GRAND FUNK RAILROAD - The American Band - tour reports and photos!
12-14-18 Coconut Creek, FL
SOLD OUT!
What a way to end another great year for The American Band! GFR played to a SOLD OUT house at The Hard Rock Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, Florida. This was the final show of 2018 for Grand Funk, having played all over the USA, including a SOLD OUT cruise to Aruba.
They started the year in Dover, DE with stops including Orlando, FL, San Antonio, TX, Pomona, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Atlantic City, NJ, Mt. Pocono, PA, Cleveland, OH, and many more for a total of 45 shows.
The Coconut Creek show was a tremendous success and the sold-out Pavilion loved Grand Funk. The American Band was cranked up and the crowd of Floridians and northern "snow birds" sang along with Some Kinda' Wonderful and Closer to Home louder than the band!
Stage photos by Don Baker
It was great to see old friends and family at the show and GFR had a GRAND time.
See you all next year for 50 YEARS OF FUNK!
12-08-18 Louisville, KY
SOLD OUT!
GFR had a nice day off traveling to Louisville from Cleveland with a stop in Detroit. Primed and ready to go, the band headed over to Louisville's KFC YUM Center for a soundcheck at 5. The YUM Center seats 17,500 and the place was packed for a Grand Funk/Bob Seger show. This was the third of five for this great combination of classic rock bands and the Louisville crowd got an outstanding show.
After singing along with GFR on Locomotion, Some Kinda Wonderful, Closer To Home, and We're An American Band, they were treated to the endless stream of Bob Seger classics. Mainstreet, Night Moves, Against the Wind, We've Got Tonight, Turn The Page, and Hollywood Nights.
What a terrific package this is and GFR is looking forward to Buffalo 1/17/19 and Milwaukee 1/24/19.
Grand Funk Railroad is officially 50 Years Old!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE AMERICAN BAND!!!!!!!!
Photo by Don Baker
12-06-18 Cleveland, OH
SOLD OUT!
The American Band returned to Cleveland for the third time this year to play the second of five Grand Funk/Bob Seger classic rock package shows, this one at "The Q" (Quicken Loans Arena) in downtown Cleveland. The 19,000-plus attendees were treated to one of the best Rock shows of 2018 and certainly got their money's worth.
Fired up after their terrific performance in Des Moines 11/27, GFR took the stage in their second home Cleveland and the crowd immediately climbed on board for the ride. Blasting through their opening of Rock & Roll Soul, Footstompin' Music, Shinin' On, and Locomotion, The American Band was more than impressive. Bruce's solo on Inside Lookin' Out was amazing and the crowd sang along with Some Kinda Wonderful, Closer To Home, and We're An American Band.
Stage photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Seger and The Silver Bullet Band followed with an amazing trip through the incredible career of classic Bob Seger music.
What a GRAND night in Cleveland! On to Louisville...
Check out this cool video from the end of the show!
Video by Don Baker
11-27-18 Des Moines, IA
What a "GRAND" night of Rock & Roll!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Grand Funk Railroad and Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band back-to-back at Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. GFR hit the stage at 7:30 and there was no doubt that "The American Band" was there to ROCK! The packed arena crowd was game on from the opening of Rock & Roll Soul. Charging into Footstompin' Music and Shinin' On, the house got to its feet and Locomotion had them dancing and singing along.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
This was the first of five select shows that feature this incredible pairing of Classic Rock Lumiaries. Grand Funk will also be appearing with Seger in Cleveland 12/6 and Louisville 12/8, 2018 and then again in Buffalo 1/17 and Milwaukee 1/24, 2019.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
With 15,000 concert attendees cheering for more as GFR finished their show with "American Band", the guys left the stage and were greeted by all the friends in the Silver Bullet Band and Crew. It was truly a terrific reunion of family that the two organizations share and one that will be remembered and cherished. For those who may not know, the two bands have many "people in common".
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Don Brewer has played with The Silver Bullet Band for most tours dating back to 1983. Craig Frost (keyboards Bob Seger) played with GFR from 1972 to 1976 and is featured on most of Grand Funks radio hits. Tim Cashion (keyboards GFR) toured with The Silver Bullet Band 1996-1998. Mark Chatfield has played guitar with The Silver Bullet Band since 1983 and was a member of the Ohio rock band The Godz produced by Don Brewer. (Don recommended Mark for the Silver Bullet gig) Punch "Ed" Andrews and Bill Blackwell (Seger management) also managed Grand Funk in the 1990s.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Sadly, this is Bob Seger's Farewell Tour. He and The Silver Bullet Band will be missed. Catch them while you can!
11-16-18 Lincoln, RI
The American Band returned to Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island, for their fourth appearance at this incredible venue. Having played here three other times in the past several years, GFR's return was an anticipated success and this show surpassed expectations. Playing to a packed Event Center, Grand Funk gave the crowd of 3,000 Rhode Islanders an amazing performance that had them on their feet the entire show. Coming off a nice 15-day break, The American Band was ready to rock, AND ROCK THEY DID!
