From: owner-grand-funk To: grand-funk-digest Subject: grand-funk-digest V1 #50 Reply-To: grand-funk@roadkill.com Errors-To: owner-grand-funk Precedence: bulk grand-funk-digest Sunday, 4 May 1997 Volume 01 : Number 050 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mike Butler <1kfunkrr@vegasnet.net> Date: Sat, 03 May 1997 16:50:45 -0700 Subject: LA show Brothers & Sisters - I can now die a happy man. What a great time we had in LA. Steve Lisuk gave a great overview of what went on. Plenty more to come! Steve Lisuk, we discovered, is an old fishing buddy of Mark Farners. He had us spellbound, telling stories of the 'good ole days'. More later. - -=Mike=- ------------------------------ From: einar@rfci.net Date: Sat, 03 May 1997 19:59:25 -0400 Subject: Re: steve lisuk wrote: > > Straight from the mouth of Mark Farner, Friday night, "All albums are in the > process of being released on CD by Capitol." I hope he knows what he is talking about. I've been hearing this since 1985. If it happens, maybe MCA will go ahead and release GSGP. That would be the icing on the cake. I have everything on CD except the two Mark Farner solo efforts and 'The Legend of Grand Funk'. Funkola ------------------------------ From: STAATS Date: Sat, 03 May 1997 20:09:23 -0400 Subject: Re: steve lisuk wrote: > > LA show was tremendous. Set list the same as other shows. Guest stars were > Slash from Guns and Roses and Billy Preston. Slash played on Time Machine > and on Locomotion with Billy Preston. Billy Preston was on keyboards on > various songs throughout the night. Reviews from netters that saw other > shows on the tour rated this one tops. > > The netters got backstage passes, courtesy Donna. Great party after the > show with open bar, hordeuves, and time socializing with the band. Watch > Donna's site for pictures of the party and concert. One netter was almost > ejected for taking pictures, but common sense intervened. The security > guard had a soft heart and let her go with camera intact after his boss was > out of sight. > > Funk tour dates will be on Donna's site Monday or Tuesday. David Fishoff > was very courteous and a very nice guy, as well as Sunny Quinn. These are > great people. David Fishoff is to be comended for bringing our Brothers > back together again after 20 years. Thank you David. It is obvious that > you are a fan of the group as well as manager. Only a true fan could put > together such a moving experience as this. > > Watch for selected cuts from The Detroit Show to appear on the new album, > along with new studio tracks. > > The band was fantastic on Jay Leno. They put in a full day Friday with > sound checks at both NBC Studios and the Greek Theatre. The Leno show was > then taped at 5 - 6 PM; they then rushed back to the Greek in time for the > 7:30 start. They never missed a lick. > > Watch Donna's site for information about an appearance on Letterman next > Wednesday or Thursday. > > All in all, it was a night that exceeded all expectations in both sound and > staging. > > Steve > > PS. Thanks to all the Netters that turned out. These are all great people. > Let's turn out in force at all of these gigs. > GREAT INFO. Steve THANKS ------------------------------ From: brad412@BLomand.Net Date: Sat, 03 May 1997 20:10:50 -0500 Subject: Beacon Show >Return-path: >Date: Sat, 03 May 1997 17:45:00 -0500 >From: Brad Durham >Subject: Beacon Show >Sender: owner-grand-funk@roadkill.com >To: GFR Roadkill >Reply-to: Brad Durham >X-MSMail-Priority: Normal >X-Authentication-warning: topquark.roadkill.com: majordomo set sender to > owner-grand-funk using -f > >FYI - > >Pollstar is reporting that the Beacon Show (4/25) was a 100% sellout. The >concert grossed $114,105. Tickets for the Beacon show were $35-$45. In >Detroit, tickets were $12.50-$22.50. > >Brad > P.S. Attendance for the Beacon Show is listed at 2,917! I thought that this was a mistake, but those are the figures in the new Pollstar. The attendance for the Palace Hills show was listed as being 15,086. ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 23:40:40 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show I just don't understand why some people are saying that they were satisfied with the way they got squeezed in on the last 5 minutes of the show! Maybe those few people who felt like that were the ones that got to see them play at the Beacon or Detroit, and have been satisfied enough. To me, that show was a slap in the face to GFR and to us true die hard fans. How does a bunch of friggin' snakes become more important then GFR's air time??? We are dealing with the all time legends of rock and roll here, and they deny them of beneficial air time? I don't think it's fair at all! Don't get me wrong. It's not GFR's fault, it's not Mr. Fishof's fault, and I'm sure it's not Leno's fault. It's the airheads who run show! GFR is back in action and they are here to make a statement. They are also bustin' their butt's for FREE!!!!!! I think they deserve much MUCH more respect for many reasons. Certainly more than some stupid snakes! The way they were treated by having to be rushed on and rushed off, it really hurt me and pissed me off! I am totally offended by this. What is that saying about the band? That they are some cheap no talent hippies trying to make a buck so lets throw them on last with only 5 minutes left??? I don't think so! If the tonight show wants to rush newer bands on and off the stage, that's fine. Newer groups don't deserve the respect and recognition that GFR deserves. Especially for their cause. They have to work for it just like GFR did. If Leno had Barry Manalow on his show, you think he would've been treated like that? He would've been able to perform a full version of one of his songs, go to a commercial, then come back for at least a nice 10 minute interview. Is GFR not worthy of this? I guess not... but the snakes are, right??? Give me a break. I just can't see how snakes deserve more time!!!! I think I better stop now because I'm just repeating myself over and over again. There's just nothing else I can say and my feelings won't change. But do me one favor. If anyone can give me ONE GOOD REASON how a bunch of snakes deserves more air time than the BEST rock trio in the universe, then please tell me why! Paul <--- is frustrated! Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: kblackle@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 21:45:49 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show Hi! I agree with your comments about the Tonight Show, It was good exposure and a good gig for a band, that has been out of the limelight for twenty years. Despite what we might think, GFR are not "Rock Legends" to most folks but a sucessful band from twenty years ago that many have forgotten about. As such, I thought they were treated very well. Ken ------------------------------ From: "Edgardo C. Ledesma" Date: Sun, 04 May 1997 13:25:10 -0700 Subject: leno show i've been listening to grand funk since their survival album,but it was my first time to see them play last.but i think leno should have interviewed they after they played. to all the guys who reported on the beacon show,thank you.you guys made me feel like i was also at the concert.i hope to see GFR in one of my visits to the U.S.A. bing-bong philippines ------------------------------ From: jmaijala@sprynet.com Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 21:46:51 -0700 Subject: Re: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show Paul, Paul, The tonight show is for the entire nation, not just Funkheads like us. It has to appeal to a vast cross-section of the viewing public. 20 years ago, GFR would never have gotten on a primetime network show like the Carson show. They probably would not have wanted to be on an "establishment show" back then. Remember, GFR went against the grain in alot of respects. They were individuals that did could not be pigeon-holed into any single catagory . . so . . it is a miracle that they were on the "Tonight Show" at all. Besides, I thought the Snake bit was pretty good. Maybe we should introduce the guy who wrote the Newsday review to the Anaconda. I can see it on the news now . . ."Giant Snake devoures free lance writer . .and in the sports world, The Flyers come back to take a win in the last minute of regulation . . . record heat today as floods ravage the midwest." Anyway, GFR will always be close to our hearts, be we are the proud Funkheads. Not everyone is. Jim Maijala ------------------------------ From: thesonics@earthlink.net (Jay Siekierski) Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 22:05:02 -0700 (PDT) Subject: FUNK FROM DOWN UNDER Hey Funkers! Dig this! A friend just wrote me from Down under Austraila that she got me dig this an Aussie lp of SHININ' ON IN MINT CONDITION with the cover TOTALLY IN TACT and inner sleeve! Some people say there original lp came with a poster? i had the original first print and never got one? can any funkhead verify this? I'm also getting LIVE ALBUM on CD from CAPITOL AUSTRAILA! please if you can answer that question its appreciated! Jayola digging CAUGHT IN THE ACT! ON FULL FUNKING VOLUME! (well at a better than decent apt. level that is shaking S.F.!) The Sonics:The All Music Site! Closer To Home & Shinin' On! Music Editor: Jay'Sonics'Siekierski http://home.earthlink.net/~thesonics/ ------------------------------ From: steve lisuk Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 22:05:10 -0700 Subject: [none] Rumor has it that Letterman will only let the band do a comedy sketch on his show Thursday night. E-mail Letterman and let him know how you expect the people's band to be treated! Tell him why Jay is beating him in the ratings. Is Dave totally losing it! Would he treat such retro rockers as th Beatles, Stones, Cream, or Springsteen this way? Get with it Dave! Listen to Paul, Will, and Anton! Beat Jay to the cutting edge - give GFR a full half hour! Interview them, let them play their music the way THEY want to play it. Don't settle for anything less! E-mail Dave today! ------------------------------ From: steve lisuk Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 22:16:18 -0700 Subject: [none] Rumor has it that Grand Funk is to be on Letterman this Thursday. Since Dave considers the Funk a retro 70's group, he wants to reduce their appearance to a COMEDY sketch! Dave wants only new cutting edge groups that will be unknown in six months. Let him know why Jay is kicking his ass in the ratings! If Dave wants to be cutting edge, give the boys a half hour for their music - and a comedy sketch lead in at the beginning of the show! Tell Dave to get with! GFR represents his core audience. Tell him to listen to Paul, Will, and Anton! Even Larry (Bud) Melman knows what the people want! Interview the guys! Let them tell their story! Steve ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 01:50:01 -0400 (EDT) Subject: A special request! Steve wanted me to post this for everyone. This is unfunkinbelievable! Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com In a message dated 97-05-04 00:59:47 EDT, slisuk@softcom.net (steve lisuk) writes: << I totally agree that the band got short changed and was shown no respect. Get this - rumor has it ( according to sources close to the band) that they are invited to appear on the Leterman show on Thursday. However Letterman will not let them play. Since they are not a new band - all they will be allowed to do is a comedy sketch. Would letterman treat a Beatle Reunion, Cream reunion, or E-Street band get together so shabbily? No, Letterman is a phony creep if this is true. My server is acting up - it won't let me post to roadkill tonight for some reason. Please post this for me if you can. Ask people to E-mail letterman show and insist that the band be allowed to play. GFR represents his audience. THE BAND MUST PLAY! Then Dave wonders why Jay is kicking his ass in the ratings! Peace >> ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 01:53:07 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show In a message dated 97-05-04 00:47:51 EDT, jmaijala@sprynet.com writes: << Paul, Paul, The tonight show is for the entire nation, not just Funkheads like us. It has to appeal to a vast cross-section of the viewing public.