DT:     MARCH 16, 2023

FM:    MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

SRO PR

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
CELEBRATES THE 50^TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THEIR 1973 “WE’RE AN AMERICAN BAND” PLATINUM SINGLE AND ALBUM
WITH ‘THE AMERICAN BAND TOUR’
THE LEGENDARY ROCK & ROLL POWERHOUSE’S
ITINERARY INCLUDES SHOWS
AS “SPECIAL GUESTS” OF KID ROCK THIS SUMMER

“You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!”
–David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD celebrates the 50^th anniversary of their 1973 “We’re An American Band” platinum single and album with 2023’s “The American Band Tour,” performing multiple shows across the country and dynamically underlining their trademark “Rock and Soul” classics.

Original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums) is the writer and singer of “We’re An American Band,” from the band’s seventh album. One of rock’s definitive anthems, the platinum-certified single went all the way to #1 on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart.

Says Don: “‘We’re An American Band’ came to me when we were flying from town to town on our “Phoenix Tour” in 1972. We were being sued by our former manager Terry Knight and he was trying to stop us from performing. The line “We’re comin’ to your town, we’ll help you party it down” came to me first and I wrote the song around that line. Taking snippets of things going on during the tour at that time, like staying up all night with Freddy King playing poker, four young chiquitas in Omaha, sweet sweet Connie in Little Rock, and finally the declaration, ‘We’re An American Band,’ because it sounds great and sings well. I feel lucky and blessed every time we play it live.”

As part of this year’s itinerary, the legendary rock & roll powerhouse will be the “special guests” of Kid Rock for two hometown shows in Michigan at Little Caesars Arena on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15. See GRAND FUNK RAILROAD’s full tour itinerary below.

BREWER took the time to talk about building the perfect set list and also discuss highlights of the GRAND FUNK RAILROAD set list, which is packed with one hit after another including of course the enduring “We’re An American Band.” His Q&A can be viewed here.

Here are the 2023 Grand Funk Railroad tour dates with more dates to be announced:

Date Location Venue
3/18/23 Clewiston, FL Clewiston Sugar Festival – Civic Park
4/01/23 Akron, OH Goodyear Theater
4/13/23 Deadwood, SD Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center
4/23/23 Oxford, AL Oxford Performing Arts Center
4/29/23 Marietta, OH Peoples Bank Theatre
5/06/23 Highland, CA Yaamava’ Theater
5/13/23 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
5/19/23 Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
6/02/23 Peachtree City, GA Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
6/09/23 Lincoln, RI Twin River Casino
6/24/23 Selbyville, DE Freeman Arts Pavilion
7/07/23 St. Louis, MO River City Casino & Hotel
*7/14/23 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena
*7/15/23 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena

*Special Guest of Kid Rock

Grand Funk Railroad (Pictured L-R: Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Max Carl (vocals), Don Brewer (drummer), Tim Cashion (keyboardist))

Photo credit: Allen Clark

###

ABOUT GRAND FUNK RAILROAD:

Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top selling American rock group of the 70’s is “COMIN’ TO YOUR TOWN TO HELP YOU PARTY IT DOWN.” Grand Funk Railroad is extremely excited to be touring in 2023 marking a 54-year milestone. After playing to millions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2022, Grand Funk’s 2023 AMERICAN BAND TOUR will continue to reach both new and long-time fans. The band will perform 45 shows throughout 2023.

Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group will play forty shows all over the USA this year. Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet. Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape fifty years after its 1969 birth in Flint, Michigan is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits “We’re an American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,”” Locomotion,” and “Some Kind of Wonderful” still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. We’re an American Band has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. “We’re An American Band” was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film RADIO, and in the swash buckler SAHARA starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funk has had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (“We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion,” both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales exceeding 25 million copies sold worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package Grand Funk Railroad the Collectors Series.

The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York, and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida. EMI/Capitol (Universal Music) released a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package that includes a bonus DVD of rare concert footage. Grand Funk Railroad’s 2022 SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR was a huge success and now, with the group’s 2023 THE AMERICAN BAND TOUR, seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate the 50^th ANNIVERSARY OF WE’RE AN AMERICAN BAND with GRAND FUNK RAILROAD!

