GRAND FUNK RAILROAD - The American Band - tour reports and photos!
12-27-19 New Buffalo, MI
SOLD OUT!
Grand Funk closed out their 50 Years Of Funk Tour with an amazing SOLD OUT show at the Four Winds Casino Event Center in New Buffalo, Michigan. Sitting very near the shore of Lake Michigan and just a stone's throw from Chicago, The Four Winds is a beautiful entertainment facility in some beautiful southwest Michigan country.
GFR took the stage at 9 pm, and the standing room only crowd got to their feet for a warm Michigan welcome. Blasting through all the many Grand Funk Classics, The American Band rocked the house and meant it!
Stage Photos by Don Baker
This was a GRAND finish for GFR's 50th Anniversary Tour, and we are extremely excited about our 2020 Some Kind of Wonderful Tour.
See everybody next year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!
12-14-19 Fort Wayne, IN
The American Band resumed their "50 Years of Funk 50th Anniversary Tour" with a stop in The Heartland, playing the newly restored and renovated Clyde Theatre to a packed house of Hoosiers.
The Clyde Theatre is Fort Wayne's premier concert venue and special events center and hosts over 150 events per year, including the world's most distinguished touring artists. With cutting edge sound and lighting, superior acoustics, and impeccable customer service, the Clyde Theatre is a live music experience distinguished by the Sweetwater Difference. Thanks to the generosity of Chuck and Lisa Surack of Sweetwater Sound, the Clyde Theatre underwent an incredible $9 million renovation in 2017 and 2018, transforming the stunning historic venue from a forgotten treasure to a state-of-the-art performance hall and event center.
Grand Funk took the stage at 8 pm, and the place came alive with GFR hitting on all cylinders rocking the house. The crowd loved all the Grand Funk classics, and the band was delighted to be back on stage.
Stage Photos by Craig Clingan
GFR's "50 Years of Funk Tour" is winding down and will end December 26 with a show in New Buffalo, Michigan.
Hope you can make it!
11-09-19 St. Michael, ND
Grand Funk traveled north for a "grand” show not far from Grand Forks, North Dakota. With temperatures starting to drop as an "arctic blast" moved down from Canada, GFR brought some much needed heat. Warming up the packed house of North Dakotans at the Spirit Lake Casino, the guys smoked the place with a journey through Grand Funk's musical History. GFR had an extraordinary night once again taking the crowd on a celebration of "50 Years Of Funk".
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
As we start to wind down our amazing 50 Year Anniversary Tour, Grand Funk would like to thank everyone who attended one of our shows this year and hope you will visit us again next year on our "Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour 2020"!
10-26-19 Opelusas, LA
Opelousas, Louisiana, was founded by the French in 1720 and is the center of Zydeco Music. It celebrates its heritage at the Creole Heritage Folk Life Center, is known as the "Spice Capitol of The World", and is the location of the Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino where Grand Funk Railroad, The American Band, "spiced" up the Louisiana crowd with one HOT show!
GFR has played many times in the state of Louisiana over the past twenty years and each time has been a very memorable occasion. With a packed house and a cranked up band, the night was made to ROCK! Blasting through another terrific set of Grand Funk hits, the band was kicking and the audience loved every minute. Singing along to every song and even singing with Bruce's "Star Spangled Banner", the night was spectacular.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Once again The American Band set the mark for a Grand Rock Show.
See you again soon Louisiana!
10-19-19 Uncasville, CT
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, The American Band, returned to the amazing Mohegan Sun Casino Resort for a stunning return engagement. Having played there twice before in 2007 and 2015, GFR once again drew a capacity crowd to the Mohegan's Wolf Den Stage with people waiting in line for hours to get in.
The band was cranked and ready when they took the stage, and the crowd was immediately cheering and dancing. Hitting all the Grand Funk hits from Locomotion to American Band, the multi-State crowd was singing along to every word. The Mohegan Sun has become the "Go To" entertainment mecca for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and GFR has many fans there both old and new.
