Mark is the real deal, he is also Grand Funk, without him, Don and Mel are just a cover band. They are excellent musicians, but Mark is multi talented. He is a legendary front man, musician, singer, and songwriter. God bless you brother!
First the band gets ripped off by producer Terry Knight..then Mark got completely shafted by Don & Mel..booted from GFR..sued over the use of the band name..yet he chooses to forgive & focus on his music & the fans without any animosity. What a class act & example of humility.
Michael Anthony acted similarly after he was unceremoniously booted out of Van Halen after 32 years with the band. Not one bad word or tone towards any of them.
Grand Funk is an American band and they have produced so much good music. I thank each and every one of them for giving me the pleasure of having that music in my memories. They are so deserving of being in the Rock and roll hall of fame. Without them, the hall of fame is only the hall of shame and lacking of credibility. They will be more like the oscars which is now no longer credible.
Been fortunate enough to meet Mark Farner not once but four times over the years at his concerts. He is genuine, humble and truly gracious. He effortlessly commands the stage with his enormous talent and vocals. A consummate showman/frontman and hugely underrated!
Absolutely love Grand Funk my first concert was at Crosley Field Cincy Oh 17 yrs old tripping on acid Saw them in Cleveland multiple times after Much respect for Mr Farner Inside Looking Out live to me is the most iconic performance I watch every time some young person does a "reaction video" So awesome to see someone hear for the first time what we grew up on while it gives me a greater appreciation for the talent that produced such great music No auto-tune, no flash or theatrics just a whole lot of passion and raw talent Thank you Professor and Mark Farner, sir
As a person now in my 60s, I can't say how emotional I am about this music I grew up with. Can barley listen to these great songs with out crying because they remind me of what great music and what the 60s, 70s and 80s were like. Nothing like the fake world we live in today. There was so much more joy back then. And, we had the music that these kids today will never have the pleasure of. Songs about love, fun and emotions that still stir today. I have little to nothing good to say about the music I hear today. In fact, I can't run fast enough from it. When I'm stuck in a place where I can't get away from it, I get a little panicky. Sorry kids, I have to say it and I'm sorry you don't have the fabulous music we had. I hope some day soon someone comes along with a sound that turns us all around. Thanks as always Adam for another great show.
It’s so sad how downhill music and pop culture went since the 2000s. I’m a junior in high school right now, and when I do my homework, I never turn on Drake or Cardi B or Megan Thee Stallion or Taylor Swift like my friends do. I turn on Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Culture Club, sometimes Elvis, Grand Funk…basically every classic band from the 60s through the 90s that I can find. Because that is REAL music. And it makes me feel REAL happy.
I'm you generation and if you want to have a heartwarming moment then check out the reaction videos to a particular group or song. It's great to see a new generation discovering what we all took for granted back then.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 how glad I am to read your reply XxLilly! Wondering if your parents got you into such great bands? I often forget about the great band of the 90s. Thanks for the reminder.
@@iamrodneyy My mom got me into EWF and the Jacksons. I decided to branch out on my own from there on, and I have discovered 500+ new bands/songs. Proud of myself for doing this. It’s my passion.
I really loved GFR back then. In the nineties I was at a music festival here in town and they had the Classic Rock Allstars. They announced Mark Farner was going to play next so I started cheering for him and I was the only one , Everybody else was just standing there like nothing was going on. My wife said I think you're the only one who knows who Mark Farner is. But when he did the grand Funk songs it was fantastic for me, bringing back a lot of memories.
I'm in my early 40's. My dad got me into Grand Funk Railroad when i was young. Absolutely underrated band. Mark, Don and Mel, Closer to Home,...just awesome
I met Mark in 1992 and he is a great man. I watched his show live in Charlottetown PEI Canada and I told him how much young people like myself at the time really loved his music. He spoke with me for 15 minutes!
Also Love his chrishin music. Mark just tells it like it is. He is like a brother to me. He speaks from the Hart. Know Bull Shit. He has Fath from above ✝️☮️ I am 71 years old and have been with him sents time machine. And I will never stop listening to them. Mark is the main Man💜
I love Mark Farner. I listen to his Grand Funk music almost every day while exercising and i never get tired of hearing it. Bad Time is an absolute classic.
* GFR LIVE * still remains as one of my Top-5 albums to this day; with INSIDE LOOKING OUT as the solid foundation for a set that was just POWER ! 🤙👊✊️ @@sunnystormy4973
But.. Dylan still got the money, it's always great to have people make a big hit from your song and your publishing rights. Dolly Parton wrote the huge hit record "I will always Love You" she had a hit of her own then Whitney Houston had a mega hit making Dolly even richer.
I was seventeen and loved this song. I have recently been loving these videos of your live performances. They are taking me on a new journey. I can appreciate how much hard work was involved. God bless you.
The live version of "" Inside Looking Out" is one of the best live songs ever recorded. The unbridled raw energy and the power those three guys unleashed in that song is unbelievable. Farner is a class act and Brewer is an underrated drummer. Another great band from Michigan. You can't go wrong with being a fan of Homer Simpson's favorite band. Lol
Look up the definition of "Staying Power", and you shall see a pic of Mark Farner! That man's voice sounds as great today as it did 50 years ago. Pure Rock 'N Roll! Thanks for this video! 🏆🏆🏆
Very underrated band, their popularity during the early 70s was incredible. The story of Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant unplugging them at Detroit's Olympia stadium is legendary.