Grand Funk Railroad 2023 Tour Dates
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

For more information on GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, visit:
WEBSITE | SPOTIFY

###

DT:     JANUARY 26, 2022

FM:    MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

SRO PR

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
TONIGHT CONTINUE THEIR 2022
“SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR”
THE LEGENDARY ROCK & ROLL POWERHOUSE’S
ITINERARY INCLUDES SHOWS
AS ‘SPECIAL GUESTS OF KID ROCK’

Grand Funk Railroad (Pictured L-R: Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Max Carl (vocals), Don Brewer (drummer), Tim Cashion (keyboardist))
Photo credit: Allen Clark

“You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!”
–David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD tonight (January 26) continue their 2022 “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” performing multiple shows across the country and dynamically underlining their trademark “Rock and Soul” classics. As part of this year’s itinerary, the legendary rock & roll powerhouse will be the “special guests” of KID ROCK for an array shows including April 16 at Van Andel Arena in Michigan, the state where both artists hail from.

Original founding member DON BREWER (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the #1 multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) says: “In August of 2021 we were invited by Bob (Kid Rock) to play a show with him at the Soaring Eagle Amphitheater in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan not far from our hometown of Flint. We were excited to play this show with Bob and everyone loved it. The show was a Michigan Rock Extravaganza!

“So when I got a call from Live Nation’s Rick Franks telling me that ‘Rock’ wanted to have us (GFR) on some of his Bad Reputation 2022 Tour, we were happy to be part of it.

I worked with Bob a few times when he was a guest on several Bob Seger shows and I was Seger’s Tour Drummer. ‘Rock’ is a great singer and Entertainer and a great guy as well! This is going to be “Some Kind Of Wonderful” for all. Don’t miss it!”

Recently, BREWER took the time to talk about building the perfect set list and also discuss highlights of the GRAND FUNK RAILROAD set list, which is packed with one hit after another. His Q&A can be viewed here.

2022 Grand Funk Railroad Tour Dates

1/26 Beaver Creek, CO Vilar Performing Arts Center
1/27 Grand Junction, CO The Avalon Theatre
1/29 Laughlin, NV Edgewater Casino Resort
2/25 Waukegan, IL Genesee Theatre
2/26 Minneapolis, MN Rock From The Heart
3/4 Atlantic City, NJ Ocean Resort and Casino
3/11 Crockett, TX Crockett Civic Center
3/12 Dallas, TX AT&T Performing Arts Center
3/19 Queen Creek , AZ Good Life Festival
3/24 Tampa, FL Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
4/1 Cherokee, NC Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center
4/2 Wilmington, NC Wilson Center
4/6 Evansville, IN Kid Rock’s Special Guest at Ford Center
4/8 Omaha, NE Kid Rock’s Special Guest at CHI Health Center Omaha
4/9 St. Paul, MN Kid Rock’s Special Guest at Xcel Energy Center
4/15 Columbus, OH Kid Rock’s Special Guest at Nationwide Arena
4/16 Grand Rapids, MI Kid Rock’s Special Guest at Van Andel Arena
4/29 French Lick, IN French Lick Resort Casino
6/1 W. Palm Beach, FL Kid Rock’s Special Guest at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
6/11 Tampa, FL Kid Rock’s Special Guest at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
6/15 Atlanta, GA Kid Rock’s Special Guest at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
6/17 Charlotte, NC Kid Rock’s Special Guest at PNC Music Pavilion
6/18 Raleigh, NC Kid Rock’s Special Guest at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
8/5 Nashville, TN Schermerhorn Symphony Center

###

ABOUT GRAND FUNK RAILROAD:

After playing to millions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2021, GRAND FUNK will continue to reach both new and long-time fans on the “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” named in honor of their 1975 Billboard pop smash. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top-selling American rock group of the 70’s is “Comin’ To Your Town To Help You Party It Down.” 

Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group GRAND FUNK RAILROAD includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meat Loaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape more than 50 years after is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits “We’re An American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “Locomotion,” and “Some Kind Of Wonderful” still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. “We’re An American Band” has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. “We’re An American Band” was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film Radio, and in the swash buckler Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funk has had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (“We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion,” both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales exceeding 25 million copies sold worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package Grand Funk Railroad the Collectors Series.

The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York, and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida. EMI/Capitol (Universal Music) released a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package that includes a bonus DVD of rare concert footage. Grand Funk Railroad’s 2019 “50 Years Of Funk Tour” was a huge success and now, with the group’s 2022 “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate more than 50 Years of Funk with Grand Funk Railroad.