>> Jim, Jim, EXACTLY! That's why I feel that they deserved more time for an interview. So that it MAY "appeal to a vast cross-section of the viewing public". Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: QuoteNotes@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 02:03:17 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Fwd: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show In response to your request for ONE good reason... The snakes "deserve" the time they got on the Tonight Show just as professional athletes "deserve" $10 million or more a year. My 7-year-old son is a better student and person because of his first grade teacher who is a remarkable young woman. I would argue that she is better at what she does, and more worthy of recognition and compensation, than Dennis Rodman, but he makes millions and she makes less than $20,000 a year. Is that fair? No. Is it right? No. Is that the way it is? Yes. GFR were treated no less respectfully than most other musical guests I've seen on Leno, Lettermen and others. Face it, the Tonight Show's audience demographically IS more interested in a 250-lb snake than GFR...didn't you hear the applause when the guests were announced? The show's management is interested in one thing...ratings. If they thought GFR would command more attention than a bunch of reptiles, they would have devoted the entire show to them. They are not the National Endowment for the Arts and they have no business reason to focus any greater attention on GFR than demand would dictate. What's in it for them? Let's stop the whining about "respect" and deal with the reality of the way things are. I hope GFR's return goes on to be a HUGE critical and financial success, but if it doesn't, I'm one Grand Funk Railroad fan that's enjoying the hell out of the ride. This thing's for US, guys---not for a new generation of Funk fans, not for the critics, not for the masses---they're doing it for US...and that's good enough for me. "Tell everybody you know, we've got some rock and roll soul"...and the Godfathers of Rock & Roll Soul are back, brother. Rejoice and enjoy! - --------------------- Forwarded message: From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Sender: owner-grand-funk@roadkill.com Reply-to: Bass6plyr@aol.com To: grand-funk@roadkill.com Date: 97-05-04 00:27:56 EDT I just don't understand why some people are saying that they were satisfied with the way they got squeezed in on the last 5 minutes of the show! Maybe those few people who felt like that were the ones that got to see them play at the Beacon or Detroit, and have been satisfied enough. To me, that show was a slap in the face to GFR and to us true die hard fans. How does a bunch of friggin' snakes become more important then GFR's air time??? We are dealing with the all time legends of rock and roll here, and they deny them of beneficial air time? I don't think it's fair at all! Don't get me wrong. It's not GFR's fault, it's not Mr. Fishof's fault, and I'm sure it's not Leno's fault. It's the airheads who run show! GFR is back in action and they are here to make a statement. They are also bustin' their butt's for FREE!!!!!! I think they deserve much MUCH more respect for many reasons. Certainly more than some stupid snakes! The way they were treated by having to be rushed on and rushed off, it really hurt me and pissed me off! I am totally offended by this. What is that saying about the band? That they are some cheap no talent hippies trying to make a buck so lets throw them on last with only 5 minutes left??? I don't think so! If the tonight show wants to rush newer bands on and off the stage, that's fine. Newer groups don't deserve the respect and recognition that GFR deserves. Especially for their cause. They have to work for it just like GFR did. If Leno had Barry Manalow on his show, you think he would've been treated like that? He would've been able to perform a full version of one of his songs, go to a commercial, then come back for at least a nice 10 minute interview. Is GFR not worthy of this? I guess not... but the snakes are, right??? Give me a break. I just can't see how snakes deserve more time!!!! I think I better stop now because I'm just repeating myself over and over again. There's just nothing else I can say and my feelings won't change. But do me one favor. If anyone can give me ONE GOOD REASON how a bunch of snakes deserves more air time than the BEST rock trio in the universe, then please tell me why! Paul <--- is frustrated! Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: thesonics@earthlink.net (Jay Siekierski) Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 23:15:59 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Fwd: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show >In response to your request for ONE good reason... > >The snakes "deserve" the time they got on the Tonight Show just as >professional athletes "deserve" $10 million or more a year. Hi Jayola here....If Alice Cooper was with the snake it may have been worth the trip! But FUNK getting less time than the snakes? Well anyway...the world is next for the Funk...Letterman, leno, and all those other shows are losers anyway. jayola The Sonics:The All Music Site! Closer To Home & Shinin' On! Music Editor: Jay'Sonics'Siekierski http://home.earthlink.net/~thesonics/ ------------------------------ From: WHIRLEGREG@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 02:18:44 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: A special request! toooooooooooo far fetched to be true!! not!! a chance they'd agree to this bull!! ------------------------------ From: QuoteNotes@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 02:26:45 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Top 10 Reasons to Book Grand Funk Railroad Rumor has it that Grand Funk Railroad is being considered for a guest appearance in a comedy sketch, but not as performers. Here are the Top 10 reasons to book them for a musical performance and interview: Top 10 Reasons to Kiss Up to Grand Funk Railroad 10. If you don't, Paul will kick your ass. 9. Band is good friends with bow hunter Ted "Short Fuse" Nugent. 