Drummer/ Singer Don Brewer
The show opened with a performance from Jefferson Starship. (Read our review of Jefferson Starship…) There was a break in the show while the crew broke down and set up for the second classic rock legend to take the stage. Grand Funk Railroad began as a trio out of Flint, Michigan. Drummer Don Brewer and guitarist Mark Farner joined bass player Mel Schacher formerly with Question Mark and the Mysterians (best known for the hit song 96 Tears). Within two months, the band was asked to perform at the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1969, where they instantly became a hit with the crowd. Between the years 1969 to 1976, they released 11 studio albums and several live LPs that earned 13 Gold and 10 Platinum records. They have had 19 charted singles, 8 top 40 hits, and two #1 singles. They’ve packed concert houses throughout the globe, including New York City’s Madison Square Gardens and London’s famous Royal Albert Hall.
In 1998 Mark Farner left the band to pursue his solo career. This halted things for a short period; however, in 2000, remaining members Brewer and Schacher decided to rejoin and added some great talent to the roster. Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Max Carl formerly of .38 Special. Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick who played with Kiss, and Keyboardist Tim Cashion, who has worked with numerous artists including Bob Seger and Robert Palmer. For over 50 years, Grand Funk Railroad has brought their powerhouse pumped-up American rock to fans like myself and fellow concert goers here tonight.
Their set kicked off with “Rock & Roll Soul” off their 6th studio album Phoenix. Singer and guitarist Max Carl belted out the opening verse with a potent tenor that matched the song’s powerful pulsating backbeat. Drummer Brewer banged out a beefy rhythm with a few smooth rolls and sharp cymbal crashes.
The crowd was treated to Schacher’s beefy lead bass on “Footstompin’ Music” along with keyboardist Tim Cashion’s electrifying organ melodies. Their next song, “Shinin’ On,” featured Drummer Brewer on vocals. His soulful voice packed a lot of power and grit. Cashion ramped up the tension further with a vigorous solo on the keys during the bridge.
Their soulful bluesy ballad “Heartbreaker” was a change of pace, which featured Max Carl on vocals. In my opinion, this is one the most expressive songs in their catalog—the studio version clocks in at just over six and a half minutes. Gold’s guitar lines and phrasing were gracefully alluring, and the addition of keyboards added another dynamic layer.
Singer/Guitarist Max Carl
The band had the crowd jumping out of their seats and filling the aisles with their #1 hit, “Locomotion.” Everyone was singing and clapping along. Their remake of the popular 1962 favorite has always been a real crowd-pleaser. It had me smiling and doing a bit of toe-tapping of my own.
The song ended, and the band went backstage except for Lead guitarist Jude Gold. An American flag was placed at center stage and lit with a spotlight. A second spot was on Gold as he began plunking out the “Star-Spangled Banner.” The solo performance was electrifying, filled with wicked bends and sustained falsetto notes. Gold added an impressive explosion of rollercoaster fretwork at the song’s end. The crowd started singing along, creating a patriotic moment in the show.
Gold impressed again with a splintering blues-laden solo on Grand Funk’s remake of the 1966 Animals song “Inside Lookin’ Out.” Max Carl not only soulfully delivered the vocals, but he played the harmonica with a southern bluesy flair. Drummer Brewer shared vocals with Carl on the fan-favorite “Some Kinda Wonderful.” Brewer stood upfront at the mic and sang the first verse. Carl took over for the second as Brewer jumped back on his kit. The chorus filled the venue with the voices of my fellow concert comrades. Of course, I was right there with them singing my heart out. I couldn’t resist.
Lead Guitarist Bruce Kulick
Keyboardist Smith delicately tapped out the beginning notes of “I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home.” This became the anthem for many soldiers touring in Vietnam back in 1970 when the song was released. The song’s varied dynamics and time changes are like a collection of songs seamlessly woven into one compelling composition. The band’s full aesthetic and the crowd’s voices singing the chorus resulted in an ethereal atmosphere. It’s the perfect song to experience live.
While “I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home” is the Vietnam Veteran’s anthem the final song of the evening is Grand Funk Railroad’s anthem. Founding member Brewer stepped up to the mic wearing a patriotic ‘Uncle Sam” hat. He shouted, “God Bless America….“We’re An American Band.” The crowd erupted and jumped to it’s feet singing along. “We’re coming to your town; we’re gonna party down; we’re an American band.” They did just that, delivering a hard rockin’ performance that is the ethos of Grand Funk Railroad.
BackStage360 again extends our appreciation to Pala Casino for hosting another great concert. Thank you to all the staff for always graciously accommodating us.
Jen B / BackStage360
Read our Review of Jefferson Airplane..