Grand Funk Railroad 2022 Tour Dates
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

For more information on GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, visit:

WEBSITE | SPOTIFY

###

For press inquiries regarding GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, contact:

SRO PR
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com  (National)
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com (Tour)

###

DT:     NOVEMBER 2, 2021

FM:    MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

SRO PR

DON BREWER OF
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
TALKS ABOUT BUILDING THE PERFECT SET LIST
AND DISCUSSES SET HIGHLIGHTS
THE LEGENDARY ROCK & ROLL POWERHOUSE
IS CURRENTLY ON ITS 2021
“SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR”

Grand Funk Railroad (Pictured L-R: Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Max Carl (vocals), Don Brewer (drummer), Tim Cashion (keyboardist))
Photo credit: Allen Clark

“You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!”
–David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine

Legendary rock & roll powerhouse GRAND FUNK RAILROAD is currently on its 2021 “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” performing 30 shows this year and dynamically underlining their trademark “Rock and Soul” classics. Recently, original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) took the time to talk about building the perfect set list and also discuss highlights of the GRAND FUNK RAILROAD set list. *See the two Q&A’s below.

Q&A with DON BREWER

–Is there a secret sauce to creating the perfect set list?

We have been working on our show for over 40 years. You learn what works and what doesn’t work by trial and error. Spreading out the hits during the show keeps the audience involved beginning to end. Always try to leave them wanting more!

–How do you determine a set list that satisfies both the audience and the musician? 

Everybody in the band loves the music we play. I guess you could say we’re all Grand Funk fans. We don’t do a lot of new material because we know the audience wants to hear the classics. We have a spot in the show that we have experimented with new songs over the years and the songs keep changing. Helps keep it interesting for us.

–Can you talk about figuring out which song to open with? This has to be a challenge as a band wants to come on strong but some of the audience is still finding their seats and the sound may not be at its best near the beginning of a set. 

We have tried several different songs as openers over the years, even doing an unknown original of ours. The two openers we do now, “Rock & Roll Soul” and “Footstompin’ Music,” are classic GFR hits and always get the audience going even if they don’t know Grand Funk.

–In coming up with the list, do you think about the various tempos of songs and 

which keys they’re played in?

Don’t really worry too much about what key a song is in, but yes, tempos need to blend between songs. Our goal is to have the show flow from high to low and back to high again with a few sparkles in between. Entertainment needs to be entertaining.

–Finally, what goes into choosing which song will be the last one and which song 

will be the encore? 

The last song and the encore can be interchangeable. In other words, you can switch them and it won’t really make a huge difference. In our case we could close with “We’re An American Band” and come back with “Closer To Home,” Depends on how you want to leave the audience.

THE GRAND FUNK RAILROAD SET LIST HIGHLIGHTS,
ACCORDING TO DON BREWER

“Rock & Roll Soul”: The phrase “rock and roll soul” is an apt description of the band’s music + mission. Why does this song light you up when you perform it?

“Rock & Roll Soul” was our first single after leaving our crooked manager Terry Knight who had stolen all our money and was taking us to court over the name Grand Funk Railroad. Having a top 40 hit with Rock & Roll Soul was our first step to freedom. The song is truly descriptive of GFR’s Rock/R&B blend. The opening line “We’re havin’ a party, everybody’s invited” is a perfect opening statement.

“Footstompin’ Music”: This song has a ferocious rhythmic groove and it’s another one that pumps up the listener/concert-goer. What inspired you to include it here? 

After doing the song live as a three-piece band, in 1971 we tried recording this song in the studio a few times until we captured the final version on our album E Pluribus Funk. The drums, bass and organ track is a blast to play and the vocal lines are awesome: “Come on everybody, we’re gonna have a good time.” The song works well as an opener or as we do it now as our second song of the show. Gets the audience going every time.

“Shinin’ On”: This is another song that underlines how Grand Funk Railroad wrote and performed positive anthems that galvanized people. Why does the song continue to resonate for you? 

“Shinin’ On” was fashioned after Freddy King’s great blues song “Goin’ Down.” After having Freddy open for us on our “Phoenix Tour,” we were so impressed with his music and style that the influence was clear. The song has a great R&B feel and switching up with me on lead vocal adds to the flavor for the show.

“The Loco-Motion”: This song’s an important one for the band, hitting #1 in 1974 on the pop charts. It’s the definition of a feel-good tune, a pop song that you guys really Grand Funk-ized, making it heavy. Can you talk about the joy in performing this one? 

GFR doing “The Loco-Motion” came about as a funny episode. We were in our studio in Michigan with Todd Rundgren producing and working on the album Shinin’ On. We felt we needed another “hit” type song for the album and started throwing around ideas. Grand Funk doing “The Loco-Motion” was such a silly idea we thought we would try it. The result was a # 1 hit. I love watching the audience get up on their feet and start dancing as soon as we sing the opening lines. They even do a “Loco-Motion” line dance through the crowd. Fun to watch!