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
With blazing renditions of Footstompin' Music, Shinin' On, and Walk Like A Man as well as the hits Locomotion, Some Kinda Wonderful, Closer To Home and We're An American Band, GFR was S-M-O-K-I-N-G!
Photo by Don Baker
Opening the show for Grand Funk was the English blues band Foghat, closing their set with a 15-minute version of their big hit Slow Ride.
A great night of Rock and Roll in Rhode Island!
Photo by Don Baker
10-27-18 Bensalem, PA
Grand Funk returned to the East Coast and a packed Xcite Center at Parx Casino just outside Philadelphia. The all new Xcite Center is bringing some of the hottest acts in show business to Parx Casino and the region. The venue is highlighted by the latest cutting edge technology, including advanced modern lighting, two 16x9 foot video screens, the highest level professional grade sound system available and advanced engineered acoustics. The custom designed seating for over 1,500 guests allows the venue to be reconfigured for thrilling live entertainment performances, comedy, and boxing, and offers a unique intimate experience like you've never seen before.
The American Band lived up to its reputation as a premier live act and the Xcite Center crowd took off! With a blistering 80-minute rock set that Grand Funk delivers, the crowd responded with cheers song after song.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
The American Band KEEPS ROCKIN'!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
10-20-18 Hinton, OK
Grand Funk returned to OKLAHOMA again this week for a show in Hinton at the Sugar Creek Casino Event Center. Drawing a great crowd of "Sooners" to fill this Premier Entertainment Concert Venue, GFR got them on their feet and rockin'. Locomotion, Some Kinda Wonderful, Closer to Home and American Band were true "sing-a-longs".
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
The Town of Hinton is much as it was over 100 years ago. The old windmill has been replaced with a new marquee and many of the old buildings have been replaced with new shops, but the spirit of what was is alive and well in this special town nestled in central Oklahoma. Red Rock Canyon Park, Canyon Camp and Conference Center, two historical museums, various parks and the foremost in sports venues, Hinton might be the nations best kept secret.
OKLAHOMA!
10-12-18 Baxter Springs, KS
Grand Funk flew to Oklahoma this week for an appearance in Baxter Springs, about 90 miles north of Tulsa. The show was a celebration of the opening of the Decades of Wheels Car Museum. The Museum is being built in Baxter Springs to celebrate the history and culture of "The Mother Road" historic Route 66, which is the main street running through town. The goal is to transform the area of historic buildings into a car museum, restaurant space, children's fun house, and a bed-and-breakfast. The Decades of Wheels Museum is a tribute to beloved cars and motorcycles throughout history, from a Model T's and Hellcat Chargers to vintage Corvettes and a '71 Husqvarna owned by Steve McQueen.
The celebration featured The American Band Grand Funk Railroad on opening day, and an enthusiastic crowd of Kansans were treated to a great Rock & Roll show. Footstompin" Music to American Band, the multi-generational crowd rocked and sang along with the guys in the band. With a light misting rain and temperatures in the upper 40's, Grand Funk still heated it up with a great show.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Also appearing on Sunday, October 14, was the legendary John Kay and Steppenwolf.
Another terrific All American event in the heart of American Band Country.
09-28-18 Marksville, LA
"It was down in Louisiana just about a mile from the Texarkana" (Huddy Ledbetter aka "Lead Belly”)
Grand Funk went way down south this week for an amazing return performance at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana. The American Band ventured to probably the only hotel/casino that features "live" alligators swimming in ponds in the hotel lobby!
This was GFR's fourth visit to the Paragon and Grand Funk fans from Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana all congregated in Marksville for another great Grand Funk Railroad show. Taking the stage at 8pm, they lit up the great crowd and had them rockin'. Many in the audience had seen GFR 45 years ago and many were experiencing Grand Funk for the first time.
Photo by Dan Atilano
Photo by Jesse Hughes
Photo by Wanda Landry
Photo by Jesse Hughes
Photo by Don Baker
They all will remember this fantastic night of Rock & Roll in Louisiana!
09-15-18 Biloxi, MS
SOLD OUT! AGAIN! WOW!
Biloxi loves The American Band! For the third year in a row, Grand Funk has played The Biloxi Hard Rock to a packed capacity showroom, and The Hard Rock has already booked GFR back again next year for the band's 50th Anniversary "50 Years of Funk Tour"! The band hit the stage at 8pm and the sold-out crowd was on their feet from the opening downbeat of Rock & Roll Soul. With a blistering Footstompin' Music and a soulful Shinin' On, the place was rockin' like a Gulf Coast Hurricane. Sailing through Locomotion, Walk Like A Man and a stellar Sky High, the guys were crankin' it out, blowing full on into Don's drum solo and all the way through Inside Lookin' Out and Some Kinda Wonderful. A righteous Closer To Home and American Band sealed the deal.
