From: owner-grand-funk To: grand-funk-digest Subject: grand-funk-digest V1 #81 Reply-To: grand-funk@roadkill.com Errors-To: owner-grand-funk Precedence: bulk grand-funk-digest Thursday, 3 July 1997 Volume 01 : Number 081 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Phil Catalano Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 14:01:03 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: Don's current drum kit > Someone a while back asked what kind of drums Don is using. I think is > was Phil Cat. (Yo, what's up bro?!) He is using a new kit by Peavy called the > Radial Pro. I don't know if he is endorsing them or he just digs 'em. Yo JayP, PCat here. I talked to Don about his drums on Friday night. So I got it straight from the drummer's mouth. It'll be in Vegas recap - Part II. See ya, Phil - --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= Phil Catalano phil.catalano@mci.com - --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= ------------------------------ From: Mike Adair Date: Wed, 02 Jul 1997 15:51:01 -0700 Subject: Grok that comment card Brothers and Sisters, Try this the next time you're out dining.... My wife and I frequent a local restaurant here in Dallas called Jack Astor's (no joke). They play background music for 'atmosphere' similar to what I've heard on classic rock-type stations. So after our meal, the waiter places the usual survey card along side the bill. Just for the funk of it, I wrote 'play Grand Funk Railroad' in the comments. They never read those things anyway, right? The next time there, I hear SKOW. Oh well, its a start! ------------------------------ From: Stan Pace Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 17:04:50 -0400 Subject: New single CD Remember this two song CD? I was in the same store on 6/20 and all of the copies are gone!!! Were they all snapped up by us fans or were they pulled back by Capitol? Seems like there is a market out there after all. Of course, I never really doubted that. Peace, Stan >Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997 16:34:11 >To: grand-funk@roadkill.com >From: Stan Pace >Subject: New single CD > >This may not be news. If so, just ignore me. > >I was in Planet Music in Virginia Beach this weekend, and I was surprised to find a significant quantity of a GFR single CD. It has The Loco-Motion and WAAB on it. The Capitol number is MIC 40758, and it is dated 1997. It retailed for $3.49. I bought one just to have one, so it will remain wrapped in shrink wrap. > >I'm curious. Is this a "teaser" from Capitol? Does this mean there are more to follow? Does this indicate that they are aware that there is a market for GFR CDs? Only the shadow knows ... > >Peace, > >Stan > Stan Pace U.S. Atlantic Command Joint Training, Analysis and Simulation Center ------------------------------ From: "Marilyn Miller" Date: Wed, 02 Jul 97 16:45:40 PDT Subject: Indiana gig? Hey all, I could've swore I read something about the boys playing in Indiana, is this true? If someone knows, please give me as much info as possible. If they're coming, I AM THERE! PS: This may be a silly question but, I have a remastered edition of "Survival" released on CD by Capitol Records in 1996. The odd thing is, according to every source I have ever checked since, this disc was never released. Did I get an advance copy that wasn't supposed to be released??? Someone tell me what's up.... Jay Richter ------------------------------ From: "Marilyn Miller" Date: Wed, 02 Jul 97 16:51:58 PDT Subject: Fw: Indiana gig? - ---------- > Date: Wednesday, July 02, 1997 16:45:40 > From: mmiller > To: grand-funk@roadkill.com > Subject: Indiana gig? > > Hey all, > I could've swore I read something about the boys playing in Indiana, is > this true? If someone knows, please give me as much info as possible. If > they're coming, I AM THERE! > > PS: This may be a silly question but, I have a remastered edition of > "Survival" released on CD by Capitol Records in 1996. The odd thing is, > according to every source I have ever checked since, this disc was never > released. Did I get an advance copy that wasn't supposed to be released??? > Someone tell me what's up.... > > Jay Richter ------------------------------ From: steve lisuk Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 15:25:44 -0700 Subject: Pack cd's I have found a source for the CD's "Mark, Don, and Terry", which is basically the 2 Terry Knight and the Pack LP's. Also available is a CD that contains the other singles of the Pack with and without Terry Knight. This CD includes Mark, Don, and I believe Craig Frost doing "Fire" (the Hendrix song) and "Wide Trackin", among other Pack singles. I will be getting multiple copies of each next week. I am not sure on the price (depends on what discount I get), but it will be in the $12 - $15 dollar range. If anyone is interested, E me. I have not heard the quality yet, but I have been assured that they are excellent. I will have a review on this site after July 21. Enjoy