The band split in 1977 and reunited in 1980, splitting again in 1983. Since reuniting in 1996 they have remained active, although Farner left the band in 1999. The group currently consists of Max Carl (vocals), Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass), Tim Cashion (keyboards), and Don Brewer (drums, vocals).
Despite their name, their music is far from the style known as "funk"; the name "Grand Funk Railroad" is a play on Michigan's "Grand Trunk Western Railroad" line, and it was chosen before "funk" had become the name of a music genre. In 1968, suburban Michigan teens Don Brewer and Mark Farner quit Terry Knight and The Pack and recruited ? and The Mysterians bass player Mel Schacher to form a power trio inspired by contemporary rock n roll.
Early in their career, they headlined a much hyped free concert in Hyde Park, wowing the audience whilst being virtually unknown in the U.K. They also opened for Led Zeppelin in Michigan, their home state. Originally produced and managed by former band leader Terry Knight who brought the group to Capitol records in 1969, they split from Knight in 1972 after money issues left the group nearly bankrupt despite massive commercial success which began after an successful appearance at the Atlanta Pop Festival.
After releasing 12 albums on Capitol (10 platinum), they intend for their final release to be Born To Die in 1975. They actually reunited & recorded one last effort in 1976 with Frank Zappa called "Good Singin' Good Playin' " and then called it quits.
Farner released two solo albums, Mel & Don recorded as Flint with Craig before Craig joined [aritst]Bob Seger's band. In 1981 Mark Farner & Don reformed the band without Mel and released a song on the animated Heavy Metal soundtrack and new album Grand Funk Lives. They toured until 1983.
In 1996 all three original members reunited for a summer tour in which they played to over 250,000 people, and a slate of Bosnian relief dates in 1997 including several TV performances. In 1998 they did a 65+ date tour listed as one of the 10 top grossing tours of the year. In 1999 Capitol issued a 3 disc box set called "Thirty Years Of Funk" 1969-1999, including recent recordings made in 1997.
Original Grand Funk Railroad members Don & Mel still tour and write new material to this day although the group have seen various line up changes, including the absence of original lead singer Mark Farner. Mark is active with his New band Nr'G. They have released 3 CD's since 1999 with For The People released in 2006.
Studio Albums:
* On Time (1969)
* Grand Funk (The Red Album) (1969)
* Closer to Home (1970)
* Survival (1971)
* E Pluribus Funk (1971)
* Phoenix (1972)
* We're an American Band (1973)
* Shinin' On (1974)
* Monumental Funk (1974)
* All the Girls in the World Beware!!! (1974)
* Born to Die (1976)
* Good Singin', Good Playin' (1976)
* Grand Funk Lives (1981)
* What's Funk? (1983)
Live albums:
* Live Album (1970)
* Caught in the Act (1975)
* Bosnia (1997)
* Thirty Years of Funk: 1969-1999 (1999)
* Live: The 1971 Tour (2002)
Compilations:
1972 Mark, Don & Mel: 1969–71
1976 Grand Funk Hits
1990 The Best of Grand Funk
1991 Capitol Collectors Series
1992 Heavy Hitters!
1999 Thirty Years of Funk: 1969-1999
2002 Classic Masters
2006 Greatest Hits
Words Of Wisdom
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
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Mark: Ah ... brothers and sisters, there are people out there that look just like you or maybe ah ..., your brother ah ..., but they're not. And, when they hand you something, don't take it -- don't take it, okay?
Mark: This is Mean Mistreater ...
The lyrics of the Grand Funk Railroad's song Words of Wisdom are brief yet profound. In the song, Mark, the lead singer of the band, gives a short speech before they perform a song from their newly released album. He starts by stating that they have a new album out, and they'll perform a song from it soon. But before that, he wants to share something that he thinks is essential. He speaks to his audience, calling them brothers and sisters, and says that there are people out there who may look like them or their siblings, but they're not. When these individuals offer them something, they shouldn't accept it.
The words of wisdom that Mark shares with his audience are a warning against drugs and drug dealers. He cautions his listeners not to take any drugs handed to them as they could be harmful. The lyrics reflect the concerns of the time when drugs were rampant, and many young people lost their lives or ended up with addiction. The song is a reminder that even though something may look good or feel good, it's not worth the risk of losing oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
We ... we have a new album out, it was released the fifteenth. It's called Closer To Home. We'd like to do one ... we'd like to do one from the album.
We just released a new album called Closer To Home and we want to perform a song from it for you.
Ah ..., but before we do, I feel that ah ..., I have to tell you something because I know that if you were in my place that you would do it for me.
However, before we perform, I feel a responsibility to share some important information with you.
Ah ... brothers and sisters, there are people out there that look just like you or maybe ah ..., your brother ah ..., but they're not. And, when they hand you something, don't take it -- don't take it, okay?
Listen up, everyone. There are people out there who may look like your kin, but they are not to be trusted. If they offer you anything, refuse it immediately. Understood?
This is Mean Mistreater ...
Now, for our song choice: Mean Mistreater...
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK FARNER, DON BREWER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind