More than 40 years of classic rock and roll are heading our way this month when Grand Funk Railroad and War take the stage at Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood, Saturday, August 24th.

Grand Funk got its start in Flint, Michigan in 1969 when Don Brewer and Mark Farner, fresh out of a band called The Pack, joined forces with Mel Schacher from ? and The Mysterians to start this new venture called 'Grand Funk Railroad'.

Don and Mel are still in the band today, and Don told me that as much as things have changed in 44 years, some things stay the same.

Less than a year after having literally everything taken away, the band was on top of the music world, in August 1973, with the #1 song and #1 album in the country, 'We're An American Band'.

They remained on top in 1974 with the album 'Shinin' On' and an unlikely #1 record, 'The Loco-Motion', a remake of Little Eva's #1 song from 1962.

The band broke up for the first time in 1976, only to try again in the 80's and in the 90's with mixed results.

Grand Funk Railroad - 2013
GrandFunkRailroad.com
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These days, Don and Mel have surrounded themselves with some pretty talented guys in the modern day 'Grand Funk Railroad'.

Lead vocalist Max Carl is best known for co-writing and singing on .38 Special's 'Second Chance' in 1989, lead guitarist Bruce Kulick, who played with KISS from 1984 to 1996, and keyboardist Tim Cashion, who has toured with Robert Palmer and Bob Seger.

In 2013, Don will hit a milestone birthday - the perfect time for reflection on life both in - and out - of the music business.

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