your holiday, Steve ------------------------------ From: DOdell4280@aol.com Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 18:27:11 -0400 (EDT) Subject: old mags hey man , anybody ever buy those 8mm movies of gfr from the back of Hit Parade, Creem Circus or mags from the early 70s like that?would be great to put those on video. ------------------------------ From: Phil Catalano Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 16:34:33 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: old mags On Wed, 2 Jul 1997 DOdell4280@aol.com wrote: > hey man , > anybody ever buy those 8mm movies of gfr from the back of Hit > Parade, Creem Circus or mags from the early 70s like that?would be great to > put those on video. > Don, I didn't know there were 8mm movies of them! I had all of those mags back then too. If I would've known about it I would've bought them back them! Damn! Yes, we have to get a hold of those. Clueless, Phil - --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= Phil Catalano phil.catalano@mci.com - --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= ------------------------------ From: "Pat" Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 19:15:55 -0700 Subject: Indiana Marylin On Donnas calender it says GFR are playing on the 19th of July at Monticello county fair.I also want to go .I still havent gotten any info yet. Pat ------------------------------ From: "Pat" Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 20:13:29 -0700 Subject: circus and creem I still have a whole bunch of magazines (circus and creem) from the 70's with articles about grand funk. I'll check the old listing for the 8mm films and let you guys know. Pat ------------------------------ From: Outlaws1@aol.com Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 21:26:03 -0400 (EDT) Subject: GFR stuff for sale I have a GFR LP called FUNK-OFF. Ibelieve it is an early version of mark, don, &terry. I also have a gold vinyl american band signed by all three at the York,Pa show. Anyone interested let me know. Thanks, Rich. I also have a super 70`s program signed by Mark. ------------------------------ From: Pamuska@aol.com Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 22:23:24 -0400 (EDT) Subject: questions Hi gang, I have just a couple of questions for you. After listening to the Live album for the billionth time and being a fan for 25 years I don't understand how come Don is not considered one of the all time great drummers. Now I know "WE" think he is but you never hear his name mentioned along with Zeps and Moon of the Who. I always hear how they are considered some of the best drummers in Rock history but no Brewer. I loved the who but fail to see how Moon could be considered in the same breath as Don. Question number 2. I know that Mark sang most of the pre 72 songs and Don sang most of their commerical hits but has Mel ever sang a song? Just wondering. Take care all Pamuska(Mick) ------------------------------ From: "William A. Parrette" Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 22:55:19 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: questions Hi all, On Wed, 2 Jul 1997 Pamuska@aol.com wrote: > ... After listening to the > Live album for the billionth time and being a fan for 25 years I don't > understand how come Don is not considered one of the all time great drummers. > ... Great question! I wish I knew the answer!! The only *guess* I have is that Don was part of Grand Funk -- the band the critics loved to hate. And what is even more illu- sive is why none of the drummers that followed list him as an in- fluence. After all, Don all but invented the multi-limb triplet and you can hear it (at least *I* did) in many of the other bands who *did* make it later on. I've said it here before, I'm an ex-drummer that doesn't know a paradiddle from a flam, but Don does some incredible things in the rock/funk/blues arena and the only drummers that I would con- sider maybe better, from a technical perspective, are Carl Palmer and John Bonham. Forget Moon and Baker -- good drummers none the less -- but few compare to Brewer. For all of you drummers out there: someone wrote to the list not too long ago that Don had never been featured in Modern Drum- mer. Is this absolutely true? I had someone snail-mail me a note saying they had such an issue of Modern Drummer and that they would mail me a copy. I haven't heard back from this person (I need to find the note!) but it would be a real shame if Don was truly ignored by the industry because he brought so many great things to the music of percussion. > ... > Question number 2. I know that Mark sang most of the pre 72 songs and Don > sang most of their commerical hits but has Mel ever sang a song? ... No. Or, should I say AFAIK, no. The only time I've ever seen Mel behind a microphone is in the Live in L.A./San Diego video where they put a mic in front of him for (what was it ... ) The Loco-Motion as they brought out the warm-up band (Wet Willie) to