“Walk Like A Man”: This song is another instant anthem, highlighting the band’s rhythmic rock, with some progressive rock touches. What’s it like to perform this one? 

This is a nice follow up to “The Loco-Motion” in that it stays in the same tempo and pop style as “The Locomotion.” Switching lead vocals again with me on lead gives it a little more texture in the show. Just a great GFR/Todd Rundgren-produced rock record.

Drum Solo/“Lightning and Thunder”: Can you talk about what goes into your classic drum solo? Lots of skill + athleticism…how do you pull this off so successfully? 

I’ve been working on my solo for over 50 years. It is a true reflection of how I play drums and my “Rock” personality. It really is who I am when onstage with Grand Funk. I must say that at 73 it takes some added work in my lifestyle, and I do try to exercise and eat right. During the pandemic I continued to practice drumming as well as walk four miles and work out in the gym daily. Love It!

“Inside Lookin’ Out”: You guys put your own spin on this song The Animals originated…doubling down on its urgency with a monster groove courtesy of you and Mel. It’s a real working-class song that underlined the band’s relationship with its fans. So many years later, can you talk about how it fits into the Grand Funk Railroad set? 

“Inside Lookin’ Out” has been a staple in Grand Funk’s show since our beginning in 1969. We originally did a cover of the Animals song in our previous band The Pack. When we changed to a three-piece as Grand Funk Railroad, we adapted the song to our new power trio style, slowed it down, and stretched out the guitar solo over the simple bass and drum groove. With Bruce Kulick on guitar, the song becomes a great show piece.

“Some Kind Of Wonderful”: This is another fine example of how the band merged rock with R&B and you took it all the way to #3 on the pop chart. It’s a real crowd-pleaser live. Why is it one of the set highlights for you? 

We used to sing this a capella in the limo from the hotel to the venue as a warm-up on our way for a show. Our manager liked it so much that he suggested we record the song and we did for our All The Girls In The World Beware!!! album in 1975. It became a huge hit and is probably the most played song at wedding receptions around the world. I love to watch the faces in the audience light up when Mel starts that chugging bass line. We can usually see four generations of people in the audience singing along to the song. Amazing feeling!

“I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home”: How do you feel this song works in the set list? It was a song that resonated with many people including American troops in Vietnam. Musically, it has such an epic feel to it. Can you talk about why the song is key to have in the set? 

“Closer to Home” is a true Rock Anthem. It seems to have a different meaning to everyone and it is definitely spiritual. I have seen men in the audience brought to tears when we play it. We use it as our closing song because it deserves a prestigious place in our show and it is easily recognized and sung along with by every audience.

“We’re An American Band”: This song you wrote, another #1 pop hit, really defines the freewheeling rock star lifestyle…it still makes everyone want to be a rock star, and your vocals on it capture it all perfectly. And of course, the cowbell is part of its charm. This is the song you close with. What’s going through your head when you perform it night after night? 

“We’re An American Band” came to me when we were flying from town to town on our “Phoenix Tour” in 1972. We were being sued by our former manager Terry Knight and he was trying to stop us from performing. The line “We’re comin’ to your town, we’ll help you party it down” came to me first and I wrote the song around that line. Taking snippets of things going on during the tour at that time, like staying up all night with Freddy King playing poker, four young chiquitas in Omaha, sweet sweet Connie in Little Rock, and finally the declaration, “We’re An American Band,” because it sounds great and sings well. I feel lucky and blessed every time we play it live.

###

ABOUT GRAND FUNK RAILROAD:

After playing to millions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2019, GRAND FUNK will continue to reach both new and long-time fans on the “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” named in honor of their 1975 Billboard pop smash. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top-selling American rock group of the 70’s is “Comin’ To Your Town To Help You Party It Down.” Notably, this year marks the 50^th anniversary of when the group’s show at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles.

Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group GRAND FUNK RAILROAD includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 50 years after is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits “We’re An American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “Locomotion,” and “Some Kind Of Wonderful” still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. “We’re An American Band” has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. “We’re An American Band” was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film Radio, and in the swash buckler Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funkhas had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (“We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion,” both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales exceeding 25 million copies sold worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package Grand Funk Railroad the Collectors Series.The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York, and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida. EMI/Capitol (Universal Music) released a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package that includes a bonus DVD of rare concert footage. Grand Funk Railroad’s 2019 “50 Years Of Funk Tour” was a huge success and now, with the group’s 2021“Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate 50 Years of Funk with Grand Funk Railroad.

