GRAND FUNK RAILROAD - The American Band - tour reports and photos!
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!
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!
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.
08-11-18 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!"
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!
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!
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, The American Band, tour reports and photos.