sing along with them. And, even then, I have my doubts as to whether the mike was "live" or not. Just my opinion, my $0.02, FWIW. Hey folks, this Funk chat is great! Let's keep talking about the best band in the land!! Take care, grok in fullness ... Bill-- ...who says "You cannot kill time without injuring eternity." +--------------------------+--------------------------+------------------+ |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | (42?) | |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| \ ||||| | | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | ( o o ) | +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+----ooO--(_)--Ooo-+ ------------------------------ From: RCinSinCty@aol.com Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 22:56:37 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Grand Funk questions - help needed! your questions To: grand-funk@roadkill.com (G.F. fans) Hi. England calling. I've been a Funk fan for years,so I'm not new to the band/music,but I AM new to the Net. Still not waded thru all the sites there seems to be (though looking forward to it immensely) but came across this mailing list,and had to subscribe a.s.a.p. Great to see so many folk behind the group and the reunion - just wish I could find a soul-mate in THIS country! Anyway - I have some questions which I hope someone may be kind enough to answer for me. If some of them are really obvious,then don't shout me down - remember England is way behind the US in access to Funk figures and facts! Here goes:- 1. I know BTD,GSSP,GFL and WF? have yet to see the light of day on CD,but about 6 months ago "All the girls...." was mentioned on import lists. DID it ever actually come out? 2. My brother has seen an advert mentioning forthcoming Jap.CD re-issues with bonus tracks? Is this true? Will there be new songs,or just diff. versions/mixes? 3. I have an early record by Don/Mark called "Monumental Funk". Anyone know if this is available on CD? 4. I have a 7" with "Destitute and losing" on the B-side. Is this the only non-album track officially released? 5. I have sheet music to Am.Band,Phoenix and Shinin' On. Anyone know if any others are available? 6. Were "Mark Farner" and "No Frills" (the 2 non-christian ones) ever put out on CD? 7. Did Flint ever release more than one album? 8. I've seen "Get Funked" mentioned on a bootleg CD list. Is it worth getting? Is it the same as "Live in Hawaii" that I once saw on a vinyl list? The track listings/sound ratings put me off each time,I'm ashamed to admit now! 9. I've always wondered if T.N.U.C. has a special meaning....or is my worst fear founded,and should I just forget this question RIGHT NOW!?!?! 10.Why is Craig not in the reunion? Was he not invited? Well that's enough for now. Hoping someone will be able to enlighten me on any of these points. Regards to you all. Dave Watson. Answeres. The All the Girls CD is available, on Japan import, No extra songs. Monumental funk is not available on CD, took me 23 years to find it on album. I have sheet music for the live albem, but its not tab. You can get some tab on the net, closer to home, bad time, loneliness, american band and a couple others. None available in stores hear in America. In Guitar magazine, Jan 1997, Closer to home is in there in tab, and an artical of how to get the sound-wa wa, etc.,. New Japan import CD reissues. Closer to Home with two bonus tracts, the bonus tracts are, closer to home and sins a good mans brother, shortened am versions. Shinin on. Destatute N Losin. Other leftovers, I only new of the one, but Nico Boger of the netherlands says there two more GFR and one Mark Farner. the first two Mark Farner albums were never put on CD. Flint only did one album. Get Funked and Live in Hawaii are the same concert. There is a dubble CD bootleg called locomotion 82 and on the second disk they put get funked to fill it up. TNUC, yes Mark said its a great song with a bad name. cun... C Frorst was not in reunion because they want orginal power trio feel, in concert, the keybord player leaves stage for quite a fill songs and only comes in like half way through a couple others. Sorry for bad spelling. Rick Cappetto ------------------------------ From: "Rex D. Hutto" Date: Tue, 1 Jul 1997 12:17:53 -0500 Subject: RE: Closer to Home - -----Original Message----- From: EfahsT@aol.com [SMTP:EfahsT@aol.com] Sent: Monday, June 23, 1997 8:57 PM To: grand-funk@roadkill.com Subject: Re: Closer to Home In a message dated 97-06-23 04:53:08 EDT, = kblackle@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca writes: << When I was last around, there was a discussion about the voice in = teh background of "I'm YOur Captain". Did anyone figure out what was said, = or who it was? >> Kevin, I was the one who brought it up, and there were several = replies. None seem to have the impression that I do that Farner was clowning = around. If Sunny gets any more roadkill-ers backstage after a performance, how = 'bout asking Mark. An ago-old mystery could then be put to rest. (Donna, = you could have asked this in Vegas when you ran out of things to say. = Not a criticism-I would have been tongue-tied, too!) ------------------------------ From: Creamx5@aol.