A terrific night in Biloxi. See y'all next year!
Photo by Jesse Hughes
Photo by Jesse Hughes
Photo by Jesse Hughes
Photo by Don Baker
09-08-18 Pomona, CA
Grand Funk Railroad returned to the LA County Fair for a great classic rock EXTRAVAGANZA featuring performances by Blue Oyster Cult, Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, and of course The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad. Playing to an enthusiastic crowd of thousands of classic rock fans, all the bands gave outstanding performances.
The first LA County Fair was in 1922. By 1925 fair attendance topped the 100,000 mark, and today more than 1.3 million people attend the fair over its 19 day run. It is the 4th largest fair in America and the End Of Summer Concert Series is a huge draw for the fair.
Stage photos by Dan Atilano
This was Grand Funk's 5th appearance at the fair in the last 20 years. The American Band closed the evening with a brilliant 60 minute show that rocked the grandstand like no other can. From Rock & Roll Soul to We're An American Band, the multi-generational crowd sang along and rocked to every song.
Another GRAND night in Southern California!
09-01-18 Walla Walla, WA
The American Band flew across America to play one of America's great historic festivals...Frontier Days in Walla Walla, Washington. Started in 1866, this is its 152nd year!
Photo by DB
Grand Funk left Pittsburgh at 8am EST and arrived in Pasco Tri Cities, Washington at 12 noon PST. Thanks to a 3 hour time change and a quick 1 hour layover in Salt Lake City, the guys got a little rest before making the hour drive to Walla Walla for their 9:30pm show.
This was the day before Don's 70th birthday and the band and crew were gracious and presented him with a cake in the dressing room with 7 candles to celebrate the occasion.
Photo by CF
Grand Funk hit the stage at 9:30 and the crowd went wild. Playing their signature show of all the Grand Funk hits plus more, the band did an outstanding job.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
With everyone flying home, the band has a short week and heads back west again for a phenomenal return engagement at the LA County Fair on September 8th along with fellow classic rockers Burton Cummings of The Guess Who and Blue Oyster Cult.
08-31-18 Gibsonia, PA
The Celebrity Care Fest
Grand Funk had the privilege to appear at an incredible event that benefits The Jerome Bettis "The Bus Stops Here" Foundation. It was created in 1997 by Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back Jerome Bettis (The Bus) to provide opportunities for inner city youth to succeed and become productive individuals in today's society. Super Bowl Champ Jerome Bettis is one of the best all time running backs in the NFL.
"The Bus" finished his NFL career in January 2006 after 13 seasons, retiring immediately following the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-10 win over The Seattle Sea Hawks in Super Bowl XL in his home town Detroit. Bettis played for the Steelers at the time of his retirement.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
The Grand Funk appearance on the grounds of an exclusive estate in Gibsonia (just outside Pittsburgh) was for a crowd of thousands of well-heeled donors. Full-on stage, production, lights and sound, as well as catered gourmet food tents filled the amazing estate. The American Band got them all on their feet and cheering and singing along to Some Kinda' Wonderful, Closer To Home, and We're An American Band.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Also appearing on this event were R&B legends Earth Wind and Fire and an extraordinary list of Pro Football greats including Dan Marino and former Steeler coach Bill Cowher.
Other 2018 Beneficiaries are The Dan Marino Foundation and The Pittsburgh Steelers Charities.
08-18-18 Juneau, WI
Photo by DB
The boys got to spend a nice two days off on the road in the great college town Madison, Wisconsin. In mid-August, this beautiful city built around four lakes is a definite place to be. The weather was rainy on day one, but cleared up and allowed the guys to get out of the downtown hotel and walk around this enjoyable city. Staying a block away from the gorgeous Wisconsin State Capitol building and overlooking Lake Monona, everybody enjoyed the two day break. Friday night events brought all the locals out on the street to enjoy live entertainment in several locations around downtown Madison.
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Saturday afternoon The American Band drove to Juneau to play a SOLD OUT show at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. Doing a co-bill with fellow classic rockers Foghat, Grand Funk once again cranked up the crowd of "Cheeseheads" and The American Band rocked them hard. Bruce's Star Spangled Banner had them all on their feet and cheering and Inside Lookin' Out had them in awe.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Another wonderful time in Wisconsin! Off To Cleveland!
08-15-18 Indianapolis, IN
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
The American Band kicked off a seven day trip with a stop at the Indiana State Fair. Having played a stand-out performance last September in Noblesville, Indiana, just outside Indy at a show with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, many fans turned out to see Grand Funk at the Fair. With a reminder that this is the peak of the summer touring season, mother nature welcomed all with hourly showers the entire day of the show. Not fazing many of GFR's hard core fans, Grand Funk at times played to a sea of umbrellas and rain ponchos. Luckily the stage was covered and the band played on. Rock & Roll Soul, Footstompin' Music, Shinin' On, The Locomotion...the rain held off and the place was jumpin'...making it all the way to Closer To Home before the sky opened up and the rain came down. Out came the umbrellas and ponchos and the show rocked on!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
The guys had a nice leisurely night and a late wake up as they move on to Madison, Wisconsin.
