I wouldn't walk across the street to see them if he was in it. I'm not into this whole 70+ year old rock bands from back in the day thing, I don't want to see a bunch of geriatric senior citizens trying to act like they're still in their glory days, I'd just as soon listen to my old records and remember them the way they were on the posters on my bedroom wall and the t-shirts I had and leave it at that.
I saw them in 98, the last tour with Mark and they were absolutely incredible. Just loved those guys. And WAR opened the show and they were excellent as well, what a great night.
@@dukecraig2402 there’s definitely some 70 yr olds who can still really Rock, too bad your too opinionated to enjoy seeing them to let them know how much you appreciated them. For you obviously music is not that important, and the artists themselves don’t mean squat to you!
Grand Funk is NOT Grand Funk without Mark Farner..plain and simple..he's the voice of all the classic best stuff they ever had..cannot believe Mel and Don would even think they are "the band" without him..crazy..
Probably a legal technicality. Who registered band name? Farner is very good yes, but in my partss, his reputation is as an arrogant asshole. Going back to Flint and Davison days. And beyond.
Nobody is stopping Farner from rejoining the band...if you don't want to be involved, fine. But don't stop the other guys from earning a living. Either rejoin, or tour your own thing. It's just that simple...
Mark Farner is an awesome guitarist and seems like a really cool guy. All the best to him and his family. And I agree, it's not Grand Funk without Mark!
I WON'T go see a 50th-"Anniversary" show without Mark!--I remember many yrs-ago meeting his young son at one & thinking: "wow, what a nice, well-mannered boy, Mark must be so proud"--What's Mark's loss is, I'm sure, Heaven's gain!...
I was fortunate enough, with my band, to back up Mark Farner and his band back in the late 80's in Rome NY. What a great guy to chat with back stage. He was 42 yrs old (apprx )and looked unbelievable. Souded stupendous. .He was talking all about being on the screen in Times square and other great stories and wisdom. Left a great impression on us and I still have a place in my heart forever for this wonderful guy.
How many times can you allow yourself to be screwed over by your band mates. They are as bad as Terry Knight. Mark should stay as far away from those criminals as he can.
Without Mark there is No Grand Funk. He was your Captain. Believe it. Ne respect for the other Bandmates. Thanks Mark the 70's were Great because you brought it to the Table. DAVID, RI
They were a great band... but without Mark I just can't enjoy them the same way.... it's a shame that things happened the way they did but it's history... Mark will always be remembered as the heart & soul of GFR.... God Bless you Mark you will always be one of my all-time favorite musicians...
God bless Mark. In my humble opinion he is a brilliant song writer and singer. I cant find the words what he meant to me growing up on his music. He was grand funk without him it's not even close. Love you Mark always have always will
Mark Farner had an incredible impact on my life. I'm your captain is my all time favorite song.I'm sixty six years old and had a fairly successful career as a rock and roll front man. My wife and I also grow healthy things to eat and drink. But, the most important thing Mark and I have in common is our faith.We have both been delivered! l look forward to seeing You in Eternal glory Mark. God bless you brother.
What a shame these guys are still alive and well and should be out there playing together! one of my favourite bands in the late 60s and early 70s! a real tragedy!
Exactly, and speaking of spell, I always thought it was cool that he named his publishing company (at least in the early GFR years) "Cram Renraff" -- i.e. his first/last name spelled backwards 👍
My favorite rock star!! Down to earth and a wonderful fascination for all things that the Lord Jesus Christ has to offer. Grand Funk Live and Phoenix albums were fantastic!! I saw them in Shreveport, LA in 1974 I think, I know they were touring the American Band Album. I had a backstage pass, I was sitting on the steps running up to the stage and Mark came up the stairs for a sound check, his shirt even touched my shoulder (I was 17 yrs old) dang I sound like a fascinated little girl. I could not see him so I moved to the side of the stage and was sitting on a drum seat watching my Idol playing that silver guitar. A guy came up and told me to not sit there, I showed him my pass and he smiled and introduced himself as the drum player for Wet Willie!
Definitely would have been No Grand Funk without Mark. He is the talent behind the band. Grand Funk with Mark was the best concert I ever went to. The building was shaking. Thanks Mark.
I saw them in 71&72. Saw the reunion in 96. The 96 was musically more mature. All great. About a year ago a friend called me. Had tickets to Grand Funk Railroad. So I went. It was bad. For several reasons. I’ve seen Mark Farner three times. Farner is far and away musically ahead of the cover band. It’s a shame that Brewer and Shacher won’t do the right thing. The fans are taking the brunt of Brewer’s ego trip. And don’t give Mel a pass. He sides with Brewer. What’s a shame is the average younger fan probably doesn’t know the band’s current status and internal politics. So they’ll sell tickets. Just never again will I take a seat in their Sham Show.
Been a fan of Grand Funk since I had E Pluribus Funk on 8-track. I'd love to see Mark play. I'd do an overnight trip to see him. I wouldn't walk next door to see the current "Grand Funk".
