From: owner-grand-funk To: grand-funk-digest Subject: grand-funk-digest V1 #35 Reply-To: grand-funk@roadkill.com Errors-To: owner-grand-funk Precedence: bulk grand-funk-digest Friday, 18 April 1997 Volume 01 : Number 035 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rzberf@aol.com Date: Wed, 16 Apr 1997 17:17:50 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Where to get Survival Well I don't mean to differ with you but here is the catologue # for survival. CAPITAL COMPACT DISC:CDP 0777 7 94202 3 3 , IT HAS CAPITAL RECORDS ALL OVER IT !! ------------------------------ From: JferSha@aol.com Date: Wed, 16 Apr 1997 18:20:34 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Get Your Check Books Out! I'm just waiting on e-mail from Grand Funk saying that they're sending free tickets and back stage passes to me. I hope they hurry....I've already turned blue from holding my breath. Let me know when you're heading west down I-30 past Texarkana and you can drop in for a soda (diet of course - us mid-aged people gotta watch the waste line). ------------------------------ From: "Michael Catalano" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 97 5:33:00 EDT Subject: Anyone have $501.00? Q104's segway went something like this: "...And that was Edgar Winter's 'Free Ride', but there are no free rides today. We want you to pay, pay, pay. Toady's the day we're auctioning off front row seats to our Grand Funk Railroad Concert next Friday the 25th. The package includes front row seats, back stage passes and the complete GFR CD box set. Comon' people, Grand Funk Railroad, I mean these boys ROCK...." So, as of 07:15 EST the bid was at $500.00. Do we have any takers? It's a little steep for me. Well, if you're interested do call NYC's Classic Q--Rock at 212 864-1043. I can't get Q-Rock here in my building at work. If any of you locals listen during the day, keep us posted as to how much these tix end up going for. Keep it Rockin' Mick ------------------------------ From: steelhorse Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 07:23:06 -0700 Subject: Shinin' On I was listening to Shinin' On this morning on the way to work. I'm probably gonna embarass myself with this question, but I'm shallow and self-centered so I'll get over it quick :-). Does anyone know what the song is really about? Been wondering for years... ------------------------------ From: steelhorse Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:11:42 -0700 Subject: GFR on AOL Tonight's the night for GFR to be live on AOL at 9 Eastern. Once again, corporate America has reared its ugly head in my life, and even though I'll be at work, I won't be able to surf the net then like I normally do during the day ('ah, poor baby' you say?). Gotta problem involving managers here and won't be able to get away with it.... Anyway, I was wondering if someone that intends and does hook up on AOL find out for me (and probably all the others here on roadkill) if Mark, Don, or Mel have an internet address (wouldn't THAT be awesome? Could you imagine them subscribing to roadkill, too???). Or if there is a site for fan mail that would be read by them. Or if there are ideas/plans to create an internet site hosted by themselves? (Ted Nugent has one for crying out loud, and I know how much he's "loved" here!). Sunny Quinn has declared she is the source for GFR news (does this still stand?, dunno). I'd like to know if the boys are planning a full blown tour in '97 beyond NYC, Detroit, LA, Vegas. When's that new album going to be released? Is Detroit still going to be taped for video? And do the boys really, really know what they mean to us? ------------------------------ From: "William A. Parrette" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 09:25:28 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Shinin' On Hi all, On Thu, 17 Apr 1997, steelhorse wrote: > I was listening to Shinin' On this morning on the way to work ... > Does anyone know what the song is really about? Been wondering for > years... Hmmmmm ... We are winners and losers, bed fellow choosers, Put here to pass by the times. We are space-age sailors, all had our failures, Now everybody gonna' shine. Keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin' on. See the fire within them burnin', Touch the fire make me feel so fine. Keep the fire within you livin' Everybody gonna' shine, shine, shine. Keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin', shinin' on. Keep it shinin' on. Shinin' on. Shinin' on. What? Well, alright. Keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin', shinin' on. Keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin' on, shinin' on, shinin' on. Keep it shinin', keep it shinin', keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin', keep it shinin', keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin', keep it shinin', keep it shinin' on. (and so on, in rounds) Well, it seems to say to me that we are a mix of humanity here on this planet. And, we've seen some good times and bad times. But, there's a spark of hope that keeps "shinin' on" in each and every one of us so the future continues to look bright. Waddya' think? Maybe I'm being a little new-age sappy here but that's kind of what it sounds like to me. Take care, I've tried to grok it in fullness ... Bill-- ...who heard that "Home, Sweet Home" was written by a bachelor. +-oOOo---oOOo------+ +--------------------------+--------------------------+------------------+ |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | || || (42?) | |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| ||/|_|\|| / | | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | \\ @ @ // | +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+--- ( V ) --------+ / O \ ------------------------------ From: Bugsy41157@aol.com Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 09:25:44 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Radio Funk Talk Hey Gang, The radio station involved with the Beacon gig, Q104.3 NCY, just got done auctioning off two pairs of front row tix/backstage passes/CD sets. They went for $1410.00 & $1350.00 to guys from NJ and Long Island (did you hear that Mick!). It was great listening to all the talk about the band by the lame DJs (somehow I missed an on-air interview with the boys yesterday). Alot of talk how they still look good and the female DJs clamoring to get their attention. The DJs also gave the impression that the boys are genuinely excited about the upcoming shows. Also mentioned was the fact that Mark wrote a song with someone (I believe the name was Jack Blades) called "Dance All Night". It could possibly be played in the shows. Get this. During the entire time I was listening (approx. 1 1/2 hrs.) they did not play one friggin' GFR tune! What a bunch of dopes! Bugsy...Alrighta! ------------------------------ From: "mike feldt" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 06:26:29 PDT Subject: CD boxed set Are the rumors about a gfr boxed set true? Should I send the three gfr cds back that I just received? What is a funkster to do? Mike in Montana Down my country road... - --------------------------------------------------------- Get Your *Web-Based* Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com - --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ From: "William A. Parrette" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 09:43:45 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: CD boxed set Hi all, On Thu, 17 Apr 1997, mike feldt wrote: > Are the rumors about a gfr boxed set true? Should I send the three gfr cds back > that I just received? What is a funkster to do? Hmmmmm ... what *is* a Funk fan to do? The rumors started last summer during the mini-reunion. Some- one said that the band (Mel in particular) had mentioned that a box-set was in the works. And, the rumor continues to this day. (I guess it doesn't help that I've got the rumor posted on my site. :-) ) I've actually talked to someone at Capitol records and they would not verify that any such project was in the works. I've talked with Mark Farner's biographer and he said that he has not heard of any firm plans for such a project. I've tried snail- mailing a couple of other folks -- including Punch Enterprises, who is supposed to be working on the CD re-releases with Capitol -- and again have not received a response. With all of this slapping me in the face, I can only assume that there is no work being done on a Grand Funk box set at this time. Maybe one of the list members who is a little closer to the band can shed some light on this subject. In any event, can one have too many Grand Funk CDs? ;-) Take care, grok in fullness ... Bill-- ...who, when in doubt, does what the President does -- guesses. (42) __, \ -==<' `\ +--------------------------+--------------------------+- \ --- ) / ------+ |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | / (_, | |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| | ,-,`\ | | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | \\ \ \ | +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+------- `\, \ \ --+ ||\ \`|, _|| `=`-' ------------------------------ From: "Michael Catalano" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 97 7:37:38 EDT Subject: re: Radio Funk Talk Bugman, This station, Q104 "The New Classic Rock of NY", is about as lame as they come. Another "Classic Clone". The DJs (in the morning Donna-Donna and her sidekick) seem like they are knowledgeless jerks reading from a script. I've been trying to catch a GFR tune on this station for months -- haven't heard one yet! It's no surprise to me that you didn't hear anything during your hour-and-a-half. Another case in point...I didn't hear any mention of the boys being on the show yesterday. Maybe I'm just numb from all this hype and not paying attention or it could be the deafness thing from the front row at Hershey in '75. I don't know, but it sure is frustrating hearing about this crap AFTER the fact. And for some reason this station has the market cornered on the upcoming Beacon show. None of the other Classic Rock stations have even mentioned it (at least while I've been listening). Fourteen hundred some-odd bucks, huh? For that kinda cash I'd have to be guarenteed an overnight stay and my pick of the litter. Outa my league, man. Mick ps -- isn't "...New Classic..." oxymoronic? - ------------- Original Text From: Bugsy41157@aol.com, on 4/17/97 9:25 AM: Hey Gang, The radio station involved with the Beacon gig, Q104.3 NCY, just got done auctioning off two pairs of front row tix/backstage passes/CD sets. They went for $1410.00 & $1350.00 to guys from NJ and Long Island (did you hear that Mick!). It was great listening to all the talk about the band by the lame DJs (somehow I missed an on-air interview with the boys yesterday). Alot of talk how they still look good and the female DJs clamoring to get their attention. The DJs also gave the impression that the boys are genuinely excited about the upcoming shows. Also mentioned was the fact that Mark wrote a song with someone (I believe the name was Jack Blades) called "Dance All Night". It could possibly be played in the shows. Get this. During the entire time I was listening (approx. 