Photo by Jeff Gaudiosi
Photo by Jeff Gaudiosi
Photo by Jeff Gaudiosi
Photo by Jeff Gaudiosi
Looking forward to another performance next year when Grand Funk Railroad's "Some Kind of Wonderful Tour 2020" hits the road!
10-11-19 Hanover, MD
Maryland LIVE! Casino
Photo by Don Baker
Grand Funk played another East Coast show this week with a roaring appearance at Maryland LIVE! Casino just outside Baltimore in Hanover, Maryland. Playing to a near capacity crowd in the new M LIVE! Event Center, GFR rocked the crowd with a fantastic performance that had the place on their feet. Having played there a few years ago, Maryland LIVE! has undergone an amazing transformation and is now state of the art.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
This is an amazing place to play a show and The American Band looks forward to appearing there again next year on our "Some Kind of Wonderful" Tour 2020!
Photo by Don Baker
10-06-19 Dover, DE
Dover International Speedway/Drydene 400 Monster Energy NASCAR CUP
Talk about ALL AMERICAN!
Grand Funk Railroad flew back across country for an incredible show at the Dover International Speedway. This was the final race of the NASCAR 2019 season, and all the top drivers were there. With a crowd exceeding 100,000 filling the Speedway, GFR had a tremendous crowd in front of the Xfinity stage...the largest crowd in the Speedway's history!
The American Band had the NASCAR fans on their feet right from the first song, and the crowd wanted more, even after Some Kind of Wonderful, Closer To Home, and We're An American Band.
Got some great PICS. ENJOY!
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Chris Minor
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Chris Minor
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Chris Minor
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Chris Minor
Photo by Don Baker
10-04-19 Henderson, NV
The American Band "Crisscrossing America"!
Grand Funk resumed their 50 Years of Funk 50th Anniversary Tour with shows on both sides of the USA. It started in the upscale Las Vegas suburb of Henderson with a jam packed venue set up on the historic Water Street in downtown. The event featured an awesome "All American" Hot Rod Show and, of course, The American Band Grand Funk Railroad!
With people from all corners of the country...great food, great weather and a GRAND show by GFR, this event was truly a piece of Americana. Almost as good as Mom's apple pie with ICE CREAM!
Photo by Steve Larson
GFR Rocked the huge crowd that gathered in front of the Henderson stage, and it was one amazing night in Nevada!
Photo by Gary Larson
Photo by Gary Larson
09-22-19 Albuquerque, NM
After an awesome SOLD OUT return to the Biloxi Hard Rock, The American Band flew west to "The Land of Enchantment" and an amazing show with southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque.
After a short 30 minute set by a local country band, Grand Funk took the stage at the Isleta as the sun was going down over a beautiful New Mexico landscape. The huge crowd of Skynyrd fans combined with classic rock fans there to hear great rock from both bands and were on their feet as soon as GFR was announced as celebrating 50 Years of Funk!
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
It was a magical evening in New Mexico. A beautiful sunset, Grand Funk Railroad and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Definitely the Land of Enchantment.
09-21-19 Biloxi, MS
SOLD OUT...AGAIN!!
For the fifth year in a row, Grand Funk Railroad, The American Band, played a SOLD OUT show at the great Hard Rock Live in Biloxi. The Hard Rock has already booked GFR for 2020, and it is fully expected that The American Band will sell out again on their 2020 Some Kind of Wonderful Tour.
The crowd was primed and ready as GFR took the stage to a standing ovation. The packed-to-capacity Hard Rock Live was rockin' as the guys blew through a tremendous set of Grand Funk classics.
Stage Photos by Don Baker
See you next year Biloxi!
09-14-19 Newkirk, OK
After an unexpected break due to Hurricane Dorian's Eastern U.S. threat last week, The American Band resumed their 50 Years Of Funk Tour with a trip to Wichita, Kansas, and a show at the Southwind Casino in nearby Newkirk, Oklahoma.