@@brolinofvandar I saw mark farner 4 years in a row at the musics exchange in Fort Lauderdale fla great shows great guy ❤️❤️❤️😃😋😋🥰 loved it got to say a few words to him
An all-time great American three-piece. No smoke and mirrors, just three guys actually playing the shit out of their instruments and singing. Life is way too short to not bury the hatchet at some point, but this is advice I need to take myself tbh. Great to see Mark sharp and healthy.
Cool seeing Mark!! I was a funk fan long before a lot of my friends and I brought them around! Still love listening and glad I saw them a few times! Really cool to hear him talking about farming! Makes me respect him even more. He grew up like I did. I'm glad there's still some of us left!! Rock On Brothers!!!!!
If I had one word to describe Mark, it's "unsinkable". I love that about him, it's a virtue worth acquiring. It's too bad about what happened with GFR, that band was key in the formative years of my rock and roll. Life goes on, bands rise and fall, people get screwed, and Mark just rolls with it. It's a beautiful thing.
I saw them with and without Mark. It took 3 people to cover what Mark does as one musician. He's the man. Will not see them without him ever again. God bless you Mark.
Naw, both original members are still in Funk plus they have the amazing Bruce Kulick on guitar. The funk is just fine. I'd agree with you if Farner hadn't become an extremist.
I still like the Mark Farner version of Grand Funk Railroad. I was in high school when I bought and listened to Grand Funk Railroad On Time. Mark and the bass lines had me hooked.
Farner still gettin’ a big charge out of having been a part of producing the corn that was put on the table at supper time when he was a kid makes me love the guy all the more!! He said it right when he used the word “GROUNDED” to the earth to describe himself. He is a grounded guy and a team player in this brotherhood of mankind. No pretentiousness -no arrogance -no “I’m famous so I’m better than the average Joe”. Farner is proud to be ONE OF US, the regular people. That is so rare and refreshing to see in a celebrity! He puts out love and respect and love and respect gets returned to him by his thousands of fans! I’m a fan of other musicians talents, but my feeling of admiration toward them as people on a personal level is nothing compared to what I feel toward Brother Mark Farner as I’ve easily felt of his generous warm caring soul thru the many interviews with him that I’ve watched. He’s one in a million! And a DANG good musician too!! Worldclass vocalist! Worldclass guitarist! Worldclass moves as a frontman! He’s got music running thru his veins! I think if you looked at Farner’s red blood cells under a microscope we’d find they’re all shaped like little music notes and guitars! Farner was, AND STILL IS, the FUNK in the Railroad. He’s the GRAND in it too! Always will be! This is my shout-out of Brotherly Love to Mark Farner! Thanks for all the years & decades of Good Singin’, Good Playin’!! May the rest of your days be filled with “EASY BREEZES” like the ones from those summers long ago on Uncle Jack’s farm! -Randall Arkansas USA
I love the hat Mark. Good to see another icon rocker that made it through without getting contaminated by political BS. It's plain to see you are genius and genuine.
Mark’s the creative and driving power behind GFR. The second concert I saw and heard 1972ish and I can still picture him in my minds eye with all his energy giving it everything he had as the frontman and leader. The edit is: thx for the garlic tip Mark cuz I’m mincing up some garlic shortly!
I got your back Mark. There is no Grand Funk without you!!! You so right about Farming! It's something great about knowing that you had a hand in how the food was put on your table..
Actually, their first album came out in 1969 but the band formed in 1968, so you're right - 55th anniversary is correct. What's going on is that the bogus GFR is advertising the "50th Anniversary Of We're An American Band" and "The American Band Tour 2023". If Don Brewer or Mel Schacher by some chance read this, shame on you for depriving the true fans an opportunity to see the REAL GFR one final time.
Mark Farner is GFR ✌️🙂 He built the band they sang his songs what the he!! man ! The heart & soul of one of the greatest American bands and possibly the greatest live band... thank you Mark for you're vision drive and songs that will get these youngsters rockin' & turn them into Grand Farner Railroad fans forever... God bless you Mark ❤
Saw Grand Funk Railroad in 71 my first rock concert,, Then in 74 Then GFR Lives tour 81 then on reunion tour in 98, Mark is the real sound of GFR without him it is not the same at all. His voice and guitar so missed in Don's GFR.
Loved Grand Funk I went to a Mark Farner concert at a place called the Russellville Ballroom in Davidson MICH in 1994. He played mostly Christian Rock which rocked, not soft pop that most contemporary Christian music is today. He came out and talked to fans afterwards and signed autographs too. Also reminds me of the Guess Who, only Gary Peterson is an original member, and Jethro Tull's frontman Ian Anderson remains.
hats off to him and his gardening. just got done watering my sprouts for the garden, planning on using the old hen house as a greenhouse next year, fun stuff!
I was fortunate to have seen the ORIGINAL GFR in 1995 or 96 in Pittsburgh at an outdoor venue. They were absolutely fantastic!! Would love to see them together again. Mark has always been my favorite front man!! There could never be anyone to replace his energy, charisma, personality and talent!