08-11-18 Pontoon Beach, IL
The Beach without a Beach!
With a city named Pontoon Beach and an annual event named "Party at The Beach", one conjures images of boats, beaches and beer. For this one, the "beer" part is right, but that's it!
Pontoon Beach, Illinois, is about 20 miles east of St. Louis on the eastern side of the great Mississippi River. The mayor of Pontoon Beach, "Mike Mayor" (Mayor Mike), organized the community event seven years ago using funds derived from confiscated drugs being trafficked along the Interstate 55, which runs between St. Louis and Chicago. The annual event has enabled Mayor Mike to bring in many national touring music acts like Little River Band, Charlie Daniels, Nite Ranger, 38 Special and now in 2018, The American Band...Grand Funk Railroad.
Photo by Don Baker
Grand Funk's appearance at "Party at The Beach" drew the largest crowd in the event's history and they loved the show. Rockin' along to Locomotion, Some Kinda Wonderful, Closer To Home, and We're An American Band, the great crowd ate it up with a smile.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
The band was treated to an exceptional meal after show catered by a local eatery "Uncle Linny's". The food was tremendous! Fresh grilled salmon, bourbon glazed chicken, roasted potatoes and broccoli, Mediterranean salad, and one awesome chocolate cake.
As Don always tells the band, "Don't get used to it!"
08-05-18 Ridgefield, WA
The American Band took to the road with a scenic 3 hour drive from Redmond to Portland, Oregon. The day was perfect with not a cloud in the sky and incredible mid-eighties weather. Driving through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest is just one of the perks that comes with being "Out On The Road" with Grand Funk Railroad.
GFR's show at the Clark County Fair was "SOLD OUT". This fair dates back to 1868 and is one of the oldest fairs in the USA.
Grand Funk's appearance for the amphitheater crowd got everybody up and moving. As the sun was going down, the crowd was cranked up and it was a great night of Rock & Roll on the West Coast!
Stage photos by Ralph Reichenbach
08-03-18 Redmond, OR
With a day of travel on the agenda, Grand Funk put in a full 15 hours of flying from Albany to Redmond, Oregon, with two stops in Detroit and Seattle. The band arrived on the West Coast, landing in Seattle, Washington, as the daylight was coming to an end. Flying in over volcanos and the beautiful Seattle skyline was quite a sight. Another three hour layover in Seattle due to airline delays got the guys to Redmond, Oregon, about midnight (3 AM EDT) and checked in at the beautiful Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond.
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
The American Band took to the stage at the Deschutes Fair Expo Center playing to a great crowd of Oregonians. In it's 99th year, it is the largest fair in Oregon and draws more people the Oregon State Fair.
Grand Funk got them on their feet and kept them there for the entire show. The place was Rockin'!
Stage photos by Ralph Reichenbach
08-01-18 Albany, NY
Grand Funk returned to upstate New York for the third time this year playing a return engagement at Albany's "Alive at Five" concert series. Having played this great event twice before in the last ten years, The American Band once again drew an enormous crowd to the event's "Rainy Day" location under the 787 overpass at the Corning Preserve. Due to the threat of inclement weather, the concert was moved and luckily the rain stopped prior to showtime…and resumed after the show was over.
Grand Funk had the upstate New York crowd cheering them on right from the opening of "Rock & Roll Soul". The cavernous venue had the sound of a huge arena and the crowd's cheers were as loud as the band. This event has always been a great one for GFR and this August appearance ranked right at the top. A 'GRAND" way to kick off a six day run for "The American Band"!
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
On to the west coast!
07-25-18 Charlevoix, MI
The American Band got "Closer To Home" this week with a fantastic appearance in scenic Charlevoix, Michigan, at the annual Venetian Festival. Playing to the largest crowd this event has ever seen, the Michigan born Grand Funk had thousands of long time Michigan fans turn out, and also attracted thousands of younger fans looking to experience a Grand Funk Railroad show for the first time.
Photo by DB
On this gorgeous midsummer evening in the north country, the setting couldn't get more beautiful with the amphitheater sitting right on the shore of Lake Charlevoix overlooking a spectacular marina.
Photo by DB
The sun stays up late in this part of the country in July, and the boys played most of their show in full daylight. The stage lights kicked in right about the time the band hit Some Kinda Wonderful and the crowd went crazy, up on their feet and singing along. When GFR hit American Band, the roar from the crowd could be heard for miles.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
This is what they call "PURE MICHIGAN"!
07-21-18 Turlock, CA
Grand Funk Railroad headed to the West coast this week for an appearance at the Stanislaus Fair, a venue that Grand Funk has played three times since the year 2000 and once again drew a huge crowd. Playing northern California has been a great market for the American Band, and this show was probably one of the best for GFR in the Bay Area.