Driving out through the amazing Kansas countryside, the band got to see miles and miles of farm and pastureland interrupted only by all the wind farms that have sprung up. Quite an awesome site!
As part of the Southwind's Summer Concert Series and also the last of this year's schedule, GFR drew a huge crowd of Kansans and Oklahomans to the Southwind's great outdoor concert venue. Grand Funk lit up the crowd and had them on their feet and dancing for Locomotion, Some Kind Of Wonderful, and American Band. Even in the 90 degree heat, the crowd enjoyed all the GFR hits and sang along with Closer To Home.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Love Oklahoma!
Off to Biloxi and Albuquerque!
08-23-19 Hogansburg, NY
SOLD OUT!
With a day in between their NY State Fair show and their Upstate New York Hogansburg show, The American Band had a chance to drive through some amazing New York scenery. Traveling right along side the historic Saint Lawrence River which borders New York and Canada, it was an extremely pleasant August drive to the uppermost corner of New York State. Appearing 8/23 at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort in Hogansburg, Grand Funk played to a SOLD OUT Standing Room Only house that had been sold out weeks in advance.
As soon as GFR hit the stage, the New York crowd got to their feet and started rockin'! Blasting through their signature show, Grand Funk was relentless. The Patriotic Fans even sang along with Bruce's guitar on The Star Spangled Banner.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Great week in New York.
God Bless America!
08-21-19 Syracuse, NY
GRAND FUNK SETS RECORD!
The American Band returned to Syracuse for their third appearance at the New York State Fair over the past 19 years. Playing the Experience Stage, Grand Funk drew the largest crowd ever to play this great venue. Despite early rain Wednesday, opening day of the Fair set a record of 74,027 people. GFR definitely showed the huge crowd what 50 Years Of Funk is all about. Drawing on their catalog of legendary Classic Rock Hits, GFR had the crowd on their feet for the entire show.
From Rock & Roll Soul to We're An American Band, New York State was ROCKIN'!
Stage Photos by Warren Linhart
Also appearing opening day of the Fair were the English Rockers, Bad Company.
08-10-19 Brooklyn, MI
The American Band got Closer To Home this week for an amazing festival at the world renowned NASCAR Track, The Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. As a warm-up for the NASCAR Consumers Energy 400 race on Sunday, the speedway threw a huge party with a concert featuring Grand Funk Railroad, Country legends Sawyer Brown, and 80's sensation Skid Row. On a beautiful August day in Central Michigan, the festival drew thousands and they were ready to P-A-R-T-Y!
As headliner for the event, Grand Funk took the stage at 8:30, and the crowd of Michiganders welcomed the boys home to the Wolverine State with a ROAR. Hitting on all cylinders, GFR returned from a nice two week break with another fantastic all-hits Grand Funk Railroad show.
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
God Bless and Go Blue!
07-19-19 Madisonville, KY
The American Band journeyed to Evansville, Indiana this week for a performance at a terrific city festival in nearby Madisonville, Kentucky. Playing the Friday Night Live summer concert series in Downtown Madisonville, GFR drew a crowd of thousands from the tri-state area of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
It was an EXTREME event in every sense with temperatures in the mid 90’s and the heat index well in to triple digits. The band had air coolers and fans on stage just to make it possible to play the high energy Grand Funk Railroad Rock & Roll show they do so well. Regardless of the heat, the crowd loved the band and rocked and sang along to all the GFR hits.
Photo by Skylar Phaup
Photo by Skylar Phaup
Photo by Skylar Phaup
Photo by Skylar Phaup
Photo by Skylar Phaup
Photo by Skylar Phaup
With an audience of all ages, Grand Funk Railroad once again lived up to its name, THE AMERICAN BAND!
07-14-19 Stafford Springs, CT
Grand Funk Railroad returned to the Northeast for a show outside Hartford at the Sun Valley Resort in Stafford Springs. The co-bill with Poison's Brett Michaels to benefit Muscular Dystrophy of Connecticut was also a "RIDE" that drew thousands of Harley Davidson enthusiasts from all over the Eastern USA.