We covered this song in a high school marching band, about 120 kids, back in the late 90's. We absolutely "sent" the living hell out of it every friday that year. My 9yo son just learned Closer to Home on his lil 3/4 Ibanez. He's about got it right. He's so gonna get all the girly's in a decade. Thanks guys 🤩🇺🇸
This is probably one of the best rock songs of all time! The tune rocks harder than a lot of metal songs! The it has one of the best drum intros Anna has one of the greatest progressions in all of music with the One Flat 7 Flat 6 progression. If Mark wrote it, then he should credit for the tune. Phil Collins is right !Each song written is like having a child. Mark needs to get a good lawyer and get his back! I hope he wins to set music history straight!
One of my very favorite songs ever! As a singer in a band, it’s sooo fun and to sing. It feels so good. It got such power and, of course, it’s every musician’s “rock and roll fantasy” to quote another great song. Love, love, love the video too. It goes perfectly with the song. And Mark is not only an amazing musician and songwriter but a real mensch.
I often wonder if mark understand how much he is appreciated and revered as such a brilliant talent that he his. Thank you mark love your material always have always will
Mark has been one of my neighbors for years. He is as kind and down to earth family man as he is talented. He and his family are much loved members of our community. There is no pretense or phony front with Mark. He is as kind in every day life as on these interviews. Word✌
I am a huge GFR fan and through the course of time I have had the privilege of talking to Mark twice, once at a Mylon LeFever concert where Mark showed up and played with the band and talked afterwards, then in Tahlequah Oklahoma where he was inducted into the Cherokee Hall of Fame. He is a truly remarkable man, humble yet very talented! It would be hard to say what I liked the best from the years of music...The 1970 LIVE album is probably the most played of all the GFR music!
@@johnjaco5544 The drummer and the bass player wanted to be the main man in the limo . They were tired of second fiddle to "Where is Mark?" back stage.
Mark, Screw the R&R HOF. You and Grand Funk are - and will always be the essence of Rock and Roll. I grew up in Minnesota in the 70s as a free-range kid that resembled the free spirit you guys showed on your dirt bikes. Your music instilled an attitude reflecting the freedom of the day. I'd like to think that if I had been growing up in Michigan at the time, we would have hung out. Cheers, brother!
I dismissed the R&R HOF as irrelevant a LONG time ago. A whole lot of questionable nominations, which I'm sure were only done because the organization could make lots of money on them. If you're supposed to be a "hall of fame" I would expect better criteria.
RRHOF is a joke. Snubbing GFR is criminal. Grand Funk's manager in their early years, Terry Knight (they could make a movie of his life), had a ongoing feud with Rolling Stone magazine. That is probably the reason they get ignored.
That was probably one of the biggest feel good stories ever. Mark Farner is a very underrated musician. Criminal Grand Funk isn't in the RRHOF! Could you imagine any members of the Eagles or Fleetwood Mac giving away a writing credit like that?? HA! Thanks for this Professor. Your deep dives are always appreciated!
It's not criminal Grand Funk is not in the HOF. The R&R HOF is a sham like all HOF's. Who cares, it means nothing. The HOF doesn't validate any artist.
25 years ago I played one gig as a member of a three piece band. Nowadays I have to remind myself of some of the songs we played, but for some reason "We're an American Band" is never in the forgotten group. I still remember playing that one like it happened yesterday. 😎
What a good-hearted guy. He could have easily been very bitter all of these years in giving away sole credit to the drummer but he's not. Think about how many other artists have fought over song writing credits and became very bitter. Great interview.
American Band brings back many great memories. I was in the Army in Germany and one of my roommates came in with the gold album. we thought that was seriously cool and then the album proceeded to blow us away. It was one of our favorites from then on.
I live in Omaha, and once somebody called in to one of the rock stations asking if the "four young chiquitas" had ever been identified. The DJ, not missing a beat, replied that yes, about 300 of them. He went on to say that the hold a convention every year. Great DJ.
He's such a talented guy, and pretty humble, too. He's right about the magic that comes through when guys in the band come together to play and arrange the songs. Ian Anderson got all of the writing credits on the Tull songs (except for Aqualung, which he shared with his then-wife), but those songs wouldn't be half as brilliant without Barre, Barlow, Evan, Palmer, Hammond-Hammond, Cornick and Bunker arranging them. You should do a piece on Jethro Tull, if you haven't already. Also, Bad Time by Grand Funk (1975) is one of the best power pop songs of all time. Thanks, Dave
Yes, people can be great songwriters but. A band can be huge addition to it. Take Ric ocasic of the cars, he wrote majority of the songs and most are great. But Ric made all those solo albums and it is not the same at all.
Humble?!! Start listening at 4:05 and listen to Mark declaring how much he loved to hear his name on the loudspeaker and how he would "prance" around. Just like he did on stage. Not humble. Not even a little bit humble. Proud of himself like a Peacock.
@@darinpearson2554 One can be humble and proud at the same time. Farner is kind to nearly a fault. Also, I'd like to see you sell out Shea Stadium at only 22 years old. To play lead guitar AND lead vocal in that situation you'd BETTER be proud as a peacock, otherwise you're gonna piss yourself and go into the fetal position behind the stack of Marshalls like a guy named Darin would.
Fantastic story. Never heard it before. Thanks Professor. Mark has that certain personality that exudes confidence, almost cocky, and makes you want to listen to his stories all day long.