As the sun was going down, Grand Funk was pumping up the crowd with an all-hits Grand Funk Railroad Rock & Roll Show. Locomotion they were all up and dancing, Some Kinda Wonderful they were singing louder than Don, Closer To Home they were reverent, and American Band brought the house down.
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
CAL-I-FORN-I-A!
07-16-18 Cumberland, MD
The guys flew right to Pittsburgh for their next show in Cumberland, Maryland. They then drove several hours, winding through some of the most beautiful scenery the East coast has to offer. Grand Funk played a stellar show at the Allegany Fair on a summer night in the shadows of the Allegany Mountains.
The American Band rocked the Maryland crowd and even served as emcee for a young couple who traveled many miles to see this GFR show. The excited young man proposed to his soon to be bride during Some Kinda' Wonderful!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Couldn't be a nicer way to celebrate the occasion than a great rock show with a great rock band..Grand Funk Railroad.
Got To Luv It!
Photo by Don Baker
07-14-18 Fort Wayne, IN
The American Band was back in the Heartland this week for a HOT show at The Foellinger Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This venue is a great place to rock out…huge stage, excellent sound and lights, all-covered outdoor amphitheater seating and a gorgeous location. With temperatures close to 95 in the afternoon, it cooled down to the upper 80's as GFR took the stage. The crowd of enthusiastic Hoosiers were treated to an exceptional show as Grand Funk entertained. Smokin' through R & R Soul and Footstompin' Music, the band was hitting on all cylinders. By the time they got to Don's drum solo, the crowd was sweating along with the band. A "Grand" night of Rock & Roll in Indiana.
Opening the show for GFR was the Indiana native Henry Lee Summer.
Photos by Don Baker
07-04-18 Sunrise, FL
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
242 years ago, the Continental Congress passed the Declaration of Independence.
The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad, celebrated this very special July 4th with a few thousand friends just outside Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The weather looked good coming up on showtime and the band hit the stage to a cheering crowd just as rain began creeping in. Grand Funk performed Rock & Roll Soul and Footstompin' Music...and the God of Thunder must have woken up the skies. Within minutes the stage started to flood. That was it! The band had to stop and leave the stage due to lightning. Those in the huge crowd who had umbrellas waited in the rain for about 45 minutes hoping that the downpour would quit, but unfortunately, the police called it a day and cleared out of the venue. What a bummer!
Happy 4th of July from The American Band!
06-30-18 Mulvane, KS
The Kansas Star Casino Arena in Mulvane, KS is a fabulous venue for a rock show. Originally a rodeo arena, it has been completely transformed to a state of the art concert facility with a huge stage and incredible sound and lights. Grand Funk flew to Wichita, KS from Buffalo the day of show. Wichita is the aviation capitol of the world responsible for producing one fourth of all aircraft both public and private.
Having just enough time for a soundcheck and a quick dinner, GFR hit the stage at 7:45 and played a terrific show for the enthusiastic crowd at the Kansas Star Arena. They were out of their seats and dancing in the aisles from the opening of Rock & Roll Soul all the way to We're An American Band. We had a great weekend. Wishing y'all a Happy Fourth of July!
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Photo by Dave Johnson
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Dave Johnson
06-29-18 Batavia, NY
Grand Funk returned to one of their favorite parts of the country to play an extraordinary concert at Batavia Downs Racetrack Casino just outside Buffalo, NY. Playing to the largest crowd for the "Rockin' The Downs" concert series, The American Band did not disappoint. With temperatures in the 90's in the afternoon, the weather was a beautiful 80 degrees at showtime on this gorgeous summer evening and Grand Funk kept the heat on. With a scorching Footstompin' Music and Don and Mel layin' down their trademark rhythm for Max's soaring vocal sailing on top, The American Band is loving it's 49th Year of Funk.
Photo by DB
The huge crowd was on their feet for Locomotion and continued to rock for the entire show.
Photo by Dave Johnson
Photo by Dave Johnson
It's always a thrill for the guys to play upstate New York. Brings back lots of great memories.
06-16-18 Sioux City, IA
The American Band rolled into the Heartland for a great show at the Awesome Biker Nights Festival in Sioux City, Iowa. Drawing a huge crowd to downtown, Grand Funk played a very hot show on a very hot night. Temperatures were near 100 degrees with a heatwave engulfing the Midwest. By showtime it had cooled down to the mid 80's and the crowd had a terrific time.
Awesome Biker Nights is a 21 year old motorcycle rally that also does charity fundraising for non-profit causes. The event has raised and donated over $1,000,000 since 2000.
Grand Funk's appearance was one of the best attended events in the rally's history.
Sioux City Rocks!