8. Four young Chiquitas in Omaha waitin' for the band to appear on the show. 7. Band will do a great cover of "Lay a Little Lovin' on Me" by Robin McNamara. 6. Tony Bennett's favorite band! 5. Otherwise, you'll be sittin' there lonely like a broken man. 4. Ratings, ratings, ratings!!! 3. Three words: Mark, Don, Mel. 2. Rush Limbaugh hates them! 1. If you don't...well Funk you! ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 03:25:52 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show In a message dated 97-05-04 02:04:31 EDT, QuoteNotes@aol.com writes: << This thing's for US, guys---not for a new generation of Funk fans, not for the critics, not for the masses---they're doing it for US...and that's good enough for me. >> I don't know about anyone else, but that's NOT good enough for me! If it's good enough for you, then go crawl into a cave all by yourself with your GFR albums! Do you realize how much more they can get out of this if they begin to appeal to a new generation of Funk fans? A hell of a lot! Don't you want them to stick around for the long haul and not just fade away? Sure, they will never fade away in our minds, but I'm reffering to the music scene. It happens to the best of 'em! The more GFR sells, the longer they will stick around. That's exactly what I want from them. You cannot expect to appeal to a new generation or new audience by having absoloutly NO knowledge about the band! I think GFR's carrer is a lot more important then to have just five minutes to play. Sure, it was only one show, but someone said that Leno has 4 to 5 million viewers. Need I say more? This is why interview time should've been a key focus, and yes, more than some dumb snake! By the way, when you say "This thing's for US, guys---not for a new generation of Funk fans", (ok, screw the critics, I'll give you that) and "not for the masses" I'll bet Mark, Don, and Mel would love to hear that statement! GFR is the "peoples band", am I right? Mark said so himself. So why be greedy? Why keep them away from a new generation? I think it would be the most awesome thing for them to attract a new audience the same way they did back when they started. I also remember the interview on GMA when Mark said "We're dialing into the root faction now." You know why? Not for "US", but for everyone! The music from that time seems to be coming back again. Who mainly listens to todays music? Ummm, todays generation maybe? So for this reason, I feel that a new generation COULD get into GFR, but these young minds need some backround on these boys. Not two and a half minutes from two songs, and no interview. It's not a good way to sell albums. You might say "who cares as long as I have their albums". Well I got news for you.... try thinking about GFR's carrer. I'm sure they love us for buying their records, but I think they would be a lot happier if a new generation would go out and do the same, instead of us going to the store again to replace our old scratchy LP's. By the way, what ever happend to "The NEW generation along with the old"? and... "So when you know what you got, let EVERYBODY know, You got some rock'n roll soul."? Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: JAYPFUNK@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 08:44:06 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: FUNK FROM DOWN UNDER Jay, Yes Shinin' On did come with a great poster. As did All the Girls in the World Beware, Live Album, and Mark, Don And Mel. Wer'e an American Band came with 4 stickers of the finger pointing logo. Survival came with 3 seperate 8x10 pictures. Hope this info is helpfull to any else looking for the original vinyl. Jay AKA-Jpetitt@compucom.com ------------------------------ From: einar@rfci.net Date: Sun, 04 May 1997 09:02:44 -0400 Subject: Re: FUNK FROM DOWN UNDER Jay Siekierski wrote: > > Hey Funkers! Dig this! A friend just wrote me from Down under Austraila > that she got me dig this an Aussie lp of SHININ' ON IN MINT CONDITION with > the cover TOTALLY IN TACT and inner sleeve! Some people say there original > lp came with a poster? i had the original first print and never got one? > can any funkhead verify this? > I'm also getting LIVE ALBUM on CD from CAPITOL AUSTRAILA! > > please if you can answer that question its appreciated! The original 'Shinin On' came not with a poster, but a giant booklet of 3D images and weird looking stuff. I've got two. Remember that last Jap album you got me? It came with Two 'posters', one of them the original 'Shinin On' version, absolutely untouched! Funkola ------------------------------ From: "G. Jeffrey Gower" Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 09:52:44 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show On Sun, 4 May 1997 Bass6plyr@aol.com wrote: > Don't you want them to stick around for the long haul and not just fade > away? Sure, they will never fade away in our minds, but I'm reffering > to the music scene. It happens to the best of 'em! Exactly, Paul. Perhaps it is rather silly (hell, this whole topic is silly really! haha), but it is really disappointing and depressing when one of your favorite artists begins to fade from public view forever. Like you said, it happens all the time, to some really great talents as well as lesser talents. This is especially hard to take when you KNOW that much of their music would be loved by today's listeners, if it were only promoted the right way - not as some nostalgic trip, but as a genuine reassessment of a great band. I'm not even talking about a new-album promotion or anything (that usually doesn't work either, because the new stuff is rarely as good as the stuff that make the artists so influential in the first place). I'm talking simply about a reassessment of what made them great the first time around. Does the fact that it was 25 years ago make it automatically old-hat and dated? Not with GFR! Think about it - a little well-placed and well-thought-out promotion can do wonders for a great band's longevity. An example is The Doors - prior to the biography "No One Here Gets Out Alive" and the Oliver Stone movie and all the promotion from them on MTV, etc., did many of the younger crowd really listen to or like The Doors? No way! But I was teaching guitar lessons when that movie came out, and let me tell you - the kids were CRAZY about the Doors, and wanted to learn their songs. Yeah, the Doors craze may be died down a bit now, sure, but at least these kids are familiar with the Doors and know their music. This would not have happened if Leno had just shown a brief 4-minute Doors video at the end of his show, or if he squeezed in Robbie Krieger and Ray Manzarek in the last few minutes after years of absence from public view and didn't let them say why. I'm not trying to make any qualitative comparison between GFR and The Doors, either talent-wise or image-wise, but I think it is an interesting story of how a non-existent band and its memory/influence/etc. was promoted and accepted by an entirely new generation of listeners. > The music from that time seems to be coming back again. I feel that a new > generation COULD get into GFR, but these young minds need some backround on > these boys. Not two and a half minutes from two songs, and no interview. Exactly. > I'm sure they love us for buying their records, but I think they would be a > lot happier if a new generation would go out and do the same, instead of us > going to the store again to replace our old scratchy LP's. Exactly. Right on, Paul. Jeff ------------------------------ From: AliveWW@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 10:19:07 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Fwd: Returned mail: User unknown - --------------------- Forwarded message: From: MAILER-DAEMON@aol.com (Mail Delivery Subsystem) To: AliveWW@aol.com Date: 97-05-04 10:06:39 EDT The original message was received at Sun, 4 May 1997 10:06:13 -0400 (EDT) from root@localhost ----- The following addresses have delivery notifications ----- grandfunk@roadkill.com (unrecoverable error) ----- Transcript of session follows ----- ... while talking to topquark.roadkill.com.: >>> RCPT To: <<< 550 ... User unknown 550 grandfunk@roadkill.com... User unknown ----- Original message follows ----- Return-Path: AliveWW@aol.com Received: (from root@localhost) by emout06.mail.aol.com (8.7.6/8.7.3/AOL-2.0.0) id KAA21904 for grandfunk@roadkill.com; Sun, 4 May 1997 10:06:13 -0400 (EDT) Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 10:06:13 -0400 (EDT) From: AliveWW@aol.com Message-ID: <970504100612_-64291620@emout06.mail.aol.com> To: grandfunk@roadkill.com Subject: Chill Out! I think everyone that is upset with the Leno-Tonight Show appearance should take a moment...then you might realize two things.... #1 They were damn lucky to get the gig...they haven't played together in YEARS!!! #2 We're damn lucky they're back together They never had mass appeal and never will......its the faithful, like us, that will mark the success of the band's new efforts...not the traditional Leno type audience. Thank You Jay!!!! All the BEST! Randy Kiss On Video http://www.galstar.com/~markmad/randy.htm ------------------------------ From: jgiranda@monmouth.com Date: Sun, 04 May 1997 11:26:09 -0400 Subject: GFR/LENO/ETC. Fellow Funk Fans: This will be my, Jimmy G's, last message regarding GFR on Leno. I still think that this appearance was great, as was the Good Morning America appearance, and they both resulted in very good exposure for the band. As for the constant complainers on this list regrading the Leno appearance, I think you guys should take all of those negative energies and apply them to doing something positive for the band. If you guys feel you can do better, give Fishof a call and tell him your ideas...perhaps you can arrange the next TV appearance and make sure that it's just the way you want it. As for me, I know I couldn't arrange something like that...I'm not a publicist or politician (as was suggested in a previous message); I'm a microbiologist and a devoted GFR fan for over 25 years. I do all I can to promote the band, examples being: (1) Ever since last year, when my wife and I saw the funk twice (after waiting 22 years), I incorporate GFR music into my training sessions...I travel across North America to our other facilities and I dub GFR music into my computer generated training sessions...I always get questions about the music. I let everyone know who it is and elaborate about the reunion plans. (2) One bulletin board in my office is dedicated strictly to GFR stuff. (3) On Friday, 5/3, I went around to everyone at work I knew was a rock music fan and told them about the Leno appearance...this included secretaries, scientists, production employees..you name it. (4) I've been contacting all my old college and high school funk fans and spreading the word. (5) I have a web site with one page devoted to GFR; I plan on expanding my GFR coverage in the next few weeks. To some, maybe my efforts aren't enough...but it is all I can do. So everybody...chill out, enjoy the music, and I'll see you at some of the upcoming concerts. Jim Giranda ------------------------------ From: WScarano.SGA_BUSINESS_SYSTEMS@iSGA.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 11:39:28 -0400 Subject: Re: read MY letter to Newsday!!! another great letter! jlowe@genesis.austinc.edu on 05/02/97 12:23:42 PM Please respond to jlowe@genesis.austinc.edu To: grand-funk@roadkill.com cc: (bcc: Wayne P. Scarano/SGA Business Systems) Subject: read MY letter to Newsday!!! hey all...I figured since everyone else was writing a letter to Newsday, I might as well join the club...except my letter is a little different. Read my rather professional and sincere concerns for the journalistic efforts that our pal Stan gave for the Beacon review. Dear *#$^^%$#: You son of a $%#$ I'm going to kick your little %^^%ing *$% if I ever see you on the street I'm going to stick a railroad tie up your pretentious *!@$ You mother-^^# %^^$#& &#$ ($#*& !!!!! %$#% you and the %#$^^%@ #$% horse you rode in on. ^^$&#ing &&*&(* like you are just pieces of &$& (**$ (*$ &(*$ !*&#* (@ &%^^$& $*& **#&# and another thing, &* (*$ your (*#$( worthless &$!