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 00:00:41 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Grand Funk questions - help needed! this question is a little on the knieve side,but does anyone think funk will be back within 2 years too playing arenas and top ten cds? ------------------------------ From: MS21@ix.netcom.com Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 23:44:25 -0500 (CDT) Subject: Re: Indiana gig? Jay, I have Capitol's Survival CD also. My understanding is only a few where released by accident. I don't know why they are holding back. Be happy you're one of the few. Hope they release all the others. Mark Scarano On 07/02/97 16:45:40 you wrote: > >Hey all, > I could've swore I read something about the boys playing in Indiana, is >this true? If someone knows, please give me as much info as possible. If >they're coming, I AM THERE! > >PS: This may be a silly question but, I have a remastered edition of >"Survival" released on CD by Capitol Records in 1996. The odd thing is, >according to every source I have ever checked since, this disc was never >released. Did I get an advance copy that wasn't supposed to be released??? >Someone tell me what's up.... > >Jay Richter > > ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 02:51:08 -0400 (EDT) Subject: I Come Tumblin'... Quick Question # 2 Does anyone know why the ending is cut short on the record version and not the CD version? It sounds like crap! Actually, that whole ending kinda sucks both ways. Just my opinion. Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 03:06:01 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Mark? Mel? What's up??? I was just wondering. In the very little footage I've seen of GFR on video or TV appearences, why does Mark seem to ignore Mel? I notice that Mel always looks for oportunities to get close to Mark, but it never happens. Here's an example. Remember the Jay Leno appearence? Well, when they cut into We're An American Band, Mel is up towards the foot of the stage, then backs up and see's Mark facing him. Mel turns to Mark abruptly so he can jam it out with him, but Mark pays no mind and looks the other way. In the LA '74 video, Mark is always going up to Don and Craig and EVEN the back-up singers in Locomotion. Never really saw him go near Mel. There was even one time that I've noticed in that same concert that Mel thought Mark was on his way over to him to jam side by side. Mel was in position, but Mark again ignores him and Mel kinda has to play it off and turn to Don or Craig. Let me tell you something. I was just wondering, I have never seen them live yet... Has anyone else noticed that Mark does this? Later, Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 03:30:09 -0400 (EDT) Subject: In Need... along with general comment! I was listening to "In Need" earlier, and was paying VERY close attention to Mel's Bass playing. I think the bassline to that song is funking incredible! The bass and drums really lock in crisp and clean! Mel is all over the place with his fills. AAAGGGHHHHH!!! Getting goose bumps just thinking about it! Which brings me to my next point. We need to discuss more Mel. I consider myself a solid bassist, but man, this guy is a genious! I sit there baffled as to how he comes up with half the sh!t he plays! A lot of talk is Mark this, Mark that. Don't get me wrong... Mark is great and everything, but I think it's time we start commenting more on Mel. There's even more talk about Don lately! You guys are so tapped out you're trying to figure out what drumset he's using!! I'll give you something to discuss. Lets discuss Mel and his contributions as a musician. Are you with me on this? More talk about Mel? I mean after all, take T.N.U.C. for instance. Mark is just strumming one friggin' chord while Mel DRIVES the whole song! And you all know as well as I do that there are plenty of songs where Mark can strum that sh!t in his sleep!! It's MEL who brings those types of songs to life. We need to be more aware of this for discussion, ok? Mel + Bass in hand = PURE GENIOUS!!!!!! FUNK ON BOYS!!!!! Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 03:35:22 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: GFR stuff for sale In a message dated 97-07-03 03:29:30 EDT, Outlaws1@aol.com writes: << I have a GFR LP called FUNK-OFF. Ibelieve it is an early version of mark, don, &terry. I also have a gold vinyl american band signed by all three at the York,Pa show. Anyone interested let me know. Thanks, Rich. I also have a super 70`s program signed by Mark.