Grand Funk Railroad 2021 Tour Dates
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

For more information on GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, visit:
WEBSITE | SPOTIFY

###

For press inquiries regarding GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, contact:

SRO PR
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com  (National)
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com (Tour)

DT:     JULY 20, 2021

FM:    MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

SRO PR

SIGNS WITH UNITED TALENT AGENCY (UTA)
FOLLOWING ITS LONGTIME AGENT  ZACH HARTLEY THERE

BAND KICKS OFF ITS 2021
“SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR”
JULY 2 IN FAYETTEVILLE, GA WITH SOLD-OUT SHOW

Grand Funk Railroad (Pictured L-R: Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Max Carl (vocals), Don Brewer (drummer), Tim Cashion (keyboardist))
Photo credit: Allen Clark

“You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!”
–David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD—the legendary rock & roll powerhouse who kicked off its 2021 tour with a sold-out show July 2 in Fayetteville, GA—is now represented by United Talent Agency(UTA) having followed their longtime agent Zach Hartley there. Hartley joined the agency in June 2021 and is based in the company’s Nashville office.

Curt Motley, agent, UTA Nashville music leadership, says, “Grand Funk is one of the great all-time rock and roll acts.  To be able to play a part in their legendary career is a huge honor and we are excited to welcome them to the UTA family.”

“After 52 years, the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad continues full steam,” says Hartley, who joined UTA in 2021 and is based in its Nashville office.  “Their love of and commitment to the live experience has touched fans across the country and I am increasingly excited each year as we write a new chapter in their story.”

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD is performing 30 shows this year. View the dates here and read a Q&A here with original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”). Watch the tour trailer here.

After playing to millions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2019, GRAND FUNK will continue to reach both new and long-time fans on the “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” named in honor of their 1975 Billboard pop smash. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top-selling American rock group of the 70’s is “Comin’ To Your Town To Help You Party It Down.” Notably, this year marks the 50^th anniversary of when the group’s show at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles.

Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group GRAND FUNK RAILROAD includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 50 years after is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits “We’re An American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “Locomotion,” and “Some Kind Of Wonderful” still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. “We’re An American Band” has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. “We’re An American Band” was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film Radio, and in the swash buckler Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funkhas had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (“We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion,” both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales exceeding 25 million copies sold worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package Grand Funk Railroad the Collectors Series.

The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York, and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida. EMI/Capitol (Universal Music) released a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package that includes a bonus DVD of rare concert footage. Grand Funk Railroad’s 2019 “50 Years Of Funk Tour” was a huge success and now, with the group’s 2021“Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate 50 Years of Funk with Grand Funk Railroad.

2021 GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Tour Dates:
7.2      Fayetteville, GA @ Southern Ground Amphitheater
7.4      Harrisburg, NC @ Harrisburg 4th of July Celebration
7.10    Chippewa Falls, WI @ Northern Wisconsin State Fair
7.24    Walker, MN @ Moondance Jam
7.31    Marion, IL @ Marion Cultural and Civic Center
8.6      Waterloo, NY @ del Lago Resort & Casino
8.8      Webster, MA @ Indian Ranch
8.14    Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
8.27    Big Flats, NY @ Summer Stage at Tag’s
9.4      Portsmouth, OH @ TBA
9.5      Wauseon, OH @ Fulton County Fair
9.9      Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus
9.10    Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
9.17    Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
9.18    Kansas City, MO @ Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
9.24    French Lick, IN @ French Lick Resort
10.1    TBA
10.3    Dallas, TX @ State Fair of Texas
10.8    Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park
10.9    Washington, PA @ The meadows Casino
10.15  Las Vegas, NV @ TBA
10.22  Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort
11.6    Florence, SC @ South Carolina Pecan Festival
11.12  TBA
11.13  TBA
11.20  TBA
11.27  TBA
12.3    TBA              

Grand Funk Railroad 2021 Tour Dates
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

For more information on GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, visit:
WEBSITE | SPOTIFY

###

For press inquiries regarding GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, contact:

SRO PR
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com  (National)
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com (Tour)

 DT: JUNE 3, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK
SRO PR

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
ANNNOUNCE 2021 “SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR” DATES
STARTING JULY 2
IN FAYETTEVILLE, GA

‘When we take the stage for the first time in over 15 months and hear the crowd and applause, I’m sure I will be thinking ‘Thank God!’”—DON BREWER

Grand Funk Railroad (Pictured L-R: Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Max Carl (vocals), Don Brewer (drummer), Tim Cashion (keyboardist))
Photo credit: Allen Clark

“You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!”
–David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD–the legendary rock & roll powerhouse—are gearing up to return to the road in 2021 starting July 2 in Fayetteville, GA, with another 29 shows to follow this year. View the dates here and read a Q&A below with original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”). Watch the tour trailer here.