Grand Funk took the stage in 93 degree heat and proceeded to make the excited attendees even hotter. Ripping through a 60 minute set of Grand Funk Hits, The American Band once again lived up to its reputation as one of the greatest LIVE acts in ROCK!
Photo by Don Baker
Global Warming or not, this was one HOT SHOW!
07-06-19 Naperville, IL
Grand Funk helped the Chicago area celebrate the 4th of July this year with an appearance at the Naperville Ribfest in the beautiful Chicago suburb of Naperville. Playing to thousands, GFR was part of a three day star-studded lineup that included Billy Idol, Bad Company, KC and the Sunshine Band and ZZ Ward. Sponsored by the Exchange Club of Naperville, the event has donated $17.5 million of proceeds to agencies working to eliminate child abuse and domestic violence.
The American Band took the stage on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and by the time the guys got to Locomotion, the huge crowd was dancing and singing along.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by James Hoch
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by James Hoch
Photo by James Hoch
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
This was Grand Funk's third appearance at this great festival having played here in 2003 and again in 2011. Always fun to be back in the MIDWEST! What a GRAND event for a GRAND cause!
Photo by James Hoch
Photo by James Hoch
Photo by James Hoch
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by James Hoch
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Happy 4th of July and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
06-28-19 St. Cloud, MN
The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad, returned to the Heartland this week for the 31st Annual Liberty Bank Block Party in Whitney Park, St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Drawing a huge crowd of Minnesotans to the park for this great concert, GFR took the stage at 7:30 with the full sun still shining bright. Blasting through their open with Rock & Roll Soul, Footstompin' Music, and Shinin" On, Grand Funk set up the crowd for their mega hit Locomotion and got the place ROCKIN'! People of all ages and from all walks of life immediately recognized GFR's rendition of Locomotion and got to their feet to dance and sing along.
The "Block Party" downtown St. Cloud is a family tradition, and it was a thrill to see kids, grand kids, parents and grand parents all sharing the joy of GRAND music on a GRAND Minnesota summer day.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
06-15-19 Ignacio, CO
Grand Funk flew to Durango, Colorado this week to the incredible "Four Corners" region of the United States that is the cross section of borders of the states Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Utah. It is a majestic part of the country that belongs to semi-autonomous Native American nations, Navajo, Hopi, Ute and Zuni.
The American Band played to a packed house at the Sky Ute Casino Resort Event Center. The place was electric when GFR hit the stage, and the ecstatic crowd of all ages immediately got to their feet to ROCK along with America's favorite Rock Band Grand Funk Railroad.
The guys were in top form this great evening and didn't miss a beat as they took the crowd on a 50 year journey of GRAND Classic Rock. Rock & Roll Soul to American Band, this night will be remembered by all who were there.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Thank You Four Corners!
06-01-19 Kansas City, MO
Grand Funk Railroad brought their 50 Years Of Funk Tour to the Star Pavilion at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City. Playing to a packed house of fans from Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, the band once again lit up the crowd with a breathtaking show. The exuberant audience cheered, danced, and sang along with The American Band as they marched their way through a terrific parade of Grand Funk hits.
Just east of downtown Kansas City, The Ameristar is a Midwestern entertainment hub that offers something for everyone. It has one of the largest casino floors in Missouri, nine dining venues, a luxury hotel, and an 18 screen movie theater, plus the state-of-the-art concert venue, The Star Pavilion.
Grand Funk has always been well received in the Kansas/Missouri area, and Saturday night was no exception. The crowd was thunderous in their response to Locomotion, Some Kinda Wonderful and of course, We're An American Band.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Coming up on America's favorite birthday party, the Fourth of July, what a GRAND way to kick off the summer and get ready for the fireworks!