*# with a baseball bat and %#@* when I'm through with^^#^^$ #^^$#&your own &*$^^ing mother won't recognize your #$@%@ #^^$# #$*#$ &#$(*#*% #%!!!!!. It's people like you that are the inspriration for twin beds! I hope you rot in %$#* with your review and &^^$ &$##* $## &#* @*(@* (#(@ &^^*# *&! #!^^$# !*#^^%#$% $ a large #^^$^^$ and ^^$^^# until you $#^^# $@W@ @#@# @^^#@!!!!!!!!!! kindest regards, Jacob #%#^^ing Lowe (I hope the e-mail police don't arrest me....) ------------------------------ From: bluetuna@webtv.net (Rand Kelly) Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 10:41:41 -0700 Subject: Re: GFR/LENO/ETC. I have to agree with Jim and everyone else who had positive things to say about the 2 tv appearances so far. It has been 23 years since their last HIT SKOW and most people I know thought they were gone for good. I work with a guy who loves them as much as we do and blew his mind when I told him what's been happening. His fave is BIG RED and loves Paranoid and Inside Looking Out. But GAVE UP on them when he heard The Locomotion and esp. SKOW. To Chris that just isn't the GFR he likes. Bottom line is GFR is going to play what,where,when,and how they FEEL! They have always tried to keep the music fresh and experiment, which I think is very healthy for a band. Nobody has succsessful endeavors all the time. BEATLES(magical mystery tour-movie) Rolling Stones-Satanic Majesties Request Sometimes the least popular at the time turns out to become artistic classics over the years i/e. The Beach Boys-Pet Sounds an absolute MASTERPIECE that didn't do squat in 1966. I also don't understand why people on this list are complaining about FM radio playing the same songs. WAAB is great I used to play it in the bars and never did it fail to put enthusiastic smiles on the crowds faces. I'm Your Captain is my favorite song and also MARK FARNER'S according to the AOL chat that I read last week. I want to let this list,GFR the management and all the other websites know that I have never seen them live and appreciate ANY EXPOSURE IN ANY MEDIA they can get. A little GFR is better than no GFR and we are very BLESSED they are still with us. BTW These rumors about Letterman on Thur. I checked the website and The Bee Gees are scheduled as musical guests no mention GFR. I will check this periodically. It's too bad they couldn't get on SNL. Also VH-1 has a SOUNDING BOARD and GFR has been mentioned several times. I've tried to access myself but seems to have been temporarily closed. But you can still read what's on there under LIVE SHOWS or something like that. I pulled out my Capitol cassette of On Time yesterday and I swear there are parts of Anybody's Answer that remind me of URIAH HEEP one of my faves from the SURVIVAL years. I also wonder what other bands you fans like. My list is in the 1000's but right now it's GFR,YES,KING'S X,Brand X, ,MAGELLAN,ABRAXAS POOL,ELP. I have to get off now. I have a recording project I want to try on my 4-trak and that is to do a 1 man band cover version of Can't Be Too Long on my keyboards with the ORCHESTRAL sounds I've always heard in my head. I LOVE this song and (IMHO) it needs an orchestra to bring out the PROGRESSIVE feel. Has anybody seen this live with Craig Frost on the Mellotron? I would love to get a tape of that. Well, going to try to do that song so THANK YOU EVERYBODY ESP. MARK,DON& MEL FOR THE WONDERFUL MUSIC SINCE 1969. GOD BLESS YOU, Rand ------------------------------ From: BeatlesHD@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 13:56:09 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Top 10 I think we should all thank whoever wrote the Top 10 Reasons for Grand Funk. Whoever it was....You did a "Grand Funkin'" job. Thanks Again, gretchen ------------------------------ From: Brad Durham Date: Sun, 04 May 1997 13:19:02 -0500 Subject: TV Debate Thought you GFR fans might find this television report interesting. Last Saturday night, U2 had a one-hour special on ABC, The Year in Pop. It was the lowest rated hour ABC has ever had outside of political coverage. What does this mean? I don't know, but you can bet that U2 and their management team is not too proud of that, and I'm sure that they hope that it boosts concert and cd sales nonetheless. Maybe network television is overrated in terms of exposure for rock and roll bands. Brad ------------------------------ From: bluetuna@webtv.net (Rand Kelly) Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 12:02:56 -0700 Subject: Re: TV Debate I don't know if I agree with the comment on U2. and TV. I didn't watch for the simple reason that I am not a fan. Never liked anything about them. I won't put them or their fans down. It's like a great man once said. " If you don't like what I do then fine don't listen/buy it's there for those that like it. If not then there are all those other names on the list." Frank Zappa. R.I.P. The reason U2 didn't do good could be several. Their fan base is not at home watching tv on Sat. night. Probably dancing to some cover band playing POP. MON-Thur. would have been better. Are they that popular these days? Hype alone doesn't work look at the Phil Collins-Dance In To The Light it was a BOMB! I think if anybody had GFR on for 1 hour The fans would tune in like listening to FDR during WW2. Given at least 2 weeks notice and plenty of ads. We would get the word out and it would be more succsessful than the U2 show. Bottom line is someone knows somebody at ABC well enough to do U2 and even though I don't care for them, better than another COUNTRY MUSIC special anyday. Remember ABC gave us THE BEATLES Athology. So they do like Rock'n Roll still, and that's good. Just had to put in my 0.2% Thanks, Rand Kelly ------------------------------ From: Mike Butler <1kfunkrr@vegasnet.net> Date: Sun, 04 May 1997 12:34:11 -0700 Subject: LA It all started Thursday night. I get a call from Phil Catalano, Mick who is supposed to be in Colorado by now hasn't even left New York! Weather problems again. We go over what if's - in case they don't make it in. My wife and I left Las Vegas for LA right on schedule, 