1 1/2 hrs.) they did not play one friggin' GFR tune! What a bunch of dopes! Bugsy...Alrighta! ------------------------------ From: "Michael Catalano" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 97 7:53:18 EDT Subject: re: CD boxed set Mike, Never, I say NEVER, send anything back with the words "GRAND FUNK RAIROAD" on it. I just went through a pile of my old GFR pix and posters and stuff. Noticed that I bought two and three copies of the same magazines so I could put both sides of a page up on my wall. Speaking of old pictures, I came across the picture (or the answer) related to my brother and my trivia question posted on Jeff's site. It's the one about Brewer changing his drum kit setup for a brief period of time during one of the tours. Maybe Jeff could scan in this picture and a picture of Donnie's "regular" red Ludwigs side by side. Mick - ------------- Original Text From: "mike feldt" , on 4/17/97 6:26 AM: Are the rumors about a gfr boxed set true? Should I send the three gfr cds back that I just received? What is a funkster to do? Mike in Montana Down my country road... - --------------------------------------------------------- Get Your *Web-Based* Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com - --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ From: "Michael Catalano" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 97 8:01:59 EDT Subject: Re: Shinin' On Exactly. I agree with WAPman. Mick - ------------- Original Text From: "William A. Parrette" , on 4/17/97 9:25 AM: Hi all, On Thu, 17 Apr 1997, steelhorse wrote: > I was listening to Shinin' On this morning on the way to work ... > Does anyone know what the song is really about? Been wondering for > years... Hmmmmm ... We are winners and losers, bed fellow choosers, Put here to pass by the times. We are space-age sailors, all had our failures, Now everybody gonna' shine. Keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin' on. See the fire within them burnin', Touch the fire make me feel so fine. Keep the fire within you livin' Everybody gonna' shine, shine, shine. Keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin', shinin' on. Keep it shinin' on. Shinin' on. Shinin' on. What? Well, alright. Keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin', shinin' on. Keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin' on, shinin' on, shinin' on. Keep it shinin', keep it shinin', keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin', keep it shinin', keep it shinin' on. Keep it shinin', keep it shinin', keep it shinin' on. (and so on, in rounds) Well, it seems to say to me that we are a mix of humanity here on this planet. And, we've seen some good times and bad times. But, there's a spark of hope that keeps "shinin' on" in each and every one of us so the future continues to look bright. Waddya' think? Maybe I'm being a little new-age sappy here but that's kind of what it sounds like to me. Take care, I've tried to grok it in fullness ... Bill-- ...who heard that "Home, Sweet Home" was written by a bachelor. +-oOOo---oOOo------+ +--------------------------+--------------------------+------------------+ |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | || || (42?) | |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| ||/|_|\|| / | | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | \\ @ @ // | +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+--- ( V ) --------+ / O \ ------------------------------ From: Stan Pace Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 10:56:23 -0400 Subject: GFR CDs I can only admit this to people other than my wife, but I'm confused. I have some GFR CDs, but I'm not certain that I have all of the US CDs available. I do not have Survival, but recent messages seem to indicate that a US version is out. Call me overly patriotic, but I am waiting for Capitol/CEMA/Collectors Pipeline etc. to release US CDs. There's something unappealing about GFR music and photos covered with Japanese writing. . . The boxed set would be great, but I would really like to have CDs of ALL the albums. Just imagine GFR's powerful music without scratches! I'm not sure who our resident expert is on this subject. It would really be nice to have a constantly updated matrix that shows the albums, availability of CDs/tape, and sources. Finally, I know some of you folks are hitting the road for the shows. I envy you. Do me one favor and yell for me "Turn it up!". Be prepared for full reports for us less fortunate souls. Maybe, just maybe they'll play Virginia Beach . . . Take care, brothers and sisters. Stan Stan Pace U.S. Atlantic Command Joint Training, Analysis and Simulation Center ------------------------------ From: "Michael Catalano" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 97 11:30:51 EDT Subject: Jeff's Site and Other Stuff Seems as though you can't post to Jeff's site anymore. I tried to say thatnks and to let us know when starts the site up again. Definately gonna miss this one...kinda got hooked. Good luck to you Jeff, I really appreciate all you've done for me. So, Bill, are you gonna take over the "log book" thing? Roger Hitchcock -- If you're part of this chat: I read your last post on Jeff's site