05-30-19 Wantagh, NY
Grand Funk once again hooked up with Bob Seger's Farewell Tour for another memorable night of great Michigan Rock. Playing at the famous Jones Beach Theater on Long Island, it was a cold, damp evening with thunderstorms threatening Long Island Sound, and for a while, looked as though the concert may be delayed or postponed. Fortunately, in spite of the rain, there was no lightning, and Grand Funk took the stage. The Seger crowd loved Grand Funk's show and were on their feet and singing along to all the Grand Funk hits.
Ron Delsener
Also present at the show was legendary Rock and Roll Royalty Promoter Ron Delsener, who at 83 years old is still vibrant and active promoting shows in the New York/New Jersey area, as he has for 55 years. Ron and Don had a great time backstage talking about days gone by and GFR's episode with former manager Terry Knight. Ron has always been a "character" in the first degree, and it was wonderful to cross paths again.
Ron Delsener and GFR
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
The rain was light for GFR's show, but unfortunately it poured during Bob Seger's performance. The crowd handled it like New Yorkers do, and it was still a terrific night on Long Island.
05-25-19 Boone, IA
Grand Funk Railroad flew to Des Moines, Iowa to bring their "50 Years Of Funk" Tour to thousands at the third annual River Valley Festival in Boone, Iowa. Named one of the Top 10 Best Outdoor Festivals in Iowa, the Boone River Valley Festival celebrates the great outdoors. Joining GFR for this terrific event was classic rock icon Blue Oyster Cult.
GFR hit the stage at 9:30 as the headliner, and the thousands of Iowans immediately got to their feet and rocked with the band. The midwestern May night was perfect for an outdoor rock concert, and The American Band lived up to their reputation as one of the best live acts in the business.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
This part of the U.S. has been inundated with flooding rain and violent storms recently, and the crowd truly loved a break from the weather and enjoyed an awesome outdoor music event.
Long Live The Heartland!
05-23-19 Raleigh, NC
Grand Funk returned to the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC for a SOLD OUT show on Bob Seger's Farewell Tour. GFR played this venue 23 years ago as the very first stop on the "original" Grand Funk Railroad's Reunion Tour in 1996. Brings back lots of GRAND memories...
It was a hot evening in Raleigh with temperatures heading for the 90s as Memorial Day weekend kicked off and The American Band hit the stage. The audience of 20,000 quickly got to their feet and cheered as the guys torched Rock & Roll Soul, Footstompin' Music, Shinin' On, and Locomotion. Bruce continued to rally the huge crowd with a blazing solo on Inside Lookin' Out, and the entire Silver Bullet Band and crew watched from the sides of the stage as GFR hit with Some Kinda Wonderful, Closer To Home, and We're An American Band. These Seger/GFR shows are amazing events!
Got to love that Michigan Made Rock!
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
05-18-19 Richardson, TX
GFR headed off to Dallas for another appearance at the incredible Wildfower Festival in Richardson, a suburb of Dallas. This was Grand Funk's fourth appearance at this annual Music and Arts Fest, and it draws tens of thousands each year. Bad weather threatened all day with tornado warnings and heavy wind and rain. All the local bands that were scheduled to perform were canceled, and Blue Oyster Cult could not make it due to weather.
Everything mostly cleared later in the day even though a slight drizzle persisted. The Guess Who and Grand Funk were able to perform their shows for the thousands of fans that waited it out.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Thank you so much to the fans and the festival staff and crew that bared the weather for a terrific night of ROCK!
05-16-19 Charlotte, NC
The American Band hooked up with Bob Seger's Farewell Tour again for a SOLD OUT show in front of 20,000 classic rock fans at the PNC Amphitheatre just outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
GFR has done several shows with The Silver Bullet Band over the past 6 months and seeing all the band and crew in the Seger camp is always lots of fun. Grand Funk took the stage at 7:30 pm with the full sun right in their faces. NO LIGHTS NEEDED ON THIS ONE!
The American Band had the North Carolina crowd on their feet as the band marched through all the hits...Locomotion, Closer To Home, Some Kinda' Wonderful and We're An American Band. As the sun went down, Seger & Company gave the PNC exactly what they came for. What a GRAND night of Classic Rock & Roll!
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
05-10-19 West Wendover, NV
SOLD OUT!
Grand Funk headed west this week for a SOLD OUT show at the Peppermill Concert Hall in West Wendover, Nevada. About 120 miles west of the Great Salt Lake, Wendover is also the location of the historic Bonneville Salt Flats where Motorcar Racing has taken place since 1914. The most recent land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats was last year by Vesco Turbinato II at 746 miles per hour!
The American Band has played the Peppermill Concert Hall a number of times over the past 19 years, always packing the house and Rockin' the Nevada/Utah State Line like no other. Friday night was no exception. The SOLD OUT house rocked and had a terrific time.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
See you next year, Wendover!
Photo by DB
Leaving Wendover at 6 AM.
04-06-19 Florence, IN
Belterra Casino SOLD OUT!
The American Band did it again! Grand Funk flew to Cincinnati for a return engagement at the Belterra Casino in Florence, Indiana. Having played this great venue in the past, GFR repeated their SOLD OUT status with a completely packed showroom. The crowd was ready before Grand Funk hit the stage and were singing along with GFR's pre-show music singing and cheering to Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Pride & Joy"!
When the guys appeared on stage, the place went crazy and from there it only got hotter. So hot, in fact, that three people had to be escorted out of the venue. WHAT A SHOW! Don's solo was smokin'! Mel's bass was boomin'! And the crowd rocked hard!
Stage Photos by Michael Deinlein
Backstage, GFR celebrated Brother Mel's 68th birthday. Cut the cake, Mel! Happy Birthday!
Photo by Bruce Kulick
It was fitting for GFR to play this venue on its 50 Years Of Funk Tour. The last time was 40 Years of Funk in 2009. See y'all in 2029 for 60 Years of Funk!
03-29/30-19 Lincoln City, OR
Disembarking the Celebrity Infinity in Cozumel, The American Band headed back to beautiful Portland, Oregon for 2 SOLD OUT shows at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Sitting right on the Oregon Coast, it offers breathtaking views of the Northwest Pacific.
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Grand Funk Railroad hit the stage and the crowd climbed on board for a terrific ride through GFR's 50 year history. Playing all the great hits, the guys had the Oregonians on their feet and dancing. Both nights, The American Band delivered stunning performances, and Some Kinda Wonderful through American Band provided sing-along participation from the crowd.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
This 11-day tour segment of Grand Funk's 50 Years of Funk Tour has been an extraordinary experience for Grand Funk and all of our friends!
What a trip!
03-25/26-19 Rock & Romance Cruise
Featuring Grand Funk Railroad, Foreigner, War, Boz Scaggs, Little River Band, Orleans, Leo Sayer, Exile, Firefall & Gino Vanelli
After boarding the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship, GFR had to scramble to get ready for soundcheck. Playing in the main venue both days to capacity crowds, GFR alternated headline time slots with Foreigner. Tuesday featured a well-attended Q&A/autograph signing with Grand Funk, Orleans and Leo Sayer. Once again, Grand Funk became the talk of the ship. The cruisers loved being able to chat and stop for quick pics with the guys in the band. Rock cruises have become an incredible industry and more international music acts are now participating. The 2019 Rock & Romance Cruise was SOLD OUT a year in advance! The American Band had the theater rockin' with two nights of stellar performances. The crowd sang along to all of GFR's hits, including the Star Spangled Banner.
God Bless America!
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by DB
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
03-22-19 Las Vegas, NV
SOLD OUT!
The American Band kicked off an 11-day, 5 SOLD OUT show run starting at The Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. Having played this historic venue several times in the past 10 years, Grand Funk once again packed the house with a standing-room only showroom. The crowd was primed and ready to rock when GFR hit the stage, and the guys delivered an amazing show. Don's blazing drum solo and Bruce's guitar solo on Inside Lookin' Out were standouts worthy of the Vegas glitter. Again the audience participated and sang along with Some Kinda Wonderful, Closer to Home and American Band.