Grew up in Chicago, Illinois and played all their songs with many bands and still love that era of music and their impact. They definitely belong in the Rock Hall of Fame!!! ROCK ON Professor! Love you channel.
I met Mark Farner & saw him peforming with his solo band back in July 2008 in London, Ontario, Canada at Rock The Park in Harris Park, close to where I live! We shook hands and he signed (autographed) my Mark Farner - For The People t-shirt from that album he released 2 years earlier! I have that album on CD also signed by Mark! We talked for a few minutes at the meet & greet he had after he performed that night and he said he owns a Chevrolet Impala SS and I owned a Chevrolet Impala too at the time! He is a Chevy Man like myself! One of the greatest, friendliest and most talented man in rock and roll, hands down! 😍
I just love it when you post interviews with Mark Farner. What an awesome Human being. Funny as heck and very generous of his time and stories to tell. Keep'em coming... dude! 😉
As a small child, I used to stomp around my house singing this song, almost every day. It has incredible energy, and it really appealed to me, even then!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I saw Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad) Pickerington Violet Festival Pickerington OH. 7/30/2010. Great show and great guy. I have one of his guitar picks.
Professor, Thank you for bringing such Classic talent to your interviews. What a great guy Mark is. And we know these artist are recognizing your talent more and more as well!
Being from Detroit, we always felt they were Hometown band. Great fun back then and I have so much respect for Mark! Legend that will never be forgotten. Still play the albums regularly!
Watched GFR and kid rock in Charlotte. GFR was jamming American band as me and my girlfriend was walking to our seats and she was like "I never heard this before" then when "some kinda wonderful" started playing she started singing along word for word. Such a great band to see live
Great interview! Well done! Well done! I just love Mark Farner, what a trip back in time, I have a really good friend that we met in 7th grade and rode dirt bikes all the time, great great memories!! Thank you! I'm 62 years old and still get those feelings of riding dirt bikes when I see those videos all these years later!!
This has got to be one of the best and most etertaining professor of rock ever. When this song came out, my two brothers and I did this song. I played it ona accordion, and my brother played drums on my accordion case. The funny thing is that years later, I heard the song using some a bunch of accordions, The song was titled We're An Accordion band. Very cool interview. 😊
What a great guy! I just dig him. I love me some Grand Funk. And this particular song is, well it says it all. They are basically telling you by singing who they are and that they are gonna rock the town they go to no matter where they go! And it’s gonna be awesome! A great band and great group of guys. An American Band. ❤️💜💚
Awesome episode Professor! Grand Funk have always been one of my most favorite bands! Awesome interview with Mark! Awesome to get to hear the story behind " We're an American Band "! Thanks for keeping the music alive Professor!
Man. When I was about 9 I learned the intro to Into the Sun. Was the shit. I wore out those early records. Stuff like Are You Ready, Time Machine and Heartbreaker. Then the Red Album with Inside Looking Out. Then of course Closer to Home. Then? Todd Rundgren (one of my favorite artists) produces them years later and they have this massive resurgence. Such a great interview bro. LOTS of great memories of one of the greatest rock bands EVER!
My favorite band of all time. I saw them at the Garden twice in the early 70’s and then the Bosnia tour. I have a picture with Mark I took at an oldies show about 10 years ago. He was the nicest guy in the world. And I’ve been singing that song in local bands for 51 years now and will be doing it Saturday night. How they aren’t in the HOF is ridiculous. And the touring band is a cover band. No Farner, no Grand Funk.
My hometown band! I wish I had been old enough to see you at the Shea in 71. TY Mark for the great tunes and interview. Love ya dude from a former Flintoid.
With my first paycheck as a stock boy; I bought this album... I eventually worked the retail record scene as a manager...and had all GFR records and saw them at least 7-8 times!
When I lived in Flint working on the air, I ran into many people who claimed they were friends of Mark Farner. I have no clue if it was the truth. But all of them said the same thing. That Mark was just the nicest guy they knew. That was in 89, so he was really big by then. That's really saying something there. Talented and genuine. Great interview, Adam. Very cool story.
When I hear GFR can't help but think of Rare Earth. Easily two greatly underappreciated bands by the end of the 70s. Along with Motown, Michigan was a treasure trove of popular music.
Mark Farner WAS Grand Funk Railroad. Not taking anything away from the superb drumming and vocals of Don or the AMAZING bass of Mel... but it's a JOKE that they still tour as GFR. Their Spotify profile doesn't even show Mark but the replacement members. Don and Mel suck!!!
I was lucky to see them 3 times live in Fort Worth, Texas. All 3 concerts were awesome, one of the concerts I sat in front of the speakers and could barely hear for a couple of days, LOL. Their energy carried into the audience, you felt like you were part of the band.
Love Grand Funk Railroad. Outstanding rock band from the 1970's. "We're An American Band" was their first of two number ones on the pop charts. The other was "The Loco-Motion" which was a remake. The original was recorded by Little Eva and written by Carole King. Great cover by GFR. My favorite song from them is their last top 10 hit "Bad Time." I think it is 1970's melodic rock at its very best.
Mark Farner is a Legend! awesome guitarist and singer. he has been an inspiration to a generation. but don't take my word for it. just go watch the videos and listen to their music.