Thank you for sharing this recent stellar interview of Mark Farner. He's 100% right about bands that perform live like Foreigner, with no remaining original members left in band. Not authentic. Speculate original members who own the band name, had set up a corporate business deal where they get a percentage of the profits for future tours using original band name. Along with publishing rights/royalties for performing Foreigner songs live. The non original members currently touring and using the name "Foreigner," most likely get standard union pay on the road, fine accommodations, playing those songs on current & future tours. Mark Farner will always be the core of Grand Funk. The other two members went for the $$$, over dignity of reuniting with Mark Farner for a 50th Anniversary tour, while the three original members are still alive. As a passionate cook...love his insightful knowledge of garlic. Cheers.
Mark, You were Grand Funk Railroad period my solely favorite album was and still is The Red Album I just love it so many good tunes in it, bless you and stay healthy with garlic!
I love Grand Funk! The band is not the same without Mark Farner. Mark is a rock legend! Bin listening to Funk since there very first album. God bless to Mark and his Family. I will always be a Grand Funk and Mark Farner fan! Thanks Mark!
For years I have listened to any & every interview that has to with Mark & the original trio. I'm 66 & still haven't gotten a straight answer on why don't the originals three guys play together while they still can. What is the beef, & what will it take to lay down their swords? I know I'm not the only one who wants it to happen. Mark seems like a really good guy. God bless them all. I got to see them in '71 & will never forget that show.
from what i can gather mel/don had tricked mark into signing over the legal right to perform as "grand funk" to mel and don ONLY, so mark cant legally perform as grand funk- only mel and don can- so they get all the $$$ associated with performing as grand funk (split 2 ways) as opposed to not being scum bags, keeping grand funk between ALL 3 of them and splitting profits 3 ways- not 2. . GUESSING don/mel knew damn well mark was the heart of band, so they didnt want to take chance of being shut out...CRAZY, Huh??!!!!
Seem to me its not about money, it's about the drummer's ego being overshadowed by the frontman every show. Sort of like David Lee Roth & Eddie Van Halen
My very first rock concert at The Fabulous Forum 72/73 ! Love you brother Mark! Isn't it Amazing what a prayer can do 🙏... it'll pull you through!. So glad to see you brother! Thanks for the tips on Garlic . God bless you
Mixing Garlic with Ginger doubles the health benefits of both. I take 5 big toes of Garlic with the same amount of Ginger, 3 large Lemons, put it all in the blender. In a glass jar in the fridge it never spoils. One tablespoon a day just before breakfast and you'll never be sick again. A pinch of Turmeric and black pepper make it even healthier! ✌
Mark was the star in that band no Mark no band now they are a copy bar band now ..Mark you are a real rock star with a heart ..I plant garlic too got over two hundred bulbs growing right now ..rock on bro
What a neat guy. You could sit down and chat with him about anything under the sun, and he’ll have something interesting to say about it. Love his story about driving the tractor when he was a kid. As for his bandmates, I hope they face unending epic failures until they atone for the stunt they pulled on him.
Mr. Farner...THANK YOU for sharing YOUR talent!!!! I wore out Grand Funk Live and many occasions!!! Got to see you live in 1969 at Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston as Bloodrock opened for you. You sir are GRAND FUNK RAILROAD!!!!
❤ I love that guy! Super interesting about garlic. I remember my old yellow plastic "We're An American Band" 45 from the mid 70's. I wonder what the BSide song was🤔 Absolutely had a huge crush on him for many years😊
WE KNOW YOU WON'T BEAT YOUR OWN DRUM mark,so we'll do it for you,you are GRAND FUNK and proved it,nite after nite,show after show,YOUR PROWESS on instruments just mesmerizes me,then 1970, and now,they should forget all of the nonsense and tour with you,one more time,the money they love will be built in,and show 4 generations what ROCK IS,WAS,COULD BE,LEGENDS,i've got all of your albums in vinyl and otherwise,you guys were in the top 5 in the world,as a musician for 50 years,your string work is off the chain,vocals, yep killer
Grand Funk - One of my favorite bands, got me hooked on wanting to be a musician. All three members were, and are still, great musicians, but . . . much like CCR with John Fogerty, Mark Farner was the heart and soul of the band, wrote most of the songs, the creator. It is really his band . . he got screwed by legal BS. Love you brother
God bless Mark Farner! A Real "All American Boy" (forever young). He'll be The Voice and Heart of "Grand Funk" forever, regardless what Don and Mel will do or say. They might be 20/25% each of that band, but Mark is 50/60%. Everybody who is into GF knows that. And every time you see or hear Mark you'll learn something, if you know how to listen. Mark Farner RULES!!!
First time viewer John.Been a Grand Funk fan since buying 1st live double album early 70's.Sadly not much exposure for them in Australia . I'm in Melbourne.Will be tuning in more. Great interview.Good singin' good playin'. Go Mark👍
Massive GFRR FAN! Was lucky enough to get all three autographs on my 75 Ibanez “Lawsuit” double neck. I’ll keep it and cherish it forever, because if not for Mark I’d never have played a guitar! Love you brother Mark!