>> Man, I don't know why you would want to part with any of that stuff, but good luck anyway. I'm sure someone on the list will be interested, but I'll ask around and keep my eyes open for you. As for me, I'm broke! :( MEL RULES!!!!! ;) Later, Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: TOM Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 07:24:40 -0400 Subject: Don Brewer All of the drummers that I've played with in bands or have been associated with have very high regards for Brewer and ask the same questions. We have to remember the CRITICS NEVER GAVE GFR ANY RESPECT. The band still doesn't get the publicity they should, look at what Fogertys people are doin for him , not to mention the BEE GEES. Terry Knight was an @SShole , but he created HYPE and that is what pushed GFR over the top. WE NEED HYPE !!!! ------------------------------ From: TOM Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 07:28:13 -0400 Subject: Re: Grand Funk questions - help needed! Creamx5@aol.com wrote: > > this question is a little on the knieve side,but does anyone think funk will > be back within 2 years too playing arenas and top ten cds? NOT with the management they have now!! ------------------------------ From: "William A. Parrette" Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 07:27:41 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Grand Funk questions - help needed! Hi all, On Thu, 3 Jul 1997 Creamx5@aol.com wrote: > this question is a little on the knieve side,but does anyone think funk will > be back within 2 years too playing arenas and top ten cds? These are tough questions to ponder! In one of the articles I have linked off of my site somewhere, I believe Mark or Don is quoted as saying that they wanted to play the "smaller" venues. and then giving some examples. Even David Fishof has said somewhere that he didn't think the band would attain their former glory, but that they would still make a strong comeback. Then there is the warm-up act issue. Originally,several other acts were considered as a warm-up band for the 1997 tour. But, in the end, "the boys" have decided to perform alone (??!??) dur- ing their shows. Now they aren't playing arenas but neither are they playing "smaller" venues -- they're somewhere in between. And, with no warm-up act, they certainly seem to be trying to do something different. But, will this lead to playing sold-out arenas in front of thousands of screaming fans night after night as in the old days? Hmmmmm ... tough questions. As to the top-10 CD question ... this is equally tough. In my youth, I remember how big the music industry seemed to me. In my later years, I know how much bigger it seems to have grown. Back in the "old days," there were just one or two "charts" to top. These days, it seems like there's dozens. And, look at the other acts that used to "top the charts" on a regular basis, how often they get to the top, and how long they stay there. Then look at how little press -- how little *good* press -- "our boys" have received. And, you have to wonder how much work it will take for them to top the charts. Hmmmmm ... tough questions. I hope I'm not being too pessimistic here. I would love to see GFR at the top of the charts again -- I really would. But I know how much work is involved. And this doesn't even consider the thought that the band will certainly have a reputation as a "classic rock" or "oldies" group to overcome. The only thing that I can say about this is that if *we* want these types of things to happen, then *we* -- the fans -- have to help make it happen. When the new CDs come out, we have to call in and request the new songs. When the new concerts are booked *we* have to get the word out and buy some tickets. If we want the band to attain its "former glory," then we have to make it happen. We have to get the word out that Grand Funk is *the* American Band! Take care, keep Shinin' On, and grok in fullness ... Bill-- ...who has been told to drive defensively & has considered buying a tank. (42) \ o o o /\ o o +--------------------------+--------------------------+---- >={)'> \ -+ |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | \ \/ /\ o| |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| /\ o / >={)'> | | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | >={)'> \/ | +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+-- \/ ---- / --+ / ------------------------------ From: jmaijala@juno.com (James I Maijala) Date: Wed, 02 Jul 1997 23:43:35 EDT Subject: Re: More Vegas II All right Mike, Now here is the REAL version of what happened in Vegas . . . after Don was bit on the ear by Mel, Mark deducted two point from . . er . . Oh . . .wrong day. ACTUALLY, My wife and I arrived at the Monte Carlo at about 5 o'clock. As we went around the table shaking hands it was amazing how many people I could identify by the way they talked. And I had never met them before. Alot of our personalities come across on the Internet. Anyway, after drinking a beer that tasted like a loaf of whole wheat bread, I began talking Funk, geography, tribe, trivia and anything else anyone wanted to talk about. I even met some Braves' Fans(now my journey