Grand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk Railroad (often shortened to Grand Funk) is an American rock band formed in Flint, Michigan, in 1969 by Mark Farner (vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica), Don Brewer (drums, vocals), and Mel Schacher (bass). The band achieved peak popularity and success during the 1970s with hit songs such as "We're an American Band", "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)", "Some Kind of Wonderful" (a cover of Soul Brothers Six), "Walk Like a Man", "The Loco-Motion" (a cover of Little Eva), "Bad Time" and "Inside Looking Out" (a cover of the Animals).[2][3] Grand Funk released six platinum and seven gold-certified albums between their recording debut in 1969 and their first disbandment in 1976.
"Grand Funk" redirects here. For the album, see Grand Funk (album).
Grand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk, GFR
Flint, Michigan, U.S.
- 1969–1976
- 1981–1983
- 1996–1998
- 2000–present
Mark Farner
Craig Frost
Dennis Bellinger
Rick Baker
Howard Eddy, Jr.
Stanley Sheldon
Bruce Kulick
Known for a crowd-pleasing arena rock style, the band toured extensively and played to packed arenas worldwide, and was well-regarded by audiences despite a relative lack of critical praise.[4] The original trio reunited at various times later into the band's career; after Farner's final departure in 1998, Brewer and Schacher have continued touring as Grand Funk Railroad.
Legacy[edit]
David Fricke of Rolling Stone magazine once said, "You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!"[30][31] In episode 24 of the seventh season of The Simpsons, titled "Homerpalooza," Homer Simpson says Grand Funk Railroad is his favorite band of all time.