GFR , a top 3 man power trio in classic rock history. Why they are not tn the RHOF is beyond comprehensive. The GFR band of today is good but not the same as the original band. Classic rock bands are fading away. It ts a shame we couldn't see a band with all it's surviving members in tack. What a concert we all could see. Put GFR in the HOF where they belong and Come together one last time for one heck of a concert tour. Mark Don and Mel 1 more time.
Thank you mark farner for all the good music Throughout the years. I was 13 in 1973 grand funk was on the radio often and enjoyed.The garlic tip was something I didn't know thanks.
Interesting comments about garlic. Thanks for off topic tidbits. Loved Grand Funk back in the days, early '70s. We're an American Band...yeah. great memories.
On a similar note, the Little River band, an Australian group, is currently touring without a single original member and I believe everyone in the band is American. Most of the original group is available and willing to tour but someone else owns the name and feels they can make more money without any of the original people there. And then there's deep purple, a band that has had so many people in it that you can't begin to think of it as anything like the original group. Yes is also another band where they are touring without a single original member, however the founder of the band is available but they won't let him in. It's too bad there's not some way to force bands to put disclaimers in front of their names.
When I saw LRB a few years ago the original bassist (who sang on "Night Owls") was in the band. Did he leave? LRB is touring and I'm considering seeing them again.
One of my first records was Grand Funk Live. When my wife says something negative to me I belt out Mean Mistreater as best I can. What a voice Mark has.
Saw Grand Funk a few times way back when, wouldn't walk across the street to see them without Mark Farner
Me neither ✌️
I wouldn't walk across the street to see them if he was in it.
I'm not into this whole 70+ year old rock bands from back in the day thing, I don't want to see a bunch of geriatric senior citizens trying to act like they're still in their glory days, I'd just as soon listen to my old records and remember them the way they were on the posters on my bedroom wall and the t-shirts I had and leave it at that.
I saw them in 98, the last tour with Mark and they were absolutely incredible. Just loved those guys. And WAR opened the show and they were excellent as well, what a great night.
Don Brewer is a complete and total scumbag, Farner was Grand Funk ....without him it's a frigging cover band
@@dukecraig2402 there’s definitely some 70 yr olds who can still really Rock, too bad your too opinionated to enjoy seeing them to let them know how much you appreciated them. For you obviously music is not that important, and the artists themselves don’t mean squat to you!
Grand Funk is NOT Grand Funk without Mark Farner..plain and simple..he's the voice of all the classic best stuff they ever had..cannot believe Mel and Don would even think they are "the band" without him..crazy..
Mirrors "The Guess Who", which only has the drummer as n original member.
At one point we knew them as Mark Don and Mel..
Not even Grand Funk.
Trivia...the Roliing Stones have been covered hundreds of times, Jagger was asked his favorite cover..it was Gimme Shellter Grand Funk
Probably a legal technicality.
Who registered band name?
Farner is very good yes, but in my partss, his reputation is as an arrogant asshole. Going back to Flint and Davison days. And beyond.
Nobody is stopping Farner from rejoining the band...if you don't want to be involved, fine. But don't stop the other guys from earning a living. Either rejoin, or tour your own thing. It's just that simple...
Mark is so right. Without him there is no Grand Funk.
No Mark Farner, there is no Grand Funk! Mark is a national treasure!
I’ve seen Mark quite a few times. He & his brother Rick had a band. Did all the GFR stuff.
Indeed.... there's just no debating that...
Yep!!!
100% Mark Farner is the image of GFR.His band mates who was supposed to be his brothers,betrayed him , sad.
I did a couple of shows with Mark - and be assured he IS JUST A GREAT A GUY as you would imagine!!
No rock star ego - just a musician's musician!!
Mark Farner is an awesome guitarist and seems like a really cool guy. All the best to him and his family. And I agree, it's not Grand Funk without Mark!
Mark is a legend. Ain't no Grand Funk without him. He's the man.
I'm with you, Mark. Respect.
I WON'T go see a 50th-"Anniversary" show without Mark!--I remember many yrs-ago meeting his young son at one & thinking: "wow, what a nice, well-mannered boy, Mark must be so proud"--What's Mark's loss is, I'm sure, Heaven's gain!...
You gotta love that guy. One of the best voices in rock music.
Mark Farner is GF. Much respect to one of my all time favorites!
Ghost, very true!! I'm with you!!😊❤
100%
I was fortunate enough, with my band, to back up Mark Farner and his band back in the late 80's in Rome NY. What a great guy to chat with back stage. He was 42 yrs old (apprx )and looked unbelievable. Souded stupendous. .He was talking all about being on the screen in Times square and other great stories and wisdom. Left a great impression on us and I still have a place in my heart forever for this wonderful guy.
Ain’t Grand Funk without their singer and guitarist, Mr. Farner.
Grand Funk is just one of DOZENS of Nostalgia Acts. Farner was EASILY replaced.
@@catfishcooler1566 I suppose, if you go in for cover bands. A reunion tour with Farner would still be able to sell out arena's.