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Dave Johnson
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
06-07-18 Miami, OK
Grand Funk returned to Oklahoma this week playing to a great crowd of "Sooners" in the "other" Miami...the one in Oklahoma. Owned and operated by the Peoria Indian Tribe, this entertainment mecca draws from the quad-state area of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri. The American Band brought the diverse crowd together and had them all on their feet for The Star Spangled Banner. Rock & Roll Soul, Footstompin' Music, Shinin' On, and The Locomotion lit up the audience, and from there it only got hotter.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Taking the crowd on a tour of Grand Funk staples, The American Band delivered a blistering rock show. "The God of Thunder" Mel Schacher is back and playing better than ever. Grand Funk Railroad is set for an extraordinary summer of tour dates from coast to coast. Stay tuned to "Out On The Road" (OOTR) for regular updates and great pics from The American Band.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
God Bless America!
05-17-18 Waukegan, IL
Grand Funk hit the Midwest playing the gorgeous Genesee Theatre outside Chicago. This gem first opened in 1927 as a vaudeville theater. Closed in 1989 due to lack of funds and neglect, the theater went under a 23 million dollar renovation in 2004 and is now a regular stop for national touring artists of all genres.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Grand Funk drew a full house to the Genesee on Thursday night, and the crowd was treated to an exceptional evening of Classic Rock. Opening the show for The American Band was the rock legend Rick Derringer.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
The theater may sit right on the shore of Lake Michigan with a slight chill in the air, but inside the Genesee it was hot and sweaty for a great night of ROCK.
CHICAGO ROCKS!
05-11-18 San Antonio, TX
The American Band made it's way to the biggest state in the USA this week, making a stop in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. This historic town is home of the Alamo and The San Antonio River Walk. Tourists come from all over the world to see where Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie met their demise fighting the Mexican Army for the independence of Texas from Mexico. In March of 1836, after a 13 day siege, 100 Texans including American legends Crockett and Bowie, succumbed to 2,000 Mexican troops led by General Santa Ana. Mexico maintained control of San Antonio for the next 70 years until the Texas State Legislature purchased the land. The Alamo is now the most popular tourist site in Texas.
Grand Funk came to town to help them party it down this week playing a private event for the Ameritas Insurance Company of Lincoln, Nebraska. Entertaining a rowdy crowd of about 1,000, the band had them dancing and singing to all the Grand Funk Hits.
A GRAND time was had by all!
Photo courtesy of Bruce Kulick
04-28-18 Orlando, FL
After a short break in the "American Band Tour", Grand Funk fired up the crowd at Bayside Stadium in Orlando. Welcoming back Mel Schacher to the tour made the date extremely special, and Mel left NO DOUBT as to how he got the name, "The God Of Thunder". Welcome Back Mel!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
GFR took the stage on a picture perfect Florida day and the crowd loved the show. Rock & Roll Soul, Footstompin' Music, Shinin' On, and The Locomotion...the crowd was singing and dancing.
Photo by Dave Johnson
Photo by Dave Johnson
It was a terrific family day at Sea World. The Seven Seas Food Festival featured food from around the world. Orlando's tallest, fastest and largest roller Coaster, Mako. The chilling adventure of Antarctica, Empire of the Penguin. And the aquatic world came alive with sharks, whales and turtles. And of course, The American Band Grand Funk Railroad. Ain't Life GRAND!
Photo by Logan Lenihan
This was Glenn Preston's final show with Grand Funk. Glenn has been GFR's front-of-house sound engineer for the past ten years. He has decided to retire from the biz and spend more time traveling with his wife.
We wish you all the best Glenn. Thanks for all you've done!! You'll be missed!
Photo by Dave Johnson
03-23-18 Lawton, OK
"OOOOOOOklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain..."
Photo by DB
Yup that's it. As you can see by the picture there is nothing out in Oklahoma to stop the winds, and the wind was 25 to 40 miles an hour the whole time we were there. Luckily, the Oklahomans don't mind and it certainly didn't stop them from coming to see The American Band at the Apache Casino Resort. The SOLD OUT showroom was primed and ready for Grand Funk Railroad as they hit the stage for an incredible high energy show. The guys had the crowd on their feet and dancing in the aisles.
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
This is probably the last show for our good friend Stanley Sheldon. Mel will be back touring with us in April. We all owe the renowned bassist Stan Sheldon a very sincere and grateful thank you for helping GFR and Mel get through a very difficult time after the loss of Mel's wife, Dena, to cancer.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Stan, you are truly one of the GREATS! See you down the track!!
Happy Trails!
03-16-18 Hot Springs, AR
The World's Shortest Saint Patrick's Day Parade!
That's right. Don't blink or you'll miss it. This is the 15th year of this eclectic event in the beautiful town of Hot Springs, about 40 miles west of "Last Night in Little Rock". The first ever Annual Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in 2004 and made Saint Patrick's Day history. The idea started with an Arkansan of Irish descent sitting in a pub on the world's shortest street in Hot Springs. Since then the crowd has grown each year and now more than 30,000 spectators come from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana to celebrate the "Feast of Saint Patrick".