asking about what Mark did during Into the Sun and (?) [zoned out!] to get the fans going crazy. Well, I have this audio bootleg of GFR at the Filmore in '70. Someone close to the mic (doing the recording) says, "Check this out, this is where he (Farner) throws his guitar up in the air and catches it. The fans are going wild. Maybe this is what he did to drive them to insanity. Good Luck to everyone attending the Auburn Hills show this coming weekend. You guys are gonna have a blast! We want to hear all about it on Monday. How are those Funkengruven T-shirts coming along? Are they gonna make to the show Sunday? Too much going on... Mick ------------------------------ From: jmaijala@sprynet.com Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 12:09:29 -0700 Subject: Re: Shinin' On Don't go into brain strain trying to figure out lyrics. It obviously means that no matter what your circumstance you can always do better, or keep trying. Don't be so apathetic, you know, that kind of stuff. Why don't I just shut up. Jim Maijala ------------------------------ From: Phil Catalano Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 13:48:08 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: Anyone have $501.00? On Thu, 17 Apr 1997, Michael Catalano wrote: > Q104's segway went something like this: "...And that was Edgar Winter's > 'Free Ride', but there are no free rides today. We want you to pay, pay, > pay. Toady's the day we're auctioning off front row seats to our Grand > Funk Railroad Concert next Friday the 25th. The package includes front row > seats, back stage passes and the complete GFR CD box set. Comon' people, > Grand Funk Railroad, I mean these boys ROCK...." What "complete GFR CD box set."???????????????? That's interesting! Phil ------------------------------ From: Phil Catalano Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 13:53:27 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: Shinin' On > > Well, it seems to say to me that we are a mix of humanity here > on this planet. And, we've seen some good times and bad times. > But, there's a spark of hope that keeps "shinin' on" in each and > every one of us so the future continues to look bright. I would say that's pretty good, Bill! I aint gonna argue with it! maybe someone on AOL could ask the boys tonight! Phil ------------------------------ From: Phil Catalano Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 13:56:22 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: CD boxed set > > Are the rumors about a gfr boxed set true? Should I send the three gfr cds back > that I just received? What is a funkster to do? KEEP 'EM ALL FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Phil ------------------------------ From: Phil Catalano Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 14:08:05 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: Jeff's Site and Other Stuff > > Roger Hitchcock -- If you're part of this chat: I read your last post on > Jeff's site asking about what Mark did during Into the Sun and (?) [zoned > out!] to get the fans going crazy. Well, I have this audio bootleg of GFR > at the Filmore in '70. Someone close to the mic (doing the recording) says, > "Check this out, this is where he (Farner) throws his guitar up in the air > and catches it. The fans are going wild. Maybe this is what he did to > drive them to insanity. Also, check out the video of Into The Sun. It's from like '69 time frame and Farner does like a Hendrix thing...Wailing his guitar all over the place. He's pretty much outta control. I can't remember if he actually throws his guitar up or not. Speaking of throwing his guitar up in the air I always thought he did that on In Need also, on the live album. I think it's somewhere between his harp solo and guitar solo? I can't remember exactly where and who knows if that's what he's actually doing. But you can hear him (or Brewer) go WHEW! and you can hear the guitar feedback or something, maybe when he throws it up or catches it?? Maybe someone who saw them back then can confirm... Phil ------------------------------ From: Phil Catalano Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 14:59:26 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: Grand Funk Sold Out? (fwd) - --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= Phil Catalano phil.catalano@mci.com - --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 16 Apr 1997 12:12:51 -0800 From: concerts@nederlander.com To: Phil Catalano Subject: Re: Grand Funk Sold Out? >Hi, > >I've got a question for you. Is the Grand Funk concert at the Greek >Theatre on May 2, 1997 sold out? > >Thanks, >Phil Nope, not yet. Nederlander Concerts concerts@nederlander.com http://www.nederlander.com ------------------------------ From: "Michael Catalano" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 97 15:12:51 EDT Subject: Re: Anyone have $501.00? Uh oh, did I say, "box set?" Guess I did! I meant to say something like, "their complete library on CD", you know the ones that are available. Sorry, for the confusion. Man, I hope everyone's not running out to the store looking for a BOX SET. Lame on Long Island, Mick - ------------- Original Text From: Phil Catalano , on 4/17/97 1:48 PM: On Thu, 17 Apr 1997, Michael Catalano wrote: > Q104's segway went something like this: "...And that was Edgar Winter's > 'Free Ride', but there are no free rides today. We want you to pay, pay, > pay. Toady's the day we're auctioning off front row seats to our Grand > Funk Railroad Concert next Friday the 25th. The package includes front row > seats, back stage passes and the complete GFR CD box set. Comon' people, > Grand Funk Railroad, I mean these boys ROCK...." What "complete GFR CD box set."