Perfection most often happens by accident by real people. In this case, you get to add in bad ass attitudes and awesome talent! Thanks for the rock anthem of our lives! ✌️❤
Grand Funk was the soundtrack to my life. I saw them in Oakland and the crowd was overwhelming. I was in the front row and all chaos ensued. When one person leaned then 1,000 people leaned. It was a bit scary but I had the time of my life. Black Oak Arkansas opened for Grand Funk and it was a night to remember!!
This is my favorite episode! Dude, (yes I typed it on purpose) you nailed this one, well you nail all of them. Maybe it's because Grand Funk is one of my favorite bands of all time and I can still remember hearing We're An American Band on the way to my sophomore year in high school in 1974. Seeing Mark talk with such joy about that song and the band just put a big smile on my face. Keep em comin! You Rock Dude! Does Zenni ship to Costa Rica?
I met mark at the palace theatre in lorain, ohio years ago and he noticed I had the we're an American band symbol tattooed on my arm and he mentioned it to everyone in the room and said I guess you are a big Grand Funk fan , I never forgot that ! He an awsome parson!
Under-rated band, singer, guitar player, and more. Have the gold 45 but not the sleeve. I don't think anyone today could come close to their live performance of Inside Looking Out. GREAT INTERVIEW! Rock n roll hall of fame is brain dead.
Mark Farner with that long beautiful hair riding his horse through the field is absolute perfection. Yes We’re an American band is a great song but I’m your captain has so much depth. Thank you for the music!
This is definitely up there. This band should be in HOF. There are so many bands that have been snubbed and the HOF cannot keep up with that. I'm sure we can crash the internet with a list of artists that have been snubbed.
Great Interview. Mr. Farner will always be a fantastic human. Greatest Rock n Roll HOF Snub of all time. So telling how toxic the limited mindset-mentality is, running the RRHOF.
My first album, blew the woofers out of my parents' console stereo with it! Those were the days! lol To this day, I still have that console that was built in 1965!
Poll: Who is your pick for the most underrated band of the 70s?
Budgie
Grand Funk Railroad by far.
Poco
The most underrated British band of all time here in the UK but made it in the US- Foghat
Angel
The Babys
Hello
Geordie
UFO
It ain't Grand Funk without Mark. It's a shame how he was treated by the other two. Mark, you're the best.
Christiana you’re absolutely correct. GFR without Mark Farner is like The Doors without Jim Morrison or Chicago without Terry Kath!
You won't know unless you see them. They rocked.
Mark is the real deal, he is also Grand Funk, without him, Don and Mel are just a cover band. They are excellent musicians, but Mark is multi talented.
He is a legendary front man, musician, singer, and songwriter.
God bless you brother!
Mark Farner deserves hall of fame placement.
First the band gets ripped off by producer Terry Knight..then Mark got completely shafted by Don & Mel..booted from GFR..sued over the use of the band name..yet he chooses to forgive & focus on his music & the fans without any animosity.
What a class act & example of humility.
Michael Anthony acted similarly after he was unceremoniously booted out of Van Halen after 32 years with the band. Not one bad word or tone towards any of them.
Grand Funk were the quintessential hard rock band of the 70's
Grand Funk is an American band and they have produced so much good music. I thank each and every one of them for giving me the pleasure of having that music in my memories. They are so deserving of being in the Rock and roll hall of fame. Without them, the hall of fame is only the hall of shame and lacking of credibility. They will be more like the oscars which is now no longer credible.
Love Mark Farner. Good man great singer,great musician, inside and out.
Mark Farner has always been and always will be a Class Act. Great interview thank you!!
Been fortunate enough to meet Mark Farner not once but four times over the years at his concerts. He is genuine, humble and truly gracious. He effortlessly commands the stage with his enormous talent and vocals. A consummate showman/frontman and hugely underrated!
Absolutely love Grand Funk
my first concert was at Crosley Field Cincy Oh
17 yrs old tripping on acid
Saw them in Cleveland multiple times after
Much respect for Mr Farner
Inside Looking Out live to me is the most iconic performance
I watch every time some young person does a "reaction video"
So awesome to see someone hear for the first time what we grew up on while it gives me a greater appreciation for the talent that produced such great music
No auto-tune, no flash or theatrics just a whole lot of passion and raw talent
Thank you Professor and Mark Farner, sir
"It's gotta have a cowbell..."
Pure genius!
"More cow bell!"
I have said it once and I going to say it again, one of the greatest American rock and roll bands ever.
Mark Farner is the real deal! A very religious and soulful talented musician!
Said in all seriousness that they needed more cowbell. Legend!
I didn't know Grand Funk did Don't fear the reaper.
They Didn't, but 'Reaper' WAS written - by an American Band!
:D
As a person now in my 60s, I can't say how emotional I am about this music I grew up with. Can barley listen to these great songs with out crying because they remind me of what great music and what the 60s, 70s and 80s were like. Nothing like the fake world we live in today. There was so much more joy back then. And, we had the music that these kids today will never have the pleasure of. Songs about love, fun and emotions that still stir today. I have little to nothing good to say about the music I hear today. In fact, I can't run fast enough from it. When I'm stuck in a place where I can't get away from it, I get a little panicky. Sorry kids, I have to say it and I'm sorry you don't have the fabulous music we had. I hope some day soon someone comes along with a sound that turns us all around. Thanks as always Adam for another great show.
It’s so sad how downhill music and pop culture went since the 2000s. I’m a junior in high school right now, and when I do my homework, I never turn on Drake or Cardi B or Megan Thee Stallion or Taylor Swift like my friends do. I turn on Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Culture Club, sometimes Elvis, Grand Funk…basically every classic band from the 60s through the 90s that I can find. Because that is REAL music. And it makes me feel REAL happy.
auder
I couldn't have put it better myself friend. I call you friend as we have the very same view point on this.