In addition to the parade, the annual Kissing Contest called "Romancing the Stone" will take place at the Arkansas Blarney Stone, which began in 2006. The Stone was reportedly discovered by a leprechaun in the forest around Hot Springs. (There might be some alcohol involved in all these events don't you think?)
Anyway, this year's entertainment is none other than The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad.
Drawing the largest crowd in the event's 15-year history, GFR lit up the huge crowd of Arkansans and rocked them like never before. The 2018 lineup also featured The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, The Budweiser Clydesdales and "Funk Masters" Morris Day & The Time.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
What a GRAND event!
03-09-18 Las Vegas, NV
SOLD OUT!
Photo by DB
Grand Funk had a cross country excursion this week for a repeat performance at the world renowned Golden Nugget Casino in the heart of Las Vegas on the incredible Fremont Street. The Golden Nugget is one of the oldest casinos in Vegas, built in 1946. The lobby features the largest gold nugget in the world known as the "Hand of Faith" that weighs in at 875 Troy ounces. Another extraordinary feature of this casino is that it is built around two huge functioning aquariums, one containing live sharks.
Photo by DB
The entertainment showroom has a history all it's own with Frank Sinatra having played here many times, and the Green Room for the artists was decorated for Sinatra. It is preserved in its original state today.
Grand Funk's performance here was the Golden Nugget's third sold out show in five years. People from all over the USA and even the world filled the standing-room only showroom to watch another amazing show by The American Band.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
What a trip. Atlantic City 2/24, Aruba and Curacao 2/28 & 3/1, and Las Vegas 3/9. All Sold Out Shows.
It's been a great two weeks for Grand Funk Railroad. Keep 'em comin'!
02-28-18 Aruba and 03-01-18 Curacao
Flower Power Cruise 2018 SOLD OUT
PEACE LOVE AND MUSIC
The American Band carried the American Flag to Aruba and Curacao to climb aboard the Celebrity Summit Cruise Ship and the 2018 Flower Power Cruise. This year's line-up included, of course, Grand Funk Railroad...along with Herman's Hermits, The Hollies, Grass Roots, Guess Who, The Association, The Family Stone, Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, Iron Butterfly, The Buckingham's, Mitch Ryder, Mickey Dolenz (The Monkees), and Mark Lindsey (Paul Revere and the Raiders). The cruise Master of Ceremonies was none other than Peter Asher from "Peter and Gordon". For those who may not know, Peter Asher was the producer of many multi-million selling albums by Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor and also was once the President of Sony Music.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on February 24, the music, the memories and the spirit of the "Love Generation" came together for the seven day cruise.
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Grand Funk joined the cruise midway flying to Aruba to board the ship, and played their first show in the standing-room only on-ship Celebrity Theater. GFR took the stage and owned it, playing all of Grand Funk's greatest hits with power unmatched by any of the other '60s acts on board. Grand Funk Railroad quickly became the most talked about band of the entire cruise.
Photo by DB
Photo by Glenn Preston
Playing a second show the next night to yet again a packed house in the Celebrity Theater, Grand Funk had the ship Rockin' At Sea! From that point on for the rest of the cruise the guys were constantly stopped for autographs and photos.
This was Grand Funk's second cruise experience, having played "The Legends of Rock" Cruise in 2015 with Greg Allman and Peter Frampton. It was a tremendous success and Time Life, the company that promotes the Flower Power Cruise, has already asked GFR to perform on their 2019 "Rockin' Romance" Cruise.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
This was a "Some Kinda Wonderful" experience and Grand Funk would love to see you all at a show or cruise to somewhere!
Got some great pics to share! More cruise photos coming soon!
02-24-18 Atlantic City, NJ
Another return engagement, another SOLD OUT SHOW!
The American Band rolled into The Tropicana in Atlantic City for the third time in the past three years and once again packed the house! 2018 is looking to be another record year for Grand Funk and the audience is growing.
With bass icon Stanley Sheldon filling in temporarily for Mel Schacher, the band is really starting to hit a new level of comfort and the show keeps getting hotter. The Tropicana is a great venue with a huge stage, state of the art lights and sound, acoustics perfect for a rock show, and seating that gives everyone the "best seat in the house".
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Grand Funk cranked it up and took over Saturday night. The crowd of East Coast folks were on their feet from "Locomotion" to "American Band".
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Glenn Preston
Hope to do this again next year. Atlantic City ROCKS!
02-17-18 Mt. Pocono, PA
SOLD OUT!
