they are rock royalty as much as anyone else !
"gomez addams"
🎸Good God YES🎖🎯
GFR is easily 10 times the better band than probably 50% of the bands in the HoF.
Im still searching back in to the late sixties in to 70's ..I love that period ...which I studied, the music really made people feel good, there were trouble times, like always ...music heals ...we need pure blues, jazz, rock back again. Its a soul thing. Lot of people have lost there souls...there is no music like it left to uplift ..I still listen to this music....my soul intact!
My childhood buddy and I from New Orleans were GFR junkies at an early age. Anywhere they played within a few hundred miles we were there. Small bar or larger venue it didn’t matter. The warehouse in New Orleans was our go to place. No Mark = No Funk!
When I was in Jr. High, I started playing drums. Then I discovered Grand Funk and Mark Farner. I fell in love with his playing and decided to learn guitar. Not to long after that I went see them in concert and was blown away. And the fact that he is a Christian gives me even more respect for him as a person. I wish I could meet him someday.
Yeah I think Mark is an inspiration to us all. Especially all us old rockers lol Thanks for watching.
The best GF mini-doc I've seen. Every aspect of this talented trio was touched on. Bravo.
Thanks Lee appreciate it. Thank you for watching. Hope you will subscribe.
I've met Mark a couple of times living in northern Michigan aka God's Country! He is a down to earth very likable guy!
Have to love upper MI.
I remember getting the red album, and playing it so loud my Grateful Dead friend left the house. Great band, I have the best memories of them!
It takes two guys, a singer and a guitar player, in the current Grand Funkless to fill the shoes of one guy, Mark Farner!
Funny, that's how it worked out with CCRevisited, Fleetwood Mac, and the James Gang, too.
I got to see Mark in the 89's on a solo tour. He was playing to Christian audiences then, releasing records on a Christian record label. He put on a great show and his voice was amazing. The show also featured the Christian blues harp player Daryl Mansfield ( I think that was his name) He was really good too.
He was playing Variety Playhouse in Atlanta a few years ago, getting to stand a few feet from him while he performed was amazing, later Mark signed autographs and meet fans, shaking his hand I was like wow! He has a STRONG grip BTW.
Yeah, did the same here one night in a bar in Salt Lake. Stood in the middle of the dance floor with us all just jammin. Never seen anyone do that without their body guards surrounding them.
I was there too ! Great show ! I also saw them in 1970 at Lake Spivey with Bloodrock. I saw the Mark Farner Band In Montgomery 4-5 years ago. He’s still got it !
Grand Funk Railroad is still my all time favorite Rock and Roll band! It blessed me to that Mark Farner is a believer in Jesus Christ. Keep on Rockin Mark. Many of your FAN'S still love you Brother. God Bless you.
He was my Major influence. When I was 12, I hid under a seat on a bus to get to London. You had to be 15 to go. I worked all day to get close to the stage. They Blew my mind. I'm 64 now, I have played
With many bands, recorded, concerts and I owe it all to that one show....
Jan 03, 1982 at the Omni in Atlanta, I was 19 and had never seen them before. I knew they were huge in the 70's but that was several years prior so I didn't expect much. HOLY COW!!! THEY WERE AMAZING!!! I had come to learn from seeing other bands live that some of them aren't that good live, or they just have a bad or an off night, and also often the sound isn't mixed right or there are issues with the sound equipment. NOT THAT NIGHT! I can't name a better concert I have seen. Many Rush and ZZ Top shows were close, but I have to give my personal award to Grand Funk that night for the best sounding concert I have ever seen!
You would have loved early 70's GFR. All their shows sold out !! You always knew it was going to be a great night at their shows !!
Saw Grand Funk in Albuquerque in Feb. 71. Bloodrock opened for them. I went to a lot of concerts in my day and that one was most likely the best. Mark on the very top of the huge wall of amps behind the band playing the guitar solo to Inside Looking Out. WOW!
I was very young when the Funk was at their peak. About five or six years old. My older brother seen them live back in the day in Florida. Either at Pirate's World, Bicentennial Park or the Sportorium. I really like Mark Farners Christian based Railroad Funk now. All the best to you Mark. Thank you. 🙏🙏🙏
I never got to see Grand Funk live but as a young musician I remember something came on and I didn't pay much attention until I saw this guy going from keyboards to guitar and he was feeling it and moving to the feel and for anyone that's played in a band that remotely felt what Mark was feeling knows that carried away feeling and even though Brewer and Mel where keeping it down I couldn't take my eyes off Mark and I had to know more and really I never stopped wanting more of Mark and I never heard it said better MARK WAS THE ENGINE THAT PULLED GRAND FUNK. Top 5 front man of all time .
For sure!! Thanks for watching!
Saw them in 1973 for the we’re an American band tour in July of that year in Duluth Minnesota with Craig frost on keyboards,what a fantastic concert! I had just picked up the 2 record set mark,Don,and Mel which covers a lot of the first albums and is a great retrospective. The power and talent in that group was amazing! It would be great to see them again as life is way too short!