???????????????? That's interesting! Phil - - ------------------------------ From: "Michael Catalano" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 97 15:18:44 EDT Subject: GSGP & BTD Tape; GMA Tapes Robert, I'm taping those two albums for you as I type. I'll try and get it in the mail tomorrow. And to everyone else who wanted a copy of the GMA gig -- I've made arrangements to start making copies tomorrow. Please be patient, I have alot going on here. Thanks. Taping on LI, Mick ------------------------------ From: ddevers@viagrafix.com (Doug Devers) Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 16:35:29 -0500 Subject: ATTN: Jeff Cochrane Jeff- I lost your original message, but the money order arrived today, and "E Pluribus" is enjoying the tender ministrations of the U.S. Postal Service even as I write this! Let me know when it arrives! - - Doug "So what if you can't fool all the people all the time; most of them aren't paying attention in the first place." ddevers@viagrafix.com ------------------------------ From: Mike Butler <1kfunkrr@vegasnet.net> Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 15:02:52 -0700 Subject: Funkengruven T's I was hoping to have the T's in my grubby hands by now . . . no such luck. I ended up ordering them from two different places, just in case one fell through. I told them both that if I didn't have them by Friday - I would cancel the order. So far both are taking it up to the limit. Both said today they would be done Friday. I'll let you guys know the instant I have them. One of these guys has to come through! - -=Mike=- ------------------------------ From: Phil Catalano Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 16:46:37 -0600 (MDT) Subject: AOL Questions For any of you AOL folks who will be chatting with the boys tonight, here are some questions that I came up with in case you're looking for more questions. Thanks, Phil 1. Why did you guys break up? We want the truth, nothing but the truth! 2. What's up with Craig? 3. What are your favorite GFR tunes? 4. How do you decide which set of tunes you'll play on a certain tour? 5. How do you decide which set of tunes you'll play for a given show? 6. How do you go about writing a tune, from beginning to end? 7. For tunes that Mark wrote and Don sang, how did you decide that? 8. Mel...what have you been doing the last 20 years? 9. Don...what have you been doing when not doing the Bob Seger thing? 10. Will ALL of the GFR CDs ever be released? Especially Born To Die and Good Singin' Good Playin'? 11. I've read several articles that said you guys initially did The Locomotion as a goof. That I can understand. But then after that it seems like you continued down that same pop road with Some Kind Of Wonderful, etc... Why? 12. How come you always play The Locomotion and Some Kind Of Wonderful? I think most of the fans would rather see like Upsetter and I Come Tumblin' for example. 13. How come you decided to do another album (Good Singin' Good Playin') instead of touring after Born To Die? 14. When Mark and Don regrouped with Dennis Bellenger, why wasn't Mel there instead? - --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= Phil Catalano phil.catalano@mci.com - --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= ------------------------------ From: Phil Catalano Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 16:53:27 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Detroit News Article Hey guys, I just found this article out on the Detroit News page: http://detnews.com/SHOWTIME/9704/17/funk/funk.htm Enjoy... Thursday, April 17, 1997 =20 Grand Funk tour aids Bosnians By Lisa Jackson/ The Detroit News Just because they're an American band doesn't mean Grand Funk Railroad can'= t help their friends overseas. Mark Farner, Don Brewer and Mel Schacher are reuniting for a series of bene= fit concerts beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Tickets are $22.50 and $12.50 and proceeds will go to the Bosnian Relief Fu= nd, which provides medical supplies and food. "We're so stunned by what we've heard and seen through our manager, David F= ishof," Farner says. Fishof is acquainted with several overseas consulates, who proposed the ide= a of a benefit. This isn't the first time Grand Funk has lent a helping hand. Phoenix House= drug rehabilitation centers in New York and the American Red Cross benefited fro= m Grand Funk performances in the 70s. "We can't fix the problem, but we can draw attention to it. Media outlets = drop stories very quickly and move on to the next," Farner says. The band reunited last year after a string of successful shows. Farner admi= ts to some nervousness among band members. "We didn't want to compromise ourselves or the audiences. When you are awa= y from performing for a while you doubt your abilities," he says. Fortunately, audiences wanted to hear Grand Funk's back to basics rock. All= 14 shows are sold out. "People want to hear 'up' stuff. Motown. Rock. None of this depressing stuf= f," he says. Following the benefit tour, Grand Funk begins work with producer Ron Neviso= n on new songs, but Farner doesn't know what will result. "We're talking to reco= rd labels now. This isn't a temporary thing. We're doing it for the long haul= ," he