I'm you generation and if you want to have a heartwarming moment then check out the reaction videos to a particular group or song. It's great to see a new generation discovering what we all took for granted back then.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 how glad I am to read your reply XxLilly! Wondering if your parents got you into such great bands? I often forget about the great band of the 90s. Thanks for the reminder.
@@iamrodneyy My mom got me into EWF and the Jacksons. I decided to branch out on my own from there on, and I have discovered 500+ new bands/songs. Proud of myself for doing this. It’s my passion.
I really loved GFR back then. In the nineties I was at a music festival here in town and they had the Classic Rock Allstars. They announced Mark Farner was going to play next so I started cheering for him and I was the only one , Everybody else was just standing there like nothing was going on. My wife said I think you're the only one who knows who Mark Farner is. But when he did the grand Funk songs it was fantastic for me, bringing back a lot of memories.
Without Mark Farner....it's not Grand Funk. Period. Long life Brother Mark!
Still hold I'm your captain above this song by just a smidge. These guys were so great.
I'm in my early 40's. My dad got me into Grand Funk Railroad when i was young. Absolutely underrated band. Mark, Don and Mel, Closer to Home,...just awesome
That was actually an amazing rock band that made a great impact and diffrence in rock history and emotion. Very inspiring!
I met Mark in 1992 and he is a great man. I watched his show live in Charlottetown PEI Canada and I told him how much young people like myself at the time really loved his music. He spoke with me for 15 minutes!
Also Love his chrishin music. Mark just tells it like it is. He is like a brother to me. He speaks from the Hart. Know Bull Shit. He has Fath from above ✝️☮️ I am 71 years old and have been with him sents time machine. And I will never stop listening to them. Mark is the main Man💜
I love Mark Farner. I listen to his Grand Funk music almost every day while exercising and i never get tired of hearing it. Bad Time is an absolute classic.
love " inside looking out " ! 🔥
* GFR LIVE * still remains as one of my Top-5 albums to this day; with INSIDE LOOKING OUT as the solid foundation for a set that was just POWER ! 🤙👊✊️ @@sunnystormy4973
Bob Dylan wrote, “All Along The Watchtower”, performed it. But he said that after Hendrix did it, it became “his song”. What humility.
That’s right!
Like Trent Reznor did regarding "Hurt", and Johnny Cash's rendition.
But.. Dylan still got the money, it's always great to have people make a big hit from your song and your publishing rights. Dolly Parton wrote the huge hit record "I will always Love You" she had a hit of her own then Whitney Houston had a mega hit making Dolly even richer.
I was seventeen and loved this song. I have recently been loving these videos of your live performances. They are taking me on a new journey. I can appreciate how much hard work was involved. God bless you.
The live version of "" Inside Looking Out" is one of the best live songs ever recorded. The unbridled raw energy and the power those three guys unleashed in that song is unbelievable. Farner is a class act and Brewer is an underrated drummer. Another great band from Michigan. You can't go wrong with being a fan of Homer Simpson's favorite band. Lol
You could tell the audience was pumped up through the whole thing!
Agree 100 % Glenn. Inside Looking Out is one of the top all time amazingly great rock songs.
Inside Looking Out (studio version) was the first GFR song I ever heard. It remains an absolute CLASSIC by this killer trio!
Brewer and Farner were only 20 when that live video was filmed in 1969.
I’ve always considered Caught in the Act the greatest live album ever recorded. Thanks for the reminder. Think I’ll listen to it tonight.
Look up the definition of "Staying Power", and you shall see a pic of Mark Farner! That man's voice sounds as great today as it did 50 years ago. Pure Rock 'N Roll! Thanks for this video! 🏆🏆🏆
Very underrated band, their popularity during the early 70s was incredible. The story of Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant unplugging them at Detroit's Olympia stadium is legendary.
Pretty cool!
That is an interesting story! Can you tell me a bit more?
Pick up the recently released AudioBook or book "Led Zeppelin, a Biography" by Bob Spitz
@@guitarlawyer75 The incident is related on the VH1 Behind The Music episode re: Grand Funk.
I don't think it's just a legend, it seems to have been confirmed
The list of Todd Rundgren's producer credits is mind blowing.
I know!!!!
He’s so prolific!
Yes, he even produced the psychedelic furs
Grand Funk was huge in Japan. They were my high school era heroes. I had a poster of Mark Farner in my room. Now I am 64 and still listening to them.
We covered this song in a high school marching band, about 120 kids, back in the late 90's. We absolutely "sent" the living hell out of it every friday that year.
My 9yo son just learned Closer to Home on his lil 3/4 Ibanez. He's about got it right. He's so gonna get all the girly's in a decade. Thanks guys 🤩🇺🇸
This is probably one of the best rock songs of all time! The tune rocks harder than a lot of metal songs! The it has one of the best drum intros Anna has one of the greatest progressions in all of music with the One Flat 7 Flat 6 progression. If Mark wrote it, then he should credit for the tune. Phil Collins is right !Each song written is like having a child. Mark needs to get a good lawyer and get his back! I hope he wins to set music history straight!