How many times can you allow yourself to be screwed over by your band mates. They are as bad as Terry Knight. Mark should stay as far away from those criminals as he can.
Without Mark there is No Grand Funk. He was your Captain. Believe it. Ne respect for the other Bandmates. Thanks Mark the 70's were Great because you brought it to the Table. DAVID, RI
Incredible songwriter, amazing guitarist, insanely great performer...
And OMG what an awesome voice he had!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
And still has.
Frontman of frontmen...
His voice is STILL INCREDIBLE!! 👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️
Once Lou Gramm was gone Foreigner wasn't Foreigner any more.
Same when perry left journey...they bevame their own coverband
SOMEONE WENT TO SEE THEM IN VEGAS & I WARNED HIM THAT LOU WASNT IN THE BAND
Johnnie Edwards did a pretty good job. The one album unusual heat is underrated
I saw them in Vegas 2016 and no original members were onstage.
True
They were a great band... but without Mark I just can't enjoy them the same way.... it's a shame that things happened the way they did but it's history... Mark will always be remembered as the heart & soul of GFR.... God Bless you Mark you will always be one of my all-time favorite musicians...
God bless Mark. In my humble opinion he is a brilliant song writer and singer. I cant find the words what he meant to me growing up on his music. He was grand funk without him it's not even close. Love you Mark always have always will
Mark is the best. Saw him in 2010 in Houston, on the same bill as Kansas. Grand Funk is, like he said, Grand Faux without him.
Mark Farner had an incredible impact on my life. I'm your captain is my all time favorite song.I'm sixty six years old and had a fairly successful career as a rock and roll front man. My wife and I also grow healthy things to eat and drink. But, the most important thing Mark and I have in common is our faith.We have both been delivered! l look forward to seeing You in Eternal glory Mark. God bless you brother.
"COMPLETELY dishonest to the fans." Absolutely could not have been better said Mark.
What a shame these guys are still alive and well and should be out there playing together! one of my favourite bands in the late 60s and early 70s! a real tragedy!
Love Mark... man after my own heart...
Tangerine Rose Absolutely agree with you. He is so passionate about everything he does. I could listen to him talk for hours
Saw and heard Grand Funk Railroad at the 2nd annul Atlanta Pop Festival at middle Georgia Speedway in Byron Georgia. They played for free.
Mark was the heart and soul of GF. Real talent.
You can`t SPELL Grand Funk without Mark Farner!!
Exactly, and speaking of spell, I always thought it was cool that he named his publishing company (at least in the early GFR years) "Cram Renraff" -- i.e. his first/last name spelled backwards 👍
Mark, who? & who?
Mark is so cool! He always was and always will be!! Mark was GFR. Very musically talented man. A very talented musician!! Love you still, Mark.😊❤
Always love to go see Mark play here in Michigan. I've been doing it for at least 40 years! Keep rocking Mark!!!
I can't believe Grand Funk is going out without Mark. Grand Farce
My favorite rock star!! Down to earth and a wonderful fascination for all things that the Lord Jesus Christ has to offer. Grand Funk Live and Phoenix albums were fantastic!! I saw them in Shreveport, LA in 1974 I think, I know they were touring the American Band Album. I had a backstage pass, I was sitting on the steps running up to the stage and Mark came up the stairs for a sound check, his shirt even touched my shoulder (I was 17 yrs old) dang I sound like a fascinated little girl. I could not see him so I moved to the side of the stage and was sitting on a drum seat watching my Idol playing that silver guitar. A guy came up and told me to not sit there, I showed him my pass and he smiled and introduced himself as the drum player for Wet Willie!
Definitely would have been No Grand Funk without Mark. He is the talent behind the band. Grand Funk with Mark was the best concert I ever went to. The building was shaking. Thanks Mark.
Love HEARING Mark Farner talk about family and rock history. Sold Out Shea Stadium quicker than the Beatles❤
I saw them in 71&72. Saw the reunion in 96. The 96 was musically more mature. All great.
About a year ago a friend called me. Had tickets to Grand Funk Railroad. So I went.
It was bad. For several reasons.
I’ve seen Mark Farner three times.
Farner is far and away musically ahead of the cover band.
It’s a shame that Brewer and Shacher won’t do the right thing.
The fans are taking the brunt of Brewer’s ego trip. And don’t give Mel a pass. He sides with Brewer.
What’s a shame is the average younger fan probably doesn’t know the band’s current status and internal politics. So they’ll sell tickets.
Just never again will I take a seat in their Sham Show.
Been a fan of Grand Funk since I had E Pluribus Funk on 8-track. I'd love to see Mark play. I'd do an overnight trip to see him. I wouldn't walk next door to see the current "Grand Funk".
@@brolinofvandar I saw mark farner 4 years in a row at the musics exchange in Fort Lauderdale fla great shows great guy ❤️❤️❤️😃😋😋🥰 loved it got to say a few words to him
Mark Farner is Grand Funk period
An all-time great American three-piece. No smoke and mirrors, just three guys actually playing the shit out of their instruments and singing. Life is way too short to not bury the hatchet at some point, but this is advice I need to take myself tbh. Great to see Mark sharp and healthy.