I good friend of mine has met Mark a few times in the past. I was up in TC Michigan a few years ago at the annual Cherry Festival, Mark was playing there. I’ve seen GFR a few years back but without Mark it wasn’t the same. He is by far one of a kind.
Mark was hanging out with my friend Brother Ben in Gladewater, Texas. a shortwave radio minister, but when Ben told me Mark had become a Christian I was afraid to fawn over him because I wasn`t sure if he would be insulted so I pretended I didn`t recognize him and said nothing. I regret that now.
If they ever had a reunion tour it would be huge.
You can say that again!! I know I would go in a heartbeat no matter the cost! Thanks for watching!
Mark is a national treasure
That is putting him pretty high up there, but I do tend to agree with you. He is something special.
These guys jammed!!!! BIG TIME!!!
Grew up playing GFR songs. Looking forward to jamming with you, Mark, when we get home to play for Jesus. Blessings, brother. You've been an inspiration musically and in how to deal with people who haven't been forthright.
What can I say.i am 70 years old I first seen them in Rochester NY in 1970 . unbelievable I have seen all moist all the bands from the 70s but this 3 peace band from Flint Michigan.was the Best of all of them. It was the first Havey Madle band. So Loud for 3 guys. And the learicks would tell you a story. Mark would move all over the stage.never stop. He is my brother and he is your brother too.he sings about the save the Land. Let's all love one another.girls. Peace.your freedom.he loves American.and the right to bare armes.and moust of all GOD.not right wright what Don and mail did. But he forgives them. That is the kind of man he is. Love you my brother ✝️☮️✌️❤️
I had the honor of interviewing Mark Farner a couple of years ago. It was an honor to talk to a legend of rock music.
I saw Terry Knight and the Pack several times at the Armory in Owosso, Michigan during the 1960’s and, a few of those times, Mark Farner was playing bass. Those performances were among the best I’ve seen anywhere in the world. Also saw Mark Farner and Dick Wagner perform at the Armory in Owosso with The Bossmen. Another great band and a great show. Unfortunately, Mark Farner’s great friend and former fellow Bossmen, Dick Wagner, died about a month after the final concert of his final concert tour in 2014. That final show was held at the beautiful Lebowsky Center for the Performing Arts in Owosso, Michigan on June 29, 2014. The concert was phenomenal and it will be remembered forever. Mark Farner last visited Owosso in 2019.
Great stories. Thanks so much for sharing! Cool memories for sure. Appreciate you watching. Hope you subscribe to the channel.
Mark is so interesting with his stories of life in Michigan. He could have specialized in soft rock and would still have been famous as his vocals are so good. Grand Funk without Mark cannot be taken seriously.
I just saw him at a celebration for Burton Mi in May and I'll tell you what, that dude can still sing great and his playing is still great. He played a lot of his Grand Funk tunes and they sounded like they originally did. Awesome.
GFR was one of my favorite bands (along with Steppenwolf) as I was transitioning from The Beatles to Led Zeppelin. On more occasions than i can count, my older brother, Jimmy (RIP), and I would sit on our beds and crank up 'Survival' and the live album while tokin' a J. 'Survival' is still one of my all-time favorite albums and it still gets heavy rotation on my home stereo. I saw Mark solo in Indianapolis around 1988 or '89 and he was fantastic! Then, after all those empty years, I finally got to see THE Grand Funk Railroad at Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock when they did a reunion tour around 1997 or '98 (time flies, and memories fade as you age!). The show was a highlight of my life, and I've seen hundreds of bands over the last 45 years or so. Long live GFR--that is, the one with Mark, Don and Mel. Absolutely they as well as Steppenwolf should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Grand Funk is Mark Farner. Without Mark they are Grand Punk Railroad!
No Farner, No Funk
Mark was screwed over by his band mates. He was coerced to sign papers and trusted them but never realize that he was signing over their right to use the bands name and tour without him. Yes, he should've hired an attorney to see that his interests were preserved but NEVER thought they'd cut him out ! They were his buds! How could they? Anyway, There names are Don Screwer and Mel Snatcher! Rock on Mark Farner. You are the man!
@@rickphillips4983 Uh, Mark QUIT the band three times.
Mark Farner was Grand F***ed out of Grand Funk.
Back on the 70's I was a fan of Grand Funk (still are) bring good memories from my younger days
Heartbreaker one of my faves.
Yes definitely they belong in
The Hall of Fame..