One of my very favorite songs ever! As a singer in a band, it’s sooo fun and to sing. It feels so good. It got such power and, of course, it’s every musician’s “rock and roll fantasy” to quote another great song. Love, love, love the video too. It goes perfectly with the song. And Mark is not only an amazing musician and songwriter but a real mensch.
I often wonder if mark understand how much he is appreciated and revered as such a brilliant talent that he his. Thank you mark love your material always have always will
Mark has been one of my neighbors for years. He is as kind and down to earth family man as he is talented. He and his family are much loved members of our community. There is no pretense or phony front with Mark. He is as kind in every day life as on these interviews. Word✌
I appreciate all the encouragement I get when reading these heart felt comments from the greatest fans in the whole effing WORLD! 🙏💚🫵
I am a huge GFR fan and through the course of time I have had the privilege of talking to Mark twice, once at a Mylon LeFever concert where Mark showed up and played with the band and talked afterwards, then in Tahlequah Oklahoma where he was inducted into the Cherokee Hall of Fame. He is a truly remarkable man, humble yet very talented! It would be hard to say what I liked the best from the years of music...The 1970 LIVE album is probably the most played of all the GFR music!
One of the greatest 3 piece bands in the history of rock. It's really sad that the members have become estranged from each other.
I know. I wish they’d reunite someday.
It's all about money
@@johnjaco5544 The drummer and the bass player wanted to be the main man in the limo . They were tired of second fiddle to "Where is Mark?" back stage.
Mark, Screw the R&R HOF. You and Grand Funk are - and will always be the essence of Rock and Roll. I grew up in Minnesota in the 70s as a free-range kid that resembled the free spirit you guys showed on your dirt bikes. Your music instilled an attitude reflecting the freedom of the day. I'd like to think that if I had been growing up in Michigan at the time, we would have hung out. Cheers, brother!
Rock on! I agree Steve.
They’re such a cool band. A lot of their songs remain classic anthems to this day. The RRHOF is evil.
I dismissed the R&R HOF as irrelevant a LONG time ago. A whole lot of questionable nominations, which I'm sure were only done because the organization could make lots of money on them. If you're supposed to be a "hall of fame" I would expect better criteria.
The r&rhof is nothing but a far left organization that does not represent we the people. It is a badge of honor not to belong.
RRHOF is a joke. Snubbing GFR is criminal. Grand Funk's manager in their early years, Terry Knight (they could make a movie of his life), had a ongoing feud with Rolling Stone magazine. That is probably the reason they get ignored.
What a gracious and positive artist. A wonderful interview. Thank you so much for this look into a American icon of rock music.
That was probably one of the biggest feel good stories ever. Mark Farner is a very underrated musician. Criminal Grand Funk isn't in the RRHOF!
Could you imagine any members of the Eagles or Fleetwood Mac giving away a writing credit like that?? HA!
Thanks for this Professor. Your deep dives are always appreciated!
No kidding. Mark's a good dude.
What a class act. Master Musician and Showman
RRHOF IS NEITHER, IT IS A JOKE !
They should have been in years ago. But the folks at Rolling Stone only care about power. Sad. 😢
It's not criminal Grand Funk is not in the HOF. The R&R HOF is a sham like all HOF's. Who cares, it means nothing. The HOF doesn't validate any artist.
What can I say? I grew up with this band! A huge influence on me as a young teenager. Priceless.
Thanks William!
Grand Funk rocks!
The fact that this group is not in the rock hall is a crime!
Now if that isn't one of the most humble things I've ever seen from a musician, I don't know what is! Cheers for these anecdote!
Exactly. Thanks RC32!
He’s very candid.
25 years ago I played one gig as a member of a three piece band. Nowadays I have to remind myself of some of the songs we played, but for some reason "We're an American Band" is never in the forgotten group. I still remember playing that one like it happened yesterday. 😎
What a good-hearted guy. He could have easily been very bitter all of these years in giving away sole credit to the drummer but he's not. Think about how many other artists have fought over song writing credits and became very bitter. Great interview.
American Band brings back many great memories. I was in the Army in Germany and one of my roommates came in with the gold album. we thought that was seriously cool and then the album proceeded to blow us away. It was one of our favorites from then on.
"Keep our eyes focused on the love that's in our heart"
Powerful stuff!
He's such a good dude.
❤
Saw Mark recently opening up for Blue Oyster Cult about two years ago. Mark blew the stage up like in the old GFR days. Enjoyed it immensely
What a great show that must have been.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 actual date was 5/2021. Didn’t have to mask up second row center. St. Augustine Florida
@@slchambers1 Up close and personal! Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m from Michigan and this interview really hit close to home…..great job
Makes ya' proud to be a "Michigan boy," doesn't it? It does, ME... lol
Go bucks
I simply cannot describe how much I love this song. Just freaking amazing.
It's a barn burner!
An anthem. A SCORCHER.
Definitely a top banger.
Hard to believe "We're An American Band" will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023-It's a certifiable classic!
I live in Omaha, and once somebody called in to one of the rock stations asking if the "four young chiquitas" had ever been identified. The DJ, not missing a beat, replied that yes, about 300 of them. He went on to say that the hold a convention every year. Great DJ.
I was there at that concert in omaha.
He's such a talented guy, and pretty humble, too. He's right about the magic that comes through when guys in the band come together to play and arrange the songs. Ian Anderson got all of the writing credits on the Tull songs (except for Aqualung, which he shared with his then-wife), but those songs wouldn't be half as brilliant without Barre, Barlow, Evan, Palmer, Hammond-Hammond, Cornick and Bunker arranging them. You should do a piece on Jethro Tull, if you haven't already. Also, Bad Time by Grand Funk (1975) is one of the best power pop songs of all time. Thanks, Dave
It's true. It's what's missing from current music.