to the dark side is complete). After many pictures, pitchers, and pointers everyone headed over to the Hard Rock at about 7 pm. As we entered the JOINT, Mike threatened me with bodily harm!! He wanted my front row tickets (back unholy one!) . Let me tell you, the front row is mighty close to the action. When the 2001 theme started a chill ran down the length of my back and the hair on my neck stood straight out! Their shadowy forms materialized on stage and Mark pointed at someone to my right. With the first CRACK of Mel's bass my entire life force was energized!! He was right in front of me pounding away with a reckless abandon that I had not seen him display before. Man, I gotta tell ya', it was intense. During Footstompin' music Mark came right over to our position during that great guitar solo. He actually looked me in the eye as his hands moved in a blur on the neck of his Parker Fly. That was repeated several times as he tortured that axe with gyration after gyration. At the end of Footstompin' I pointed at Mel and screamed "YOU'RE THE MAN, MEL, YOU'RE THE MAN!!" He pointed right back at me and said "NO, YOU"RE THE MAN" and he was grinning ear to ear. When Don was throwing his drum sticks in the air during TNUC on of them rolled out to within 5 feet of the end of the stage, right in front of me!! It was up against some equipment and the end of it stuck out. It was just out of my reach . . it was HAUNTING me . . . here I am Jim, come and get me!! . . please Jim, Don is beating the hell out of me, you have to save me, Jim (help me, spock). I thought about crawling on stage and nabbing it, but I figured I would become meat if I did that. So I waited for an opportunity. Then, opportunity came knocking. They had a short intermission and all the lights were off!! I climbed up on stage and grabbed the drum stick. I showed it to my wife, who high fived me, and I then shoved it down my pants(talk about stiff wood!). After the light came back on they performed "Mean Mistreater". I was singing along with Mark at the top of my lungs and the guy next to me looks over and says "Hey man, you sing really good!" I guess wonders will never cease. I loved the look on Marks' face when the crowd started singing "Closer to Home" for him. He just beamed. The audience really responded on that one, it was a cosmic experience. Although the show lasted almost 2 hours it was too short for me. I could have gone on for another two, but, it was not to be . . . but, wait, there's more! After the show the other Funkheads called me over and I showed them my woody . . .er . . I mean the drum stick. Everyone thought it was great that I grabbed it. It is a Don Brewer signature stick. As we were standing around, Sunny Quinn stopped by and began chatting with Donna and the rest of us. The Hotel security has us completely surrounded and were asking us to leave but Sunny told us to hang on. She asked one of the more "customer friendly" rent-a-cops to clear the way for us to go upstairs. And then BAM! I was walking out of an elevator on the second floor and turning left down a hall way and I see Don and Mark. Holy S___!!, there is a God!! I work my way down the hall, with my wife in tow, and shake Don's hand and show him the drum stick. He smiles and says something like "nice job". Now came the moment I had been waiting for for over 27 years. I was standing in front of Mark Farner, my personal Rock and Roll hero. All of the things I wanted to ask him, all the accolades I wanted to lay on him, all of the kisses I wanted to plant on him . . . so what do I do? . . . I stick out my hand and he takes it as I say, "Hi Mark, I'm Jim from Phoenix." (I WAS TOTALLY LAME!!!!!) My brain was going numb and I didn't know what to say or do. Thankfully, Mark bailed me out. He goes "HI, Jim from Phoenix." Everyone who heard it laughed. We talked about Jet lag or Jet RAG as he called it and about his recent trip to Japan. Shortly after that everyone was ordered by the rent-a-cops to move to the main lounge and out of the hall. It was there that I got Mel and Don to sign our T-shirts and stick. also pictures were taken that I hope to get copies of. (I'll pay money for them!) Everyone kind of hung out after that for about another hour. The guys turned out to be just regular people. No pretense of SuperStardum. It is to their credit as far as I'm concerned. Sunny was outstanding as she chatted with everyone and seemed to make a special friend in Donna. Sadly, It all ended too soon. Don and Mel had to catch a Plane to Phoenix. We all went downstairs, and after a few tearful goodbyes we went our separate ways. I will always treasure this experience. It was a dream come true. NOW, for the next time . . . hhhhmmmm. PS. Mike, Matt Williams has woke up!! ------------------------------ From: "William A. Parrette" Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 07:55:42 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Mark? Mel? What's up??? Hi all, On Thu, 3 Jul 1997 