7AM Friday. It's about a 4 hour drive, or so I thought. Half way there I look down at the temperature guage, it's buried on hot. Luckily, we were 1 mile from a town. We coast into this Mobil station, smoke was billowing from the engine ,the LA show was definately in jeapordy. Bad news - water pump is history. I bend over and grab my ankles as the guy tells me what it's going to cost. The good news is he's got a mechanic who can get right on it, the bad news it's going to take at least 3 hours. So much for making it to the Derby early. We walk over to grab a bite to eat and I call the Hotel in LA, hoping someone is there. Luckily Donna is already there. I tell her the story, she makes my day by saying she will have 10 VIP passes for the after concert party. I almost started hitchhiking at that point. Everything went well and we made it to the hotel a little after three. Phil and Mick Catalano had just got there also. We all meet in the lobby Phil, Mick, Donna and hubby Allen (Mr. Limosine Driver) and my wife and I. We decide to all hop into Donnas' Lincoln and head to the Derby. We consumed mass qauntities of our favorite beverages, talked funk with the guys who were there, Steve Lisuk had some great stories regarding the early years. I passed out some 'Funkengruven tees' and we headed for the Greek. Donna went to the 'will call' window to pick-up the VIP passes and comes back with a pale look on her face. They only had 4 passes in her name! We all talk a bit, Donna's determined to talk with someone and get this straightened out, she tells us all not to worry. The place is not crowded at all as we make our way through the gate. As soon as I walk in, I notice three people standing around a side door. The one guy looks at me and says, "Hey, where did you get those shirts" (the Funkengruven shirts strike again). As I walked toward him I instantly recognize him (from Greg Wereleys pictures) as David Fishoff. I reach out my hand and say "are you Mr. Fishoff?", yes he is. He tells us about the "Tonight Show" gig and seems really jazzed up. By this time the whole group of us are standing around, I introduce Donna to him, he seems really pleased to finally meet her. Donna pulls him aside and tells him about the VIP mix-up, needless to say, he fixed the problem on the spot! The show differed in several ways from the Detroit show. They didn't open with "Are You Ready", the song list was identical to the NY show. The other thing was the sound level. In Detroit, the sound was *really* loud. I don't know if it was the open air or what,but the sound was not nearly as loud. I'm still kind of torn between which I liked better. The LA sound was loud enough. You could really hear the orchestra horns and strings. It seemed that you could distingush the instruments better. On the other hand, I've always liked music that rattled your bones (and other body parts). I don't know if the sound was 'better' at either show, but it was definately a different sound and I'm glad to have experienced both. The sound mix was superb, Marks voice never waivered one bit. He seemed to really enjoy his jams with Slash. The same thing hit me at this show as in Detroit. I have been to many concerts in my life. Many with bands at their absolute peek. I have never been to a concert where the audience sang along so much and as loud as these two Grand Funk concerts. It is utterly amazing to hear an entire audience singing along to "Inside Lookin Out". The audience in LA was very well behaved. Everywhere you looked there were smiles. Even the long line into the mens room during intermission was no big deal. I took *lots* of pictures at the VIP party. I'm sure Phil and Mick will add their 2 cents soon. I now have Mark, Don and Mels autographs on the back of my Funkengruven tee, and memories I will never forget. It's hard to describe how nice they guys really are. I could have never dreamed that I would get to meet the guys who's music had such a profound influence on me when I was 14. The only thing that could have made it better was if Bill Parrette would've been there with me. - -=Mike=- ------------------------------ From: RStaln01@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 18:14:48 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Other Bands In a recent post someone mentioned starting a discussion on what other bands us Funk fans listen to. Continuing that thought what follows are some of my favorite bands and a few brief thoughts on each: The Who - MCA's recent remasters have given me the incentive to explore their work deeper than I have ever done before. Great body of work. What excitement and feeling! In my youth I never got much beyond Who's Next and Quadrophenia. What was I thinking? Yes - Their latest is Keys To Ascension. Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman are back in the band and they are rumoured to have produced some of the most progressive material since the 70's. However there are some recent rumours saying Rick has again left. The daytime soaps have nothing on these guys! Great progressive rock. Fairport Convention/Richard Thompson - I "discovered" these guys through a friend in the late 80's. How did I miss them first time around? Great English folk and rock. I envision myself sitting in an English pub quaffing a Guinness (or two, or three..) and listening to these guys. It's been said that Richard Thompson is one of rock's most underrated guitarists. I tend to agree. However his relationship, and sound, with producer Mitchell Froom is starting to wear thin with me. Eric Clapton - What can I say? We all know he is not God but his guitar is still insipring after all these years. He makes it look effortless. If only I knew what he's forgotten about playing guitar! Renaissance/Annie Haslam - Another great prog-rock group from the 70's and another band who's catalog is being ignored by the label (sound familiar?). Annie's voice does things to me that I just can't speak of here! ;^) Deep Purple - The band has a new lease on life with Steve Morse replacing The Man In Black, Ritchie, why am I so moody?, Blackmore. Saw them in York, Pa. last