Mark you're the man...love you brother.
Being grounded is hugely beneficial in these biblical times. God bless Mark Farner!
Cool seeing Mark!! I was a funk fan long before a lot of my friends and I brought them around! Still love listening and glad I saw them a few times! Really cool to hear him talking about farming! Makes me respect him even more. He grew up like I did. I'm glad there's still some of us left!! Rock On Brothers!!!!!
If I had one word to describe Mark, it's "unsinkable". I love that about him, it's a virtue worth acquiring. It's too bad about what happened with GFR, that band was key in the formative years of my rock and roll. Life goes on, bands rise and fall, people get screwed, and Mark just rolls with it. It's a beautiful thing.
I loved this interview with Mark. He's such a down-to-earth guy and I loved hearing about his farming background.
I saw them with and without Mark. It took 3 people to cover what Mark does as one musician. He's the man. Will not see them without him ever again. God bless you Mark.
My very first concert at age 15 . GFR is not GFR without Mark, Don & Mel (I’d add Craig also). They should be in in the rock n roll hall of fame.
No Farner..No Funk…..
Naw, both original members are still in Funk plus they have the amazing Bruce Kulick on guitar. The funk is just fine. I'd agree with you if Farner hadn't become an extremist.
No Farner...No problem.
Right.The other two would have been nowhere without him.
I still like the Mark Farner version of Grand Funk Railroad. I was in high school when I bought and listened to Grand Funk Railroad On Time. Mark and the bass lines had me hooked.
Farner still gettin’ a big charge out of having been a part of producing the corn that was put on the table at supper time when he was a kid makes me love the guy all the more!! He said it right when he used the word “GROUNDED” to the earth to describe himself. He is a grounded guy and a team player in this brotherhood of mankind. No pretentiousness -no arrogance -no “I’m famous so I’m better than the average Joe”. Farner is proud to be ONE OF US, the regular people. That is so rare and refreshing to see in a celebrity! He puts out love and respect and love and respect gets returned to him by his thousands of fans! I’m a fan of other musicians talents, but my feeling of admiration toward them as people on a personal level is nothing compared to what I feel toward Brother Mark Farner as I’ve easily felt of his generous warm caring soul thru the many interviews with him that I’ve watched. He’s one in a million! And a DANG good musician too!! Worldclass vocalist! Worldclass guitarist! Worldclass moves as a frontman! He’s got music running thru his veins! I think if you looked at Farner’s red blood cells under a microscope we’d find they’re all shaped like little music notes and guitars!
Farner was, AND STILL IS, the FUNK in the Railroad. He’s the GRAND in it too! Always will be!
This is my shout-out of Brotherly Love to Mark Farner! Thanks for all the years & decades of Good Singin’, Good Playin’!! May the rest of your days be filled with “EASY BREEZES” like the ones from those summers long ago on Uncle Jack’s farm!
-Randall
Arkansas USA
Awesome info on garlic, didn't know. Loved Grand Funk Railroad.
GOOD FOR HIS HEALTH
Wouldn’t waste my time without Mark Farner
I love Grand Funk Live Album. Bought it in high school. Still listen on Spotify now. Thank you Mark. Many memories.
I love the hat Mark.
Good to see another icon rocker that made it through without getting contaminated by political BS. It's plain to see you are genius and genuine.
Mark Farner is Grand Funk! 👍👍👍👍👍
There is and never will be a Grand Funk without Mark Farner!!
Mark’s the creative and driving power behind GFR. The second concert I saw and heard 1972ish and I can still picture him in my minds eye with all his energy giving it everything he had as the frontman and leader. The edit is: thx for the garlic tip Mark cuz I’m mincing up some garlic shortly!
I got your back Mark. There is no Grand Funk without you!!! You so right about Farming! It's something great about knowing that you had a hand in how the food was put on your table..
Are you sure this is not the 55th anniversary?? I think their first album was released in the late 60's, not 1973
It’s the 50th anniversary of their signature song - not the band itself / agree it wasn’t clear - I have like 6 albums from before ‘73
August 25, 1969 release of GFR's On Time , We're An American Band was released in 1973.
Correct-first album was released in December of 1969.
Actually, their first album came out in 1969 but the band formed in 1968, so you're right - 55th anniversary is correct. What's going on is that the bogus GFR is advertising the "50th Anniversary Of We're An American Band" and "The American Band Tour 2023".
If Don Brewer or Mel Schacher by some chance read this, shame on you for depriving the true fans an opportunity to see the REAL GFR one final time.
The first album "On Time" was released in the fall of 1969.
Mark Farner is GFR ✌️🙂
He built the band they sang his songs what the he!! man !
The heart & soul of one of the greatest American bands and possibly the greatest live band...
thank you Mark for you're vision drive and songs that will get these youngsters rockin' & turn them into Grand Farner Railroad fans forever... God bless you Mark ❤
Saw Grand Funk Railroad in 71 my first rock concert,, Then in 74 Then GFR Lives tour 81 then on reunion tour in 98, Mark is the real sound of GFR without him it is not the same at all. His voice and guitar so missed in Don's GFR.