Agree should be in R&R hall of fame the hall of fame for R&R is a joke anymore ...lots of garbage not even rock n roll a joke
I'm from TIJUANA MX 🇲🇽 and i'm one of he's GREATES fans, is My Idol, My favorite singer, song writer, one of My favorite guitar palyer, amaizing songs, gotbno words to Say yo the all world how great is Mark, his músic whit Grand Funk Railroad one of the GREATES rock band un the history, i always lisent Grand Funk, i hope You guys there understand wath i Say, GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!!!!! and Rock whit Mark !!!!!!! sorry forn my einglish 🤘🏾😎🙏🙏🙏
One of the Best Guitar players ever and best musicians ever in 1 Band. Should get more recognition and been in Rock & RollHallOfFame years ago. For noons out rocked this band period!
i bought their Closer to Home album when it came out and practised playing to it with my first cheap bass guitar (I payed $20 for it) my amp was a small record player where i wire the guitar cord to the wires that came out of the players needle. thats how i taught myself to play
Cool Story! Thanks for sharing and for watching!! Hope you subscribe to the channel!
The first album I ever bought was We’re an American Band. Wow! Their self titled Grand Funk has to be one of the best albums ever. The RRHOF is like an abandoned 7-11 without Grand Funk Railroad in it!
Mark is one of the most talented people to ever grace a stage , he performed with great intensity and ability , it’s a shame whatever happened to this band , he’s also comes across as a real down to earth human being , like someone you could sit at a bar with and talk to like you’ve known him personally, these guys performed with great intensity , it’s a shame if someday in the near future they don’t tour and maybe even put out some new music, I’m pretty sure they could still perform at a high level
Mark would bring everybody into his music. Everybody clapping and stomping feet to the music Great show July 1970.I was turning 15.
Ya it’s a shame the Group doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
As a rock and roll band , come on if there not in the running for being One of the best is just
not right. Barring that what they did to Mark is troublesome but there is just bad things that happen to good people.
As a fan from when I was a kid in the 60’s till now I still just play and listen to there music.
The Rock and Roll Hall of shame can’t take that away.
They would draw such a big crowd if they where to get together and play just the same as any of the
So called big groups of the day and you can take your pick on that.
I’m glad and thankful for the memories as a young kid Rocking out and thinking I could play Inside Looking out Solo!!!
Thanks for the memories GFR………
Amen.....
Grand Funk Railroad is nothing but a tribute band without Mark.
Grand Funk RR was my first rock concert in 1975 when I was in high school. Mark had all of my attention. Extremely talented.
I saw GFR in 1972 or 1973 in Kansas City, Missouri. They had a Huge video screen behind them, and would play videos on it during the show. I distinctly remember a video on the screen of Mark in a canoe rowing down some river. It was super cool to see them in their leisure time having fun. One of the greatest concerts I ever went to. Don's drum solo was incredible ! Great memories !
Awesome video got into the band 10 years ago and been hooked ever since. My dad was into The Who and The Beatles so never heard Funk growing up but man it been a trip listening to them good stuff!
Absolutely the king of funk!!!!
I have been a Grand Funk fan since they first started. I never got the opportunity to see them in concert which is a shame. They were definitely a force to be reckoned with. Good time rock / soul at it's best. Mark Farner was the "heart" of that band and without him it just doesn't work. I wouldn't walk across the street to see Mel and Don play.
1973, My very first concert was Grand Funk and Wet Willie at the Eastern Kentucky University Gym, in Richmond, KY. My ears rand for 3 days. Loved It
Nicely done. Always been a fan. Another huge thing about them, they were the band that launched so many garage bands They gave young guys the push to just go for it.
That is one super high energy dude.
Love ALL their stuff.
I saw Grand Funk at The Spectrum in Philly in 1972. Best concert ever! The raw energy was so real. The way Mark threw that guitar around to his back when he played keys on Foot Stompin Music, and then pulled it right back to the front for the lead guitar part, Don Brewer's other worldly drumming, Mel's powerhouse bass riffs flowing right through the middle of it all, the unbelievably tight vocals between Mark and Don, these guys were the real deal!! They were the definition of rock music! I still listen to their albums, but oh how I would love to see them live one more time. I recently watched a video on RUclips from Shea Stadium where Mark plays timbales during a Brewer solo. I thought, "he must know how to drum too!" And he was a dynamic incredible front man, but I think Brewer could've been that too if he wasn't behind the drums. As a musician myself, Grand Funk was my number 1 inspiration to become a rock star. I didn't quite hit those heights, but it's been an amazing, and incredibly fun journey! Rock on Mark, Don, and Mel!
I agree my brother.
I saw grand funk in El paso Texas! Great show, only my 2nd concert went on to see many great bands, but grand funk still sticks out
One of my all time favorite groups and along with BTO theirs were some of my first albums. Still rockin out to them today
Saw them at the "Shine On tour"in San Antonio, TX, great concert, they showed then in a video as kids during a break before they played We're An American Band! Also saw them at an outdoor festival called Semana Allegre,in San Antonio so they we're bathed in beer, as is custom to do to performers and they rocked it man, one of the best love love performances ever!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
My first concert was Grand Funk w Wet Willie opening 5/3/74 at the Spectrum in Philly! Changed my life! Just amazing live! Go listen to Live Album, so much power and movement. Don and Mel are the most underrated rhythm section in Rock and Grand Funk are the best American band of that Era and so deserve the hall. HOW CAN WE MAKE THAT HAPPEN?