says. Copyright =A9 1997, The Detroit News=20 - --=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--= =3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D Phil Catalano phil.catalano@mci.com - --=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--= =3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D=3D--=3D ------------------------------ From: Donna Wightman Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 16:16:04 -0700 Subject: Re: Radio Funk Talk Bugsy...Alrighta! wrote: >Also mentioned was the fact that Mark wrote a song with someone (I >believe the name was Jack Blades) called "Dance All Night". It could >possibly be played in the shows. Just in case you didn't know, Jack Blades is the bass player from Damn Yankees (Ted Nugent, Tommy Shaw) and he was also with Night Ranger. Incredible song writer, singer and bass player (IMO) Cute too!!! Donna ------------------------------ From: Donna Wightman Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 16:36:11 -0700 Subject: Re: Detroit News Article Hey all: (From the Detroit news article) >Fortunately, audiences wanted to hear Grand Funk's back to basics rock. >All 14 shows are sold out. Am I missing something here? What 14 shows? Or was she referring to the shows last summer? Donna ------------------------------ From: Bugsy41157@aol.com Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 22:15:18 -0400 (EDT) Subject: GFR On AOL Hi Gang, Just got done with the AOL thing. Mark represented the band. I tryed to get a question through asking Mark if he had knowledge of our list, but it never made it. Someone asked him if if he was aware of on-line things going on. He responded that he had heard rumors and when he got a moment that he would check it out. Bugsy...Alrighta! PS Holy s---! Brodeur just scored! ------------------------------ From: "G. Jeffrey Gower" Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 23:08:38 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Hi Everyone Hello folks. I just found out about the GFR mailing list and subscribed immediately. I've been a GFR enthusiast for many years, since I first heard the great "I'm Your Captain" in the early 70s. I still think that the compilation "Mark, Don & Mel" is one of the greatest releases in R&R history! MD&M were everywhere in those days, in all the rock magazines and such. I'm sure many here can relate! I was also a big Todd Rundgren fan back then (until about 1977 when he spent WAY too much time with the wimpy second-edition Utopia band, and his own albums were filled with pop ditties!), but I didn't think that his production was "good for" GFR really - two very different styles. The WAAB album was great, of course, but I thought that parts of it, and especially the SO album, were too "over-produced", as were many of Rundgren's production efforts at that time, IMO. Like many here, I prefer BY FAR the early trio recordings. There was that raw energy, rhythmic vitality, and sound-spacial awareness that was the GFR trademark in the early days. Rundgren kept trying to "fill out the sound" with his studio wizardry and such, and as a result it ended up flattening out the dynamics of the band, I think. I remember reading Rundgren saying (in Circus magazine, I think) that he chose to produce GFR because he said "here were some pretty talented guys, with some of the worst-produced albums I have ever heard" (paraphrased, but not by much). Yeah, right, Todd - two of your masterpieces, "A Wizard A True Star" and "Initiation", were almost ruined by your trademark over-production and re-workings until the sound was so tinny and the arrangements overdense, etc.. Also, I never liked the idea of GFR's doing covers of others' pop tunes, like "Locomotion", "SKOW", "WGGOOTP", etc.. Yeah, "Gimme Shelter" was great, but heh, it is just a great song to begin with, and it fit in welll with the early GFR band's sound. But Rundgren's idea to do "Loco" was misdirected, I think, even though it brought in the big $ and lotsa new young fans. I think it hurt GFR in the long run. Oh well... I must say that I was initially very confused with ATGITWB album (horns, etc.), but some tunes grew on me after a while - had I not been the huge GFR fan at the time, I kinda doubt I would have given it the chance, though. But BTD was good, and I really liked the Zappa-produced GSGP alot! Great album, and the instrumental tune with Zappa on guitar - excellent playing of course, although I would have rather heard Mark do it, you know? The Farner solo albums were disappointing - sorry, folks. I never got into them, no matter how hard I tried. But parts of the 80s GF albums were pretty good, especially the WF album - some really nice tunes on that one, but I didn't care for Mark's new guitar sound on much of that album - chorus/phase/flanged sound, you know? I preferred his older crunchier sound. But hey, sound of the times, and all that... The last time I saw Mark was in 86 or 87, I believe, when he played in a bar in Raleigh, NC called The Lone Star (I think it was...I no longer live there). He had the Skynyrd keyboard man with him, I think. The place was quite empty really. I got there early (8 o'clock) and sat through all the opening act BS, and then there was another LONG wait until Mark finally came out (seems like it was 11 or 12 o'clock by then!). He came out and played organ for the opening of "Footstompin Music", and switched to guitar for the lead - sounded GREAT!! The whole show was great, actually, although I