Stage Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Vegas was filled with "March Madness" revelers all there to gamble on their favorite college basketball teams. The guys got to spend an extra day hanging in Vegas before flying cross country to Ft. Lauderdale to catch the Rock & Romance Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico.
03-02-19 Atlantic City, NJ
Photo by DB
SOLD OUT! AGAIN!
Grand Funk returned to The Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City for the fifth time in five years playing yet again to a capacity crowd in the beautiful 2,500 seat Tropicana Showroom. GFR's 50 YEARS OF FUNK TOUR is creating quite a buzz out there and classic rock fans of all ages are turning out at shows to help the band celebrate this incredible milestone. The SOLD OUT crowd was on their feet as soon as The American Band took the stage.
Photo by DB
With billboards and closed circuit Big Screen ads all over the boardwalk and Atlantic City, the guys' faces were easily recognized and people wanted to stop and talk to the band. Most had stories of the many times they have seen Grand Funk Railroad and what it has meant to their lives. This year is certainly special for Grand Funk and for all those that have followed the band for five decades.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
See you next year in Atlantic City!
02-23-19 Prior Lake, MN
The American Band continued their "Cold Country" tour with a stop at the beautiful Mystic Lake Casino Resort in Prior Lake, Minnesota...about 20 miles outside of Minneapolis where the recent temps from a Polar Vortex have reached 40 degrees below zero. Luckily, Minnesota was experiencing a heatwave of sorts and the mercury was sitting in the low 20's.
Photo by Don Baker
Mystic Lake Casino is owned by the Shakopee Sioux Indian Tribe, the wealthiest tribe in the USA. Staring in 1982 as a Bingo establishment, it has grown to an incredible hotel, resort, and full-scale gambling facility with an amazing state-of-the-art entertainment complex and the 2,500 seat Mystic Showroom. This venue hosts major national touring acts of all entertainment genres...Rock, Country, Comedy, R&B, Hip Hop, and more.
Grand Funk came to town to help "party it down" and heated up the packed house with a rousing performance of Grand Funk Hits. The American Band delivered a blistering performance to the Minnesota crowd and has never sounded better!
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Next week ATLANTIC CITY! The American Band ROCKS ON!
02-16-19 Mount Pleasant, MI
SOLD OUT!!!
Grand Funk Railroad continues their string of sold out shows in 2019 on their 50 YEARS OF FUNK TOUR!
Playing to a capacity crowd of Michiganders in chilly mid-Michigan in mid-February, the special event at the beautiful Soaring Eagle Casino Resort also featured catered gourmet pasta dishes from some of central Michigan's finest restaurants and specialty vodka drinks featuring Tito's Handmade Vodka. Thus "Vodka/Pasta".
Having played this great venue several times in the past 20 years, Grand Funk's appearance here was a huge success. With a packed showroom, full stage, state-of-the-art sound and lights, GFR had the crowd on their feet from the opening Rock & Roll Soul to the signature close We're An American Band. Again, Some Kinda' Wonderful was one of the highlights of an incredible show as the crowd sang along with the band to every word.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Opening the show was the Canadian band The Guess Who.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
02-08-19 Waterloo, NY
SOLD OUT AGAIN!
Photo by DB
The American Band ventured back into cold country flying to Syracuse, New York for a sold out return engagement at the Del Lago Casino Resort in Waterloo. Having played this fantastic venue about this time last year, the happy upstate New Yorkers were ready to rock as soon as GFR hit the stage.
The venue is called "The Vine", and is probably one of the best concert halls of its kind with a full-size stage, state-of-the-art sound and lights, first class stage crew and beautiful comfort seating for 1,600 people and not a bad seat in the house.
Grand Funk cranked the audience up and never let them down for the entire 90 minute show. Especially notable was the crowd reaction to the Grand Funk hit "Some Kinda' Wonderful". The classic R&B song was penned by nearby Rochester resident John Ellison of The Soul Brothers Six. John made it to GFR's Del Lago show last year and that was a very special night.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
GFR heads back to the Midwest next week with another return engagement at the Soaring Eagle Casino Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
The Train is Roaring!