Bass6plyr@aol.com wrote: > ... why does Mark seem to ignore Mel? ... Well, Paul, I don't know if "ignore" is the word to use but I've noticed the "tendency" you mention and have found myself wondering similar things. I might point out that Mel was the youngest in the band and that he tends to be the "shy and quiet" type. This probably has something to do with it. On the other hand, when I saw "our boys" in Traverse City last year, there were several occasions where Mark would come up and "jam" with Mel. The reason I noticed it is that it happened more than once and I had never seen it before. Another thing to note about that concert is that Mel would, on occasion, cross the stage himself to "jam" with Mark. Mel has certainly "come out of his shell" from his old days. I hope that we can and will see more interactions from him and with him on stage in the future. The best bass player in the world certainly deserves it, doesn't he? :-) Take care, grok in fullness ... Bill-- ...who thinks the only thing wrong with history is that it repeats itself. |\_/| (42?) +--------------------------+--------------------------+-- =( o O )= / ---+ |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | /\ " /\ | |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| | |\_/| | | | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | \_>---<_/ | +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+-- (___|___) -----+ ------------------------------ From: "William A. Parrette" Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 08:07:29 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: questions (fwd) Hi all, Tom replied to me on this one but it doesn't look like it made it to the list. It was an interesting comment, so I'm passing it on: - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 00:32:18 -0700 From: tom fagan To: "William A. Parrette" Subject: Re: questions William A. Parrette wrote: > > Hi all, > > On Wed, 2 Jul 1997 Pamuska@aol.com wrote: > > > ... After listening to the > > Live album for the billionth time and being a fan for 25 years I don't > > understand how come Don is not considered one of the all time great drummers. > > ... > > Great question! > > I wish I knew the answer!! > > The only *guess* I have is that Don was part of Grand Funk -- > the band the critics loved to hate. And what is even more illu- > sive is why none of the drummers that followed list him as an in- > fluence. After all, Don all but invented the multi-limb triplet > and you can hear it (at least *I* did) in many of the other bands > who *did* make it later on. > > I've said it here before, I'm an ex-drummer that doesn't know > a paradiddle from a flam, but Don does some incredible things in > the rock/funk/blues arena and the only drummers that I would con- > sider maybe better, from a technical perspective, are Carl Palmer > and John Bonham. Forget Moon and Baker -- good drummers none the > less -- but few compare to Brewer. > > For all of you drummers out there: someone wrote to the list > not too long ago that Don had never been featured in Modern Drum- > mer. Is this absolutely true? I had someone snail-mail me a > note saying they had such an issue of Modern Drummer and that > they would mail me a copy. I haven't heard back from this person > (I need to find the note!) but it would be a real shame if Don > was truly ignored by the industry because he brought so many > great things to the music of percussion. > > > ... > > Question number 2. I know that Mark sang most of the pre 72 songs and Don > > sang most of their commerical hits but has Mel ever sang a song? ... > > No. Or, should I say AFAIK, no. The only time I've ever seen > Mel behind a microphone is in the Live in L.A./San Diego video > where they put a mic in front of him for (what was it ... ) The > Loco-Motion as they brought out the warm-up band (Wet Willie) to > sing along with them. > > And, even then, I have my doubts as to whether the mike was > "live" or not. Just my opinion, my $0.02, FWIW. > > Hey folks, this Funk chat is great! Let's keep talking about > the best band in the land!! Take care, grok in fullness ... > > Bill-- > ...who says "You cannot kill time without injuring eternity." > +--------------------------+--------------------------+------------------+ > |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | (42?) | > |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| \ ||||| | > | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | ( o o ) | > +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+----ooO--(_)--Ooo-+ Hey Folks, When I spoke with Mel at the Vegas 'post show back stage thing, He said he used to do some backup with the band. I asked him that because I have a video of the Atlanta pop festival where Mel IS SINGING BACKUP and said so, but not anymore he went on to say. Just my 2 cents worth. tom funkster fagan tom-span@pacbell.net ------------------------------ From: "William A. Parrette" Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 