GRAND FUNK RAILROAD - The American Band - tour reports and photos!
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"!
10-19-19 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!
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.
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!
07-06-19 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!
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.
05-23-19 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!
05-10-19 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!
02-08-19 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!
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, The American Band, tour reports and photos.