Grand Funk took a trip to the Poconos this week for their third visit to the beautiful Mt. Airy Casino Resort. This incredible resort in the Pocono Mountains overlooks the Delaware River. The wooded hills and valleys have long been a popular recreation area within a two-hour drive to millions of metro area folks from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
GFR played a great show to the Sold Out crowd in this very intimate showroom. Rockin' hard from the start, the East Coast crowd was on their feet and lovin' a high energy show. Having played this venue both inside and outside, Grand Funk has become a "talked about" concert experience at Mt. Airy. The audience continues to grow, and people bring friends and families to share the GFR experience. With multiple generations singing along to "We're An American Band", "Some Kinda Wonderful", "The Locomotion" and "Closer To Home", Grand Funk Railroad ROCKS ON!
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
02-01-18 Waterloo, NY
SOLD OUT!
WOW! Another Sold Out show for Grand Funk Railroad in 2018.
Traveling to Syracuse, NY, for a great show at the Del Lago Casino Resort in Waterloo, GFR got in and out between two cold and snowy days with temperatures in the low teens. Luckily day of show was pleasant with a winter heat wave of 45.
Photo by DB
The Del Lago is only one year old and today was it's first birthday. Celebrating with a Rock & Roll show with Grand Funk Railroad, the incredible "Vine Theater" at the Del Lago was full to capacity. Grand Funk got the crowd of upstate New Yorkers on their feet and dancing as soon as they hit "Locomotion". From there it was an amazing evening of Grand Funk classic rock.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Another treat came as John Ellison, the writer of the most recorded song in history "Some Kinda' Wonderful", made an appearance at the front of the stage as Grand Funk finished playing his classic soul song. John, who splits his time between nearby Hamilton, Ontario, and Tampa, Florida, was in the area and heard Grand Funk was appearing at the Del Lago could not resist the opportunity to come to the show and meet the band that recorded the most well known version of "Some Kinda' Wonderful". Introducing John, the sold out crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Post show, GFR and John had a chance to share stories of old and John told the guys how he wrote the song about a girl he was dating when he was playing with The Soul Brothers Six in the mid 60s.
What a terrific night in upstate New York. Some Kinda' Wonderful!
01-24-18 West Palm Beach, FL and 01-27-18 Effingham, IL
West Palm Beach, FL 1/24/18
SOLD OUT!
GFR got out of the cold and into nice warm West Palm Beach this week for their third appearance at the South Florida Fair. This is always a great play for the guys since the band was a huge success in South Florida in the early 70's and Don has been a local here for 38 years.
Photo by Don Baker
Playing to a SOLD OUT pavilion at the Coca Cola stage, the boys once again rocked and the audience rolled along with them. It was great to light up the multi-generational crowd with Locomotion, Some Kinda Wonderful, Closer To Home and We're An American Band.
Great pics to share from sunny West Palm Beach!
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Effingham, IL 1/27/18
Grand Funk flew back up north to St. Louis, Missouri, on Thursday...had a nice day off on Friday, and headed out to Illinois for a show at the Effingham Performing Arts Center. This is a great community theater that has become a regular tour stop for all the current touring Country and Classic Rock acts.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Playing to a packed house on Saturday night, GFR laid down the groove and the crowd loved it.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Stanley Sheldon, filling in for Mel, is doing an incredible job holding the band together with near perfect Grand Funk bass chops.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Great to be back in the Heartland. Lovin' the USA!
01-19-18 Dover, DE and 01-20-18 Northfield, OH
GRAND FUNK 2018! SOLD OUT!
Dover, Delaware 1/19/18
Who woulda thunk it!
Grand Funk kicked off another year with two back to back SOLD OUT shows. Starting out at the beautiful Dover Downs Casino Resort playing to a capacity Rollins Center crowd, GFR hit them with Rock & Roll Soul and Footstompin' Music and had them dancing in the aisles with Locomotion.
Photo by Don Baker
Brother Mel Schacher was unable to make these shows due to a sudden family emergency. Sitting in for Mel on bass guitar was classic rock bass icon Stanley Sheldon from Peter Frampton's band. Stan did a great job covering Mel's unique bass style and added some of his own signature bass groove. Thank You Stan!
The Delaware crowd rocked with the band the entire show.
What a way to kick off year 49 for The American Band!
SOLD OUT!
Northfield, Ohio 1/20/18
Catching a non-stop out of Philly to Grand Funk's old stompin' ground Cleveland, Ohio, the guys had just enough time for a soundcheck and a snack before getting ready for another SOLD OUT performance at the Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield, Ohio, located about 18 miles south of Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
As it happens, "Rock Royalty Promoter" Mike Belkin was doing a book signing at the casino for a new book about Mike's life in the Rock & Roll Biz. Don and Mike had a chance to reminisce about old times and Rock history. Mike and his brother Jules promoted many Grand Funk shows in the early 70's.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
The over-capacity crowd of Ohians were primed and ready when GFR took the stage at the state of the art Rocksino concert venue. The band proceeded to rock like it was 1969. The audience was on board the entire show, on their feet and yelling through Don's drum solo, and cheering standing for "We're An American Band"!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
The American Band has still got it in 2018.
God Bless America!
Previous GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, The American Band, tour reports and photos.