After playing to millions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2019, GRAND FUNK will continue to reach both new and long-time fans on the “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” named in honor of their 1975 Billboard pop smash. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top-selling American rock group of the 70’s is “Comin’ To Your Town To Help You Party It Down.” Notably, this year marks the 50^th anniversary of when the group’s show at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles.

Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group GRAND FUNK RAILROAD includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 50 years after is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits “We’re An American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “Locomotion,” and “Some Kind Of Wonderful” still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. “We’re An American Band” has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. “We’re An American Band” was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film Radio, and in the swash buckler Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funk has had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (“We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion,” both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales exceeding 25 million copies sold worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package Grand Funk Railroad the Collectors Series.

The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York, and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida. EMI/Capitol (Universal Music) released a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package that includes a bonus DVD of rare concert footage. Grand Funk Railroad’s 2019 “50 Years Of Funk Tour” was a huge success and now, with the group’s 2021 “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate 50 Years of Funk with Grand Funk Railroad.

Q&A with DON BREWER

What a great message you posted to fans on the band’s website: “After a long 15 months off due to Covid, the guys are excited to be back on stage playing across the USA. Kicking off in Fayetteville, GA July 2, with another 29 shows to follow this year.” Can you talk about your excitement of returning to the road? And when was the last time you had such a long break from the road?

BREWER: “I can’t wait to get back on stage and perform for people. This has been torture for me and the rest of the guys. We have been touring nonstop with this band since 2000 and the band and crew are family. Not seeing everyone on a regular basis has been very difficult. We have not had a break like this since 1982.”

When the reality of the pandemic initially set in and you knew you and the band couldn’t tour, what was going through your mind?

BREWER: “When it finally sunk in that the pandemic was going to be long term, my thought was: Is this it? Is this the end? Very depressing. So I stayed in touch with the guys by text and email and started rehearsing daily just to stay optimistic.”

During your time away from the road, did it give you the opportunity to spend some time doing things you perhaps hadn’t done in awhile?

BREWER: “While stuck at home during the pandemic I found things to do around the house that had been neglected for years. After nine months I ran out of projects.”

What did you miss most about touring? Well, maybe not the plane rides…

BREWER: “I miss two things touring. Being on stage in front of the fans playing our music and being with all the guys in the band and crew. We are brothers.”

Looking ahead to your first show on the 2021 “Some Kind of Wonderful Tour,” what thoughts do you think will be running through your head when you take stage and hear the crowd applause?

BREWER: “When we take the stage for the first time in over 15 months and hear the crowd and applause, I’m sure I will be thinking “Thank God!”

2021 GRAND FUNK RAILROAD tour dates:
7.2 Fayetteville, GA @ Southern Ground Amphitheater
7.4 Harrisburg, NC @ Harrisburg 4th of July Celebration
7.10 Chippewa Falls, WI @ Northern Wisconsin State Fair
7.24 Walker, MN @ Moondance Jam
7.31 Marion, IL @ Marion Cultural and Civic Center
8.6 Waterloo, NY @ del Lago Resort & Casino
8.8 Webster, MA @ Indian Ranch
8.14 Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
8.27 Big Flats, NY @ Summer Stage at Tag’s
9.4 Portsmouth, OH @ TBA
9.5 Wauseon, OH @ Fulton County Fair
9.9 Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus
9.10 Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
9.17 Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
9.18 Kansas City, MO @ Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
9.24 French Lick, IN @ French Lick Resort
10.1 TBA
10.3 Dallas, TX @ TBA
10.8 Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park
10.9 TBA
10.15 Las Vegas, NV @ TBA
10.22 Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort
11.6 Florence, SC @ TBA
11.12 TBA
11.13 TBA
11.20 TBA
11.27 TBA
12.3 TBA

Grand Funk Railroad 2021 Tour Dates
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

For more information on GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, visit:
WEBSITE | SPOTIFY

###

For press inquiries regarding GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, contact:

SRO PR
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com (National)
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com (Tour)