Grand Funk Railroad (often shortened to Grand Funk) is an American rock band formed in Flint, Michigan, in 1969 by Mark Farner (vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica), Don Brewer (drums, vocals) and Mel Schacher (bass). The band achieved peak popularity and success during the 1970s with hit songs such as "We're an American Band", "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)", "Some Kind of Wonderful" (a cover of Soul Brothers Six), "Walk Like a Man", "The Loco-Motion" (a cover of Little Eva), "Bad Time" and "Inside Looking Out" (a cover of the Animals). Grand Funk released six platinum and seven gold-certified albums between their recording debut in 1969 and their first disbandment in 1976.
Known for a crowd-pleasing arena rock style, the band toured extensively and played to packed arenas worldwide, and was well-regarded by audiences despite a relative lack of critical praise. The original trio reunited at various times later into the band's career; after Farner's final departure in 1998, Brewer and Schacher have continued touring as Grand Funk Railroad.
Also Known As: Grand Funk, GFR
Members:
Don Brewer - drums, lead and backing vocals (1969-1976, 1981-1983, 1996-1998, 2000-present)
Mel Schacher - bass guitar (1969-1976, 2000-present)
Max Carl - lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar (2000-present)
Tim Cashion - keyboards, backing vocals (2000-present)
Mark Chatfield - lead guitar, backing vocals (2024-present)
Former members:
Mark Farner - lead and backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, keyboards, harmonica (1969-1976, 1981-1983, 1996-1998)
Craig Frost - keyboards, backing vocals (1973-1976; guest 2005-2012)
Lorraine Feather - backing vocals (1974-1975)
Jana Giglio - backing vocals (1974-1975)
Dennis Bellinger - bass guitar, backing vocals (1981-1983)
Rick Baker - keyboards, synthesizer (1981-1983)
Howard Eddy, Jr. - keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1996-1998)
Bruce Kulick - lead guitar, backing vocals (2000-2023)
Stanley Sheldon - bass guitar (2018; substitute for Mel Schacher)
From: Flint, Michigan, U.S.
Genre(s):
Hard rock
Active From: 1969-1976, 1981-1983, 1996-1998, 2000-present