In the early ’70s, you didn’t get much bigger than Grand Funk Railroad, the band known for rock standards including “We’re an American Band” and “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home.”
Thanks to steadfast radio play and pop culture awareness, including a presence in films, TV and video games, Grand Funk Railroad continues chugging. The current lineup features founding members Don Brewer (drums and vocals) and Mel Schacher (bass), along with former .38 Special vocalist Max Carl, former Kiss ax man Bruce Kulick, and keyboard player Tim Cashion.
Brewer recently put down his sticks to talk about the band’s pivotal appearance at the Atlanta International Pop Festival, and playing for a new generation.
Q: The band’s appearance at the 1969 Atlanta International Pop Festival was a big turning point, right?
A: It was. They put us on on opening day. Nobody had ever heard of us, and we walked out cold in front of 30,000 to 40,000 [people]. At the end of the show, they gave us a standing ovation. ... And so the promoter was very impressed, and he put us on at a better time slot the next day. Again, the crowd went crazy, because we had kind of become the word-of-mouth band around the festival. And then on the third day, they put us on at an even better time slot. So we came out of that three-day weekend with everybody in the Southeast knowing who Grand Funk Railroad was. And the record company took notice, and all of a sudden, it sort of snowballed from there. ... And it turned into two tours and two albums a year for the next six years. So we were either on the road or in the studio rehearsing and recording, and getting ready to do the next tour. It was just like bang, bang, bang. That's how you did it back then.
Q: You wrote and sang on the track “We’re an American Band,” which is about the wild days on the road. So what’s it like touring in 2010 vs. 1973?
A: Well, I hate to use the term, but we're not the new kids on the block. But we were then. We were like the new, hot, upcoming band. Now we're a classic rock band, which to me is an honor to be in this situation. Here we are coming up on 41 years of Grand Funk Railroad, and we've got three generations of people that know the songs. ... It's a whole different situation other than the fact we're still a high-energy rock band, and we try to get the people up on their feet and having a good time.
Q: How does it feel to be in Homer Simpson’s favorite band?
A: [Laughs] I think that was a great honor. ["The Simpsons" producers] contacted me. I co-wrote the song "Shinin' On," and they wanted to use it in the episode when Homer is going to [a music festival] and he has the radio on. The song comes on the radio ... and he proceeds to tell the kids about Grand Funk Railroad and mentions each guy by name. It was terrific.
Concert preview
Grand Funk Railroad. 8 p.m. Aug. 28. $30-$39; $400-$500 for table for eight. The Villages Amphitheater, 301 LaFayette Ave., Fayetteville. 770-719-4173, www.villagesamphitheater.com
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