1973 ,10 feet from the stage!! Greatv show! Free tickets 2013, that was a not even a good tribute band!
Loved Grand Funk I went to a Mark Farner concert at a place called the Russellville Ballroom in Davidson MICH in 1994. He played mostly Christian Rock which rocked, not soft pop that most contemporary Christian music is today. He came out and talked to fans afterwards and signed autographs too. Also reminds me of the Guess Who, only Gary Peterson is an original member, and Jethro Tull's frontman Ian Anderson remains.
What a good egg mark farner is. A great musician and a great all-around guy.
hats off to him and his gardening. just got done watering my sprouts for the garden, planning on using the old hen house as a greenhouse next year, fun stuff!
I was fortunate to have seen the ORIGINAL GFR in 1995 or 96 in Pittsburgh at an outdoor venue. They were absolutely fantastic!! Would love to see them together again. Mark has always been my favorite front man!! There could never be anyone to replace his energy, charisma, personality and talent!
Thank you for sharing this recent stellar interview of Mark Farner. He's 100% right about bands that perform live like Foreigner, with no remaining original members left in band. Not authentic. Speculate original members who own the band name, had set up a corporate business deal where they get a percentage of the profits for future tours using original band name. Along with publishing rights/royalties for performing Foreigner songs live. The non original members currently touring and using the name "Foreigner," most likely get standard union pay on the road, fine accommodations, playing those songs on current & future tours. Mark Farner will always be the core of Grand Funk. The other two members went for the $$$, over dignity of reuniting with Mark Farner for a 50th Anniversary tour, while the three original members are still alive. As a passionate cook...love his insightful knowledge of garlic. Cheers.
Oh btw...technically it would be their "55th Anniversary tour." Abet, Grand Funk Railroad was formed in 1968 by Mark Farner and Don Brewer.
Mark, You were Grand Funk Railroad period my solely favorite album was and still is The Red Album I just love it so many good tunes in it, bless you and stay healthy with garlic!
The Red Album was my very 1st album as a 15 year old youngster.
I love Grand Funk! The band is not the same without Mark Farner. Mark is a rock legend! Bin listening to Funk since there very first album. God bless to Mark and his Family. I will always be a Grand Funk and Mark Farner fan! Thanks Mark!
It’s been 54 years since the release of their first album On Time. We’re An American Band celebrates its 50th anniversary this year
I shook Marks hand in Y2K, his music changed my soul. Mark is the real rock'in roll deal❤
For years I have listened to any & every interview that has to with Mark & the original trio. I'm 66 & still haven't gotten a straight answer on why don't the originals three guys play together while they still can. What is the beef, & what will it take to lay down their swords? I know I'm not the only one who wants it to happen. Mark seems like a really good guy. God bless them all. I got to see them in '71 & will never forget that show.
from what i can gather mel/don had tricked mark into signing over the legal right to perform as "grand funk" to mel and don ONLY, so mark cant legally perform as grand funk- only mel and don can- so they get all the $$$ associated with performing as grand funk (split 2 ways) as opposed to not being scum bags, keeping grand funk between ALL 3 of them and splitting profits 3 ways- not 2. . GUESSING don/mel knew damn well mark was the heart of band, so they didnt want to take chance of being shut out...CRAZY, Huh??!!!!
Seem to me its not about money, it's about the drummer's ego being overshadowed by the frontman every show.
Sort of like David Lee Roth & Eddie Van Halen
My very first rock concert at The Fabulous Forum 72/73 ! Love you brother Mark! Isn't it Amazing what a prayer can do 🙏... it'll pull you through!. So glad to see you brother! Thanks for the tips on Garlic . God bless you
Saw him about 2 years ago. Such an energetic performance and he sounded great.
Mixing Garlic with Ginger doubles the health benefits of both. I take 5 big toes of Garlic with the same amount of Ginger, 3 large Lemons, put it all in the blender. In a glass jar in the fridge it never spoils. One tablespoon a day just before breakfast and you'll never be sick again. A pinch of Turmeric and black pepper make it even healthier! ✌
He is spot on about the garlic. Takes gastric problems to the ground.
Mark was the star in that band no Mark no band now they are a copy bar band now ..Mark you are a real rock star with a heart ..I plant garlic too got over two hundred bulbs growing right now ..rock on bro
What a neat guy. You could sit down and chat with him about anything under the sun, and he’ll have something interesting to say about it. Love his story about driving the tractor when he was a kid.
As for his bandmates, I hope they face unending epic failures until they atone for the stunt they pulled on him.
Hoping bad on people?
Mr. Farner...THANK YOU for sharing YOUR talent!!!! I wore out Grand Funk Live and many occasions!!! Got to see you live in 1969 at Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston as Bloodrock opened for you. You sir are GRAND FUNK RAILROAD!!!!
