Early in their career they headlined a much hyped free concert in Hyde Park - whilst virtually unknown in the UK. They also opened for Led Zeppelin in Michigan, their home state. The name Grand Funk Railroad, is a play on Michigan’s “Grand Trunk Western Railroad” line. In 1968, suburban Michigan teens Don Brewer and Mark Farner quit Terry Knight & The Pack and recruited ? and the Mysterians bass player Mel Schacher to form a “power trio” type band. Originally produced and managed by former band leader Terry Knight who brought the group to Capitol records in 1969, they split from Knight in 1972 after money issues left the group nearly bankrupt despite massive commercial success which began after an successful appearance at the Atlanta Pop Festival. After releasing 12 albums on Capitol (10 platinum), they intend for their final release to be Born To Die in 1975. They actually reunited & recorded one last effort in 1976 with Frank Zappa called “Good Singin’ Good Playin’ ” and then called it quits. Farner releases two solo albums, Mel & Don record as Flint with Craig before Craig joins Bob Seger’s band. In 1981 Mark Farner & Don reform the band without Mel and release a song on the animated Heavy Metal soundtrack and new album Grand Funk Lives. They toured until 1983. In 1996 all three original members reunited for a summer tour in which they played to over 250,000 people, and a slate of Bosnian relief dates in 1997 including several TV performances. In 1998 they did a 65+ date tour listed as one of the 10 top grossing tours of the year. In 1999 Capitol issued a 3 disc box set called “Thirty Years Of Funk” 1969-1999, including recent recordings made in 1997. Original Grand Funk Railroad members Don & Mel still tour and write new material to this day although the group have seen various line up changes, including the absence of original lead singer Mark Farner. Mark is active with his New band Nr’G. They have released 3 CD’s since 1999 with For The People released in 2006. |
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