Collaboration. That’s the most important thing about legendary classics like this one.
Yes, people can be great songwriters but. A band can be huge addition to it. Take Ric ocasic of the cars, he wrote majority of the songs and most are great. But Ric made all those solo albums and it is not the same at all.
Humble?!! Start listening at 4:05 and listen to Mark declaring how much he loved to hear his name on the loudspeaker and how he would "prance" around. Just like he did on stage. Not humble. Not even a little bit humble. Proud of himself like a Peacock.
@@darinpearson2554 One can be humble and proud at the same time. Farner is kind to nearly a fault. Also, I'd like to see you sell out Shea Stadium at only 22 years old. To play lead guitar AND lead vocal in that situation you'd BETTER be proud as a peacock, otherwise you're gonna piss yourself and go into the fetal position behind the stack of Marshalls like a guy named Darin would.
Fantastic story. Never heard it before. Thanks Professor.
Mark has that certain personality that exudes confidence, almost cocky, and makes you want to listen to his stories all day long.
He’s one of the best guys we’ve had on here.
He’s a very humble guy. Too bad Mel and Don had to be dicks with him.
Grew up in Chicago, Illinois and played all their songs with many bands and still love that era of music and their impact. They definitely belong in the Rock Hall of Fame!!! ROCK ON Professor! Love you channel.
I met Mark Farner & saw him peforming with his solo band back in July 2008 in London, Ontario, Canada at Rock The Park in Harris Park, close to where I live! We shook hands and he signed (autographed) my Mark Farner - For The People t-shirt from that album he released 2 years earlier! I have that album on CD also signed by Mark! We talked for a few minutes at the meet & greet he had after he performed that night and he said he owns a Chevrolet Impala SS and I owned a Chevrolet Impala too at the time! He is a Chevy Man like myself! One of the greatest, friendliest and most talented man in rock and roll, hands down! 😍
I just love it when you post interviews with Mark Farner. What an awesome Human being. Funny as heck and very generous of his time and stories to tell. Keep'em coming... dude! 😉
As a small child, I used to stomp around my house singing this song, almost every day. It has incredible energy, and it really appealed to me, even then!
It's a stone cold classic. Thanks for sharing!
I used to sing this song whenever I felt proud to be an American, which sadly was not very often. 🇺🇸
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I saw Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad) Pickerington Violet Festival Pickerington OH. 7/30/2010. Great show and great guy. I have one of his guitar picks.
@@DDKaraokeOutlaw Wow, that’s cool!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 👍
I saw Grand Funk then and Mark Farner now and he has blown me away live every time
I love your attitude Mark. People will shit on you but you don't let it define YOU. Thanks for all the great music, man.
Professor, Thank you for bringing such Classic talent to your interviews. What a great guy Mark is. And we know these artist are recognizing your talent more and more as well!
Being from Detroit, we always felt they were Hometown band. Great fun back then and I have so much respect for Mark! Legend that will never be forgotten. Still play the albums regularly!
He's a great storyteller. Never heard a boring Mark Farner interview.
Ha ha! Right?
You know... 'We're An American Band' is Rock n Roll's National Anthem! It is just is!!
Watched GFR and kid rock in Charlotte. GFR was jamming American band as me and my girlfriend was walking to our seats and she was like "I never heard this before" then when "some kinda wonderful" started playing she started singing along word for word. Such a great band to see live
It ain't Grand Funk Railroad, it's a cheap cover band
@@johneasler9967 what makes them a cover band?
Great interview! Well done! Well done! I just love Mark Farner, what a trip back in time, I have a really good friend that we met in 7th grade and rode dirt bikes all the time, great great memories!! Thank you! I'm 62 years old and still get those feelings of riding dirt bikes when I see those videos all these years later!!
This has got to be one of the best and most etertaining professor of rock ever. When this song came out, my two brothers and I did this song. I played it ona accordion, and my brother played drums on my accordion case. The funny thing is that years later, I heard the song using some a bunch of accordions, The song was titled We're An Accordion band. Very cool interview. 😊
Mark is Full Class. Tremendous writer,singer, player
What a great guy! I just dig him. I love me some Grand Funk. And this particular song is, well it says it all. They are basically telling you by singing who they are and that they are gonna rock the town they go to no matter where they go! And it’s gonna be awesome! A great band and great group of guys. An American Band.
❤️💜💚
Amen! Preach!
There is no such thing as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame without Grand Funk Railroad.
What a wonderful, thoughtful mother to do that and help her son on his way to a whole new world 🙂
Awesome episode Professor! Grand Funk have always been one of my most favorite bands! Awesome interview with Mark! Awesome to get to hear the story behind " We're an American Band "! Thanks for keeping the music alive Professor!
Mark is and upstanding American citizen and the reason I started playing guitar....it's a crime they aren't in The R&RHOF !!!
As Soon as You said, "Shea," and "Faster Than the Beatles." I knew who! Now to watch the story. Thanks Professor.
They were a killer rock band.
Man. When I was about 9 I learned the intro to Into the Sun. Was the shit. I wore out those early records. Stuff like Are You Ready, Time Machine and Heartbreaker. Then the Red Album with Inside Looking Out. Then of course Closer to Home.