❤ I love that guy! Super interesting about garlic. I remember my old yellow plastic "We're An American Band" 45 from the mid 70's. I wonder what the BSide song was🤔 Absolutely had a huge crush on him for many years😊
“Creepin’ “
B-Side was "Creepin'"
The "b side of WAAB was "Creepin'"
The flip side of "We're An American Band" was the Mark Farner-written song, "Creepin'".
still have the gold vinyl album,altho I have all their released on remastered cds these days. :-) T
Mark Farner is the sound of Grand Funk. Keep on keeping on Mark.
no reason to waste time on this band without mark.
WE KNOW YOU WON'T BEAT YOUR OWN DRUM mark,so we'll do it for you,you are GRAND FUNK and proved it,nite after nite,show after show,YOUR PROWESS on instruments just mesmerizes me,then 1970, and now,they should forget all of the nonsense and tour with you,one more time,the money they love will be built in,and show 4 generations what ROCK IS,WAS,COULD BE,LEGENDS,i've got all of your albums in vinyl and otherwise,you guys were in the top 5 in the world,as a musician for 50 years,your string work is off the chain,vocals, yep killer
Im your captain is an awesome song 🎵
The best song 💥🤘🏼
Grand Funk - One of my favorite bands, got me hooked on wanting to be a musician. All three members were, and are still, great musicians, but . . . much like CCR with John Fogerty, Mark Farner was the heart and soul of the band, wrote most of the songs, the creator. It is really his band . . he got screwed by legal BS. Love you brother
Garlic advice from a favorite musician...Thanks Mark and RHM. Always in the sound track... ;)
God bless Mark Farner! A Real "All American Boy" (forever young). He'll be The Voice and Heart of "Grand Funk" forever, regardless what Don and Mel will do or say. They might be 20/25% each of that band, but Mark is 50/60%. Everybody who is into GF knows that. And every time you see or hear Mark you'll learn something, if you know how to listen. Mark Farner RULES!!!
Farner the farmer ! Keep bringing it home Captian
Good man, Mark Farner.
Grank Funk without Mark is nothing more than a karaoke band!
Mr. Farner we LOVE YOU!!!❤❤❤
Always enjoy Mark Farner interviews, garlic info an unexpected bonus 😊
This guy is great, I saw you in Albany Ny under the overpass. Great show. Much respect brother for who you are. Fantastic Musician.
First time viewer John.Been a Grand Funk fan since buying 1st live double album early 70's.Sadly not much exposure for them in Australia . I'm in Melbourne.Will be tuning in more. Great interview.Good singin' good playin'. Go Mark👍
NOT Grand funk without Mark Farner! I refuse to see them until Mark is back in there!
Love the interviews w farner . What a great band they were 😊
Absolutely!! I'm with you!!!!
It's very simple.... there is no Funk without Mark Farner....period!
The first album I ever bought was "On Time." I still have that album, and it's still one of my favorites. But it stopped being GF without Mark.
Massive GFRR FAN! Was lucky enough to get all three autographs on my 75 Ibanez “Lawsuit” double neck. I’ll keep it and cherish it forever, because if not for Mark I’d never have played a guitar! Love you brother Mark!
Greatest frontman ever! Show at Shea was epic!
GFR , a top 3 man power trio in classic rock history. Why they are not tn the RHOF is beyond comprehensive. The GFR band of today is good but not the same as the original band. Classic rock bands are fading away. It ts a shame we couldn't see a band with all it's surviving members in tack. What a concert we all could see. Put GFR in the HOF where they belong and Come together one last time for one heck of a concert tour. Mark Don and Mel 1 more time.
Thank you mark farner for all the good music Throughout the years. I was 13 in 1973 grand funk was on the radio often and enjoyed.The garlic tip was something I didn't know thanks.
I love GFR. Saw them with Mark and they were great . Zero interest without Farner. Don and Mel seem like traitors.
Same here, wouldn't see Grand Fake Railroad if you gave me tickets & a limo ride to the show
Thanks!
Thanks
Mark is such a good guy, too bad Mel and Don were such worthless toads
Interesting comments about garlic. Thanks for off topic tidbits. Loved Grand Funk back in the days, early '70s. We're an American Band...yeah. great memories.
On a similar note, the Little River band, an Australian group, is currently touring without a single original member and I believe everyone in the band is American. Most of the original group is available and willing to tour but someone else owns the name and feels they can make more money without any of the original people there. And then there's deep purple, a band that has had so many people in it that you can't begin to think of it as anything like the original group. Yes is also another band where they are touring without a single original member, however the founder of the band is available but they won't let him in. It's too bad there's not some way to force bands to put disclaimers in front of their names.
All the original members quit years ago and singed away their rights to use the band name.
When I saw LRB a few years ago the original bassist (who sang on "Night Owls") was in the band. Did he leave? LRB is touring and I'm considering seeing them again.
Mark seems like a real solid, grounded and nice guy. Not seems - is!
One of my first records was Grand Funk Live. When my wife says something negative to me I belt out Mean Mistreater as best I can. What a voice Mark has.
lol 😂 good one dude
Speaking for myself...Mark will always be the frontman for Grand Funk.