don't think there were 100 people in the whole bar, and many of them were just talking and socializing as if there was just another bar band up there. Did anyone here go to this show? I remember one REALLY enthusiastic Funkaphile who danced wildly and yelled out to Mark constantly with stuff like "I love you, man!". Haha. This guy brought Mark a Budweiser, placing it on the stage at the base of the microphone stand, and Mark never touched it. Mark said that he "smoked enough grass to fill this bar" and that he never touches that stuff anymore, and went on with his Christianity stuff. Some guy kept yelling for Mark to play "Sin's a Good Man's Brother", to no avail of course. I really wanted to hear "TNUC" but didn't really think I would, and I didn't! Haha. Afterwards, at about 2 am, I and a few others went backstage and met Mark, and like everyone says, he was a genuinely nice guy, more than willing to talk with anyone who came backstage. Anyway, that was 10 years ago, and I haven't heard much else about GFR until the last few years. One of my bands in the late 80s and early 90s did alot of GFR tunes, however - we did WAAB, IYC, ITS, TM, and a few others. Anyway, it's really good to be reading these posts about this music, and I am now in the process of getting the CDs to replace my old worn-out LPs. Thanks to all for bringing this great music back to mind after several "dry" years. Haha. It truly is some of the best R&R ever done, anywhere, anytime. Later, Jeff ------------------------------ From: LMcdan1313@aol.com Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 23:10:22 -0400 (EDT) Subject: AOL live with GFR Some highlights of tonight's GFR live on AOL: Farner represented the band and a number of questions were asked, obviously screened in advance, but we'll take what we can get. They will tour USA from July to Sept.,no dates or cities verified, band is playing for FREE in the 3 Bosnian relief shows; Mark will continue to do Christian music and shows but will play jails,prisons,drug rehabs, juvenile centers without a band; he has a biography out this summer called Mark Farner,Closer to Home, written by Joe Gavlick. He has a store in Onaway,MI and an 80 acre farm in northwest Michigan. He also said he still uses the same amps he used in their first big gig in Atlanta in 1969 in front of 185,000 fans. He prefers analog for the harmonic distortion. If I think of more I will post it, they were obviously tight-lipped about the upcoming shows and new recordings. Larry ------------------------------ From: CarlaH123@aol.com Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 23:33:52 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Greek Theatre information If you're going to the concert at the Greek Theatre and you've never been there before and/or aren't familiar with the Los Angeles area, here are some helpful hints you should know in advance: GETTING TO THE GREEK THEATRE: If you're one of the many people coming from out of town and staying at a place near the airport, be advised that the airport is all the away across town from the Greek Theatre. With Los Angeles being as spread out as it is, "across town" can mean up to a 45-minute drive away if traffic is bad. A *one-way* cab drive from the airport area to the Greek Theatre area will cost you about $30-$40. It's better to rent a car and carpool if possible. PARKING: The Greek Theatre is in a hilly, somewhat isolated area. Parking at the Greek Theatre is kind of a hassle because it's a big dirt area without any designated parking spaces. So after the concert, if you have the bad luck of having cars blocking your ability to exit, you have to wait for those people to come back and move their cars before you can move your car. There will be parking ushers telling you where to park, so most likely you won't have much of a choice on where you end up parking. There's a free VIP parking section that has normal parking spaces, but in order to have access to this VIP section, you have to be on the pre-approved guest list. The VIP section is usally reserved for music industry people and guests of the band. If you don't have access to the VIP section, you'll have to park in the dirt area like everyone else. If that's the case, try to park in a spot where you can exit easily and you won't be "boxed in" by other cars. And of course there's a parking fee, which I believe is $5-$10. There are no nearby side residential streets to park at, so you have to use the theatre parking. 3) THE DERBY: The Derby is probably the closest bar/nightclub to the Greek Theatre, but the Derby is *not* within walking distance of the Greek Theatre. Plan to drive or take a taxi. 4) SPECIAL GRAND FUNK RADIO NOTE: When you're in L.A., tune in to the local classic rock station, 93.1 FM (Arrow 93). They play Grand Funk and will probably be talking about the concert. If anyone needs detailed directions on how to get to the Greek Theatre or the Derby, feel free to e-mail me. Hope this information helps. - -- Carla, who's definitely over 19, as certain bars in Hollywood can testify. :) ------------------------------ From: STAATS Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 23:36:50 -0400 Subject: GRAND FUNK WE WANT GRAND FUNK WE WANT GRAND FUNK WE WANT GRAND FUNK WE WANT GRAND FUNK WE WANT GRAND FUNK WE WANT GRAND FUNK OK IT'S ALL GOING TO HAPPEN IN JUST A FEW MINUTES LETS START CLEARING THE AILSE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE THE LIGHTS OFF THIS TIME .................... ------------------------------ From: steelhorse Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 07:24:00 -0700 Subject: Re: Shinin' On Phil Catalano wrote: > > > > > Well, it seems to say to me that we are a mix of humanity here > > on this planet. And, we've seen some good times and bad times. > > But, there's a spark of hope that keeps "shinin' on" in each and > > every one of us so the future continues to look bright. > Thanks to all of you for your explanations. I have gone back and listened to Shinin On off the Collector's CD, the American Band CD, and Caught in the Act. For the life of me, that one verse still sounds like "put here in the past outta time". That's what has thrown me off all these years. I thought it was some kind of song about that religious belief that one particular religion has (which I won't mention so as not to piss people off) which states your soul is basically recycled after death back into this world as a different life form. "the past outta time" led me to think that our generation (now in our 40s) were put back here, as an unfortunate stroke of luck, before our time where we found war was an accepted, normal lifestyle instead of peace as the norm as we knew it should be in the future. Kinda like that old TV series, 'The Time Tunnel'; always trying to get home, but winding up usually worse off than before. Future man in a primitive time. Okay, now I'LL shut up :-) ------------------------------ From: steelhorse Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 07:35:26 -0700 Subject: Detroit new letter > Fortunately, audiences wanted to hear Grand Funk's back to basics rock. > All 14 shows are sold out. Does anyone know if this includes the overseas concerts, or American tours? Where are the other 10? Am I being too optimistic here??? "Honor the past, Live the present, Create the future" Mike Adair aka Steelhorse Rider ------------------------------ From: "mike feldt" Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 06:31:41 PDT Subject: GFR Trvia What city, according to the press, did GFR completely and unmercifully, wail on? Hint, Mark, Don & Mel album. Mike in Montana Down my country road... - --------------------------------------------------------- Get Your *Web-Based* Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com - --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ From: "G. Jeffrey Gower" Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 09:48:31 -0400 (EDT) Subject: I'm Your Captain Hi folks. Excuse me if this is common knowledge, but I have a question about "I'm Your Captain". Do you know if Mark intentionally based this song on Walt Whitman's "Oh Captain, My Captain", or is the similarity just coincidental? Also, I once heard that this tune was a tribute to Mark's dying/sick father? Just curious. Sorry again if this is a (very)old topic. :-) Jeff ------------------------------ From: LMcdan1313@aol.com Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 10:05:03 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Farner on AOL One question I asked that did get through on AOL was about GFR video of early concerts available, that I knew of LA-74 and Texas and Cincinnati pop fests of 69 and 70. Mark replied that there is a video of their Shea Stadium performance and others, which he wasn't specific, that had been sent to him. All bootlegged of course. I would certainly like to see and own the Shea Stadium show. Larry ------------------------------ From: "Robert Bodily" Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 10:43:17 -0400 Subject: Re: I'm Your Captain > From: G. Jeffrey Gower > Subject: I'm Your Captain > Date: Friday, April 18, 1997 9:48 AM Jeff, I'm not the official list owner here (that title belongs to Bill Parrette, who also runs one of the Funk websites and without whom none of this would be possible and I'd still be wondering if I would ever see GFR again instead of having tickets to see them twice this year!), but welcome! > Do you know if Mark intentionally based this > song on Walt Whitman's "Oh Captain, My Captain", or is the similarity > just coincidental? Also, I once heard that this tune was a tribute to > Mark's dying/sick father? The word on the list here is that that song is unique in how Mark wrote it - the story has it that Mark woke up with the words going round in his head and immediately wrote them down, then wrote the music to accompany them later. That's the only GFR song for which the words were written before the music. > The last time I saw Mark was in 86 or 87, I believe, when he played in a > bar in Raleigh, NC called The Lone Star (I think it was...I no longer > live there). Could that be the Long Branch? I've been living in Raleigh since '93 and have been to the Long Branch a couple of times. The normal crowd there would certainly have fit your description (they'd probably much rather have heard Hank Williams Jr or the like). Still, that would've been a great place to have seen Mark. I, too, saw Mark solo twice in the '82-'86 timeframe in Tulsa; both times were also small venues, though not as small as the Long Branch. However, I've never had the privilege of meeting him - and from everyone else's stories on the list, I'm beginning to think I'm the only one! :-( Maybe that'll change this year, either in LA or Vegas (hint hint to those of you with close ties to the band going to either of those shows!)... Robert ------------------------------ End of grand-funk-digest V1 #35 *******************************