Then? Todd Rundgren (one of my favorite artists) produces them years later and they have this massive resurgence. Such a great interview bro. LOTS of great memories of one of the greatest rock bands EVER!
My favorite band of all time. I saw them at the Garden twice in the early 70’s and then the Bosnia tour. I have a picture with Mark I took at an oldies show about 10 years ago. He was the nicest guy in the world. And I’ve been singing that song in local bands for 51 years now and will be doing it Saturday night. How they aren’t in the HOF is ridiculous. And the touring band is a cover band. No Farner, no Grand Funk.
Yeah Mark Farner IS Grand Funk...the others could be replaced but he was the face, voice, and the image people relate to.
@@richardhingle3634 absolutely
My hometown band! I wish I had been old enough to see you at the Shea in 71. TY Mark for the great tunes and interview. Love ya dude from a former Flintoid.
With my first paycheck as a stock boy; I bought this album... I eventually worked the retail record scene as a manager...and had all GFR records and saw them at least 7-8 times!
When I lived in Flint working on the air, I ran into many people who claimed they were friends of Mark Farner. I have no clue if it was the truth. But all of them said the same thing. That Mark was just the nicest guy they knew. That was in 89, so he was really big by then. That's really saying something there. Talented and genuine. Great interview, Adam. Very cool story.
Two of the most iconic rock songs ever but especially of the 70's are Some Kind of Wonderful and We're An American Band.
When I hear GFR can't help but think of Rare Earth. Easily two greatly underappreciated bands by the end of the 70s. Along with Motown, Michigan was a treasure trove of popular music.
Mark Farner WAS Grand Funk Railroad. Not taking anything away from the superb drumming and vocals of Don or the AMAZING bass of Mel... but it's a JOKE that they still tour as GFR. Their Spotify profile doesn't even show Mark but the replacement members. Don and Mel suck!!!
I was lucky to see them 3 times live in Fort Worth, Texas. All 3 concerts were awesome, one of the concerts I sat in front of the speakers and could barely hear for a couple of days, LOL. Their energy carried into the audience, you felt like you were part of the band.
Love Grand Funk Railroad. Outstanding rock band from the 1970's. "We're An American Band" was their first of two number ones on the pop charts. The other was "The Loco-Motion" which was a remake. The original was recorded by Little Eva and written by Carole King. Great cover by GFR. My favorite song from them is their last top 10 hit "Bad Time." I think it is 1970's melodic rock at its very best.
You know your history!
Their Locomotion gets the energy in! Bad Time is also my favorite song by them. They really do have some great songs.
My favorite has always been "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)."
Agreed. Bad Time was the best IMHO
Little Eva used to babysit for Carole King.
I went to Sarasota 1970 show, that became the LIVE album, I was in shock (so was Mark at 1st) what a great concert !
Mark Farner is a Legend! awesome guitarist and singer. he has been an inspiration to a generation. but don't take my word for it. just go watch the videos and listen to their music.
Back in high school Grand Funk was another band blasting out of my radio or 8-track player in seventies.
Wow! Marks a better man than me, to be that gracious, and forgiving..
I can’t believe how this American Band has been snubbed from the rock roll hall of fame, for years good tribute Adam!
Perfection most often happens by accident by real people. In this case, you get to add in bad ass attitudes and awesome talent!
Thanks for the rock anthem of our lives! ✌️❤
Mark...Don....and Mel....one of the greatest rock bands ever!
Grand Funk was the soundtrack to my life. I saw them in Oakland and the crowd was overwhelming. I was in the front row and all chaos ensued. When one person leaned then 1,000 people leaned. It was a bit scary but I had the time of my life. Black Oak Arkansas opened for Grand Funk and it was a night to remember!!
This is my favorite episode! Dude, (yes I typed it on purpose) you nailed this one, well you nail all of them. Maybe it's because Grand Funk is one of my favorite bands of all time and I can still remember hearing We're An American Band on the way to my sophomore year in high school in 1974. Seeing Mark talk with such joy about that song and the band just put a big smile on my face. Keep em comin! You Rock Dude! Does Zenni ship to Costa Rica?
I met mark at the palace theatre in lorain, ohio years ago and he noticed I had the we're an American band symbol tattooed on my arm and he mentioned it to everyone in the room and said I guess you are a big Grand Funk fan , I never forgot that ! He an awsome parson!
Under-rated band, singer, guitar player, and more. Have the gold 45 but not the sleeve. I don't think anyone today could come close to their live performance of Inside Looking Out. GREAT INTERVIEW!
Rock n roll hall of fame is brain dead.
Mark Farner with that long beautiful hair riding his horse through the field is absolute perfection. Yes We’re an American band is a great song but I’m your captain has so much depth. Thank you for the music!
This is definitely up there. This band should be in HOF. There are so many bands that have been snubbed and the HOF cannot keep up with that. I'm sure we can crash the internet with a list of artists that have been snubbed.
RRHOF is steaming 🗑️
Gotta love Mark Farner-He's a great conversationalist!
Great Interview. Mr. Farner will always be a fantastic human. Greatest Rock n Roll HOF Snub of all time. So telling how toxic the limited mindset-mentality is, running the RRHOF.
My first album, blew the woofers out of my parents' console stereo with it! Those were the days! lol To this day, I still have that console that was built in 1965!
I could watch the video of the live version of "Inside Looking Out " every day! Unbelievable!