December and it was a great show! Their new album is Purpendicular and is the freshest sounding album since In Rock (an 8-track favorite). This is another band with a soap opera history but in my mind the only Deep Purple vocalist is Ian Gillan. The Innocence Mission - A Lancaster, Pa. based band with 3 cd's out. Lead vocalist, Karen Peris, has a unique voice and writes music with a strong Catholic theme. Probably not a group for everyone. Well, these are some of the bands that, along with Grand Funk, I keep coming back to recently. One could say that I am caught in a time warp. I would not argue the point. In a lot of ways I'm just as guilty as my parents who could not get beyond their music and understand what I was listening to. It's just that in listening to the newer artists I cannot make the emotional connection to them like I can to those listed above. I can listen to the newer bands but chances are that after awhile I will tire of them. With my two boys now beginning to discover music, I am, I hope, making an effort to understand the groups they like and why and I try to listen to them. To that end, my oldest has me quite fond of REM. In return they ask, quite frequently, to borrow from my music collection. Grand Funk is prominately featured in this exchange. I look foward to hearing about what other Funk fans are listening to! Ralph Stalnecker RStaln01@aol.com ------------------------------ From: Tom Roberts Date: Sun, 04 May 1997 18:44:54 -0400 Subject: Audio on Tonight Show I recorded the Tonight Show using my 10' satellite dish. I recorded it from NBC's feed, rather than from one of their affiliates. The sound quality was great, and it was in full Dolby surround (kinda like the 70's version of quad). I then recorded the show a second time off of KNBC in L.A. The sound was only in stereo. Has anyone else tried to playback in Dolby surround? What were your results? The difference is incredible. You can hear the cellos and violins on the rear channel, and Mark's vocals are clear a a bell on the center channel. Tom Roberts ------------------------------ From: jmaijala@sprynet.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 16:20:06 -0700 Subject: Re: My thoughts about GFR on the Tonight Show Paul, Paul, and Paul (one extra), WE WERE THE NEW GENERATION. All us people born between 1946 to 1960. Remember us, we were the "peace Generation" (where are my love beads?) The old generation were the people listening to Tommy Dorsey! (Have any of you heard some of his trumpet riffs?). It's time to take a powder. GFR can appeal to both young and old. (Geeze, I'm starting to talk like my father!). I remember back in 1970 when I was 15 years old, "Never trust anyone over 30!!" GFR is definately over 30 (and 40). Many youngsters are not going to listen because of that. I know I didn't when I was that age. And I was no different than anyone else. Come on, give peace a chance! lighten up, take a deep breath, smoke a doobie, cut me some slack, keep the rubber side down, (insert own silly phrase), Jim ------------------------------ From: QuoteNotes@aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 19:38:14 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: GFR/LENO/ETC. I'm also a lover of "Can't Be Too Long", though you don't hear it mentioned often. With regard to GFR-era bands...anybody remember Bloodrock? ------------------------------ From: Tom Roberts Date: Sun, 04 May 1997 19:09:43 -0400 Subject: GFR Concert Video On March 25th, there was supposed to be a live video released of GFR. From all the information I could gather, it's release date must have been pushed back. One source told me it is called "GET DOWN". She said it had a copyright date of 1970 (Shea Stadium???) and runs for 86 minutes. One person said it was on the MPI label, while another told me it was released by a company called Tapeworm, and another person at a third store told me it was on IVE Entertainment. I have it on order at two different video stores, and will keep this list informed when I get any other information. I don't have my MD&M album handy right now, but in the back of my mind, I think I remember seeing something listed on one of the inner sleeves somewhere that they did film a concert back around that time. Tom Roberts. ------------------------------ From: Sam LeMaster Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 19:39:08 -0400 Subject: GFR in the 80's Everyone keeps on saying that GFR has not been together for over 20 years. Not true they put out two Great albums in the 80's Grand Funk Lives and What's Funk? The only thing missing was Mel. I went and seen them on the GF Lives tour and I think that Dennis did a great job of playing bass. And the song Queen Bee was also in the movie Heavy Metal. Just wanted to remind some that may have forgotten. The last time they played with Mel and Frost was in 76. Yes I know it was not Mark, Don & Mel. But those 2 lps kicked butt. Someone ask about other fav bands here is mind: Grand Funk Railroad is no. 1 Steppenwolf Led Zep Black Sabbath Deep Purple Yes ELP The Who Alice Cooper David Bowie Kraftwerk Mahavishnu Orchestra Jimi Hendrix Janis Joplin Mott the Hoople Kiss ELO And many more... I wish that VH1 would do a program on GFR like did for The Bee Gees. Man are they getting publicity. Geez I dont even like the Bee Gees. No offense to any of the bands fans. Write David about that and see if he can put together a program like that for the band. Just a thought. Later fellow Funk Fans ------------------------------ From: bluetuna@webtv.net (Rand Kelly) Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 17:37:35 -0700 Subject: Re: GFR Concert Video I tried to order this video a few months ago from the GEMM site at a place called BANG! imports and tried to gain info about this. I was told this is a POOR QUALITY( copy poss. made to look new) and they refused to distribute the thing but it is still listed in the catalog. I was shown the light about this and learn fast. I will wait for the OFFICIAL release from GFR. ------------------------------ End of grand-funk-digest V1 #50 *******************************