02-02-19 Charles Town, WV
SOLD OUT! AGAIN!
Grand Funk returned to the East Coast this week for a return engagement at the Hollywood Casino Event Center in Charles Town, WV. Playing to a SOLD OUT crowd, this was The American Band's third appearance at this great venue in the past five years. With everybody in the northern USA just starting to recover from the Polar Vortex that stung the entire country with some of the coldest temperatures in a generation, GFR brought some much needed HEAT and entertainment.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
The boys took the stage and the anxious crowd was excited to see the band as they kicked off with Rock & Roll Soul and Footstompin' Music. Taking the Tri-State crowd through a great set of Grand Funk classics, the band gave them what they came for.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Another awesome Grand Funk Railroad Rock & Roll Show!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
01-26-19 Shipshewana, IN
Welcome to Amish Country!
Indiana is home to the third largest Amish population in the world. Named after a local Potawatomi Indian, Shipshewana is a tourist destination that's just south of the Michigan/Indiana State Line. Drawing almost one million tourists to the area every year, the main entertainment center is the Blue Gate Event Center, Restaurant and Hotel. The Event Center hosts national touring musical acts of all genres...Country, Rock, Bluegrass, Folk, and even Broadway productions.
Grand Funk Railroad, The American Band, came to this great American destination and played to a packed house. With temperatures in the low teens and snow starting to fall, the band heated up the crowd of Hoosiers and had them on their feet and cheering.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
This was GFR's third stop on its 2019 50 Years of Funk Tour and certainly will be memorable. Returning to Fort Wayne post show was challenging. The guys had to drive 60 miles in snow covered ice roads at an average speed of 30 miles an hour making the trip a torturous 2 hour drive.
Another "Out On The Road" adventure for The American Band!
01-24-19 Milwaukee, WI
Photo by DB
It may have been 5 below outside, but inside the Fiserv Forum it was heating up and getting downright hot as The American Band took the stage. Playing to a sold out house of Wisconsin "Cheeseheads" for it's fifth show as Special Guest on Bob Seger's Farewell Tour, Grand Funk had the place ROCKIN'! As always, Locomotion brought the crowd to their feet and they stayed standing for the rest of the show.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Milwaukee Journal Rick Wood
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Milwaukee Journal Rick Wood
Photo by Milwaukee Journal Rick Wood
Photo by Milwaukee Journal Rick Wood
Photo by Milwaukee Journal Rick Wood
This was GFR's second stop on their 50 Years Of Funk Tour, and the band is sounding better and tighter than ever. Don, Mel, Max, Bruce and Tim are a finely tuned unit, and the year is primed to be a GRAND one!
01-17-19 Buffalo, NY
SOLD OUT!
WOW! 50 YEARS!!
Well, here we are 50 years later back in the town where Grand Funk Railroad played it's very first show in 1969...Buffalo, New York. What a ride it's been. Up, down, sideways, down up, over, up, down and up again...thank God.
Grand Funk Railroad, The American Band, kicked off it's 50th Anniversary Tour at the SOLD OUT Key Bank Center as special guest on Bob Seger's final "Roll Me Away" Tour.
WHAT A SHOW!
Grand Funk's high energy all-hits Rock & Roll Show followed by two hours of Bob Seger! Once again, it was great to see all our friends in the Seger organization.
Photo by Tim Cashion
Photo by John Kovalcik
GFR had the place smokin' right from the start. Rock & Roll Soul, Footstompin' Music, Shinin' On and The Locomotion had the 20,000 upstate New Yorkers on their feet and lovin' it. By the time the boys hit Some Kinda Wonderful, the crowd was singing louder than the band. We're An American Band brought the house down.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Here's to the next 50 Years!
Previous GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, The American Band, tour reports and photos.