07:42:06 -0400 (EDT) Subject: More Mel needed Hi all, On Thu, 3 Jul 1997 Bass6plyr@aol.com wrote: > ... > We need to discuss more Mel ... I'm absolutely with you on this, Paul! I'm just a drummer, but one who appreciates working with a good bass player. I've always noticed that Mel was different -- working with chords and effects on occasion. And then when I saw him in concert, he was absolutely all over the neck of that bass guitar. Someone was discussing I Come Tumblin' on-list recently. The bass work on this tune absolutely drives it. As a matter of fact, E Pluribus Funk contains some of my favorite bass music. So, Paul's right folks, feel free to talk about one of the best bass players ever. Don't forget our friend Mel! Take care and grok in fullness ... Bill-- ...who is a little sad today because he ran over his Dogma with his Karma. +--------------------------+--------------------------+--- \\ // (42?) -+ |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | \'o.o'/ / | |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| =( )= | | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | / U \ | +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+------------------+ ------------------------------ From: Graves Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 09:09:34 -0400 Subject: Mel..... I would just like to say, concerning Mel, (and how do you pronounce his last name?!!!) that when listening to Grand Funk as a teenager, it was the first time I noticed the bass playing in a band. Although I love everything about the early Grand Funk records, I think it's Mel's playing that did it for me. I know nothing about music, but I know a damn good bass player when I hear one and Mel has always amazed me. I still freak out hearing the bass runs near the end of the Live Albums' "Into The Sun"! Also, I have a copy of a "Goldmine" magazine from the late 80's (if I can find it...) with a cover story on Grand Funk and a interview with Mark Farner. I would like to trade this if someone is willing to make me up a couple of good quality cassette tapes of their early albums (On Time, Red Album, Closer To Home, Live Album, E-Pluribus Funk) from CD (if possible) and I will send them back the magazine and a couple of blank tapes for the taping. (I'll just have to go searching for it in the garage, but I know it's around!) ------------------------------ From: michael.demattei@milliman.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 6:17:11 -0800 Subject: Nonsense =20 Does anyone else hear similarities between GFR and Rare Earth, and GFR= =20 and Three Dog Night? Rare Earth are a more soulful GFR, and Three Dog= =20 Night are a pop-slop GFR. Both bands did some of the best GFR songs=20 never written. =20 No, I'm not stoned, =20 Deemo ------------------------------ From: Stan Pace Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 10:08:07 -0400 Subject: Re: In Need... along with general comment! Paul, I'm a bass player, and I agree with you. I don't know of anyone that can lay down a driving and full sounding line as well as Mel. Ever notice how much he lets notes ring? I love that sound and do the same. I would not describe him as a traditional player that spends all day with walking lines. I think that is one of the keys to GFRR's sound. Mel is driving one tough line, is locked in with Don ( one of the best drummers ever!) and Mark gets to fly. If you listen to other bass players, they almost go to sleep while standing up. Not Mel. He's always working his fanny off and pushing the sound hard. I am asked every now and then about who I play bass like. I play like Stan, but I tell everyone that my sound is closest to Mel's. If I could only pick one bass man to listen to forever, it would be Mel. He's THE MAN!!!! Take care, Stan At 03:30 7/3/97 -0400, you wrote: >I was listening to "In Need" earlier, and was paying VERY close attention to >Mel's Bass playing. I think the bassline to that song is funking incredible! >The bass and drums really lock in crisp and clean! Mel is all over the place >with his fills. AAAGGGHHHHH!!! Getting goose bumps just thinking about it! >Which brings me to my next point. > >We need to discuss more Mel. I consider myself a solid bassist, but man, this >guy is a genious! I sit there baffled as to how he comes up with half the >sh!t he plays! A lot of talk is Mark this, Mark that. Don't get me wrong... >Mark is great and everything, but I think it's time we start commenting more >on Mel. There's even more talk about Don lately! You guys are so tapped out >you're trying to figure out what drumset he's using!! I'll give you something >to discuss. Lets discuss Mel and his contributions as a musician. > >Are you with me on this? More talk about Mel? I mean after all, take T.N.U.C. >for instance. Mark is just strumming one friggin' chord while Mel DRIVES the >whole song! And you all know as well as I do that there are plenty of songs >where Mark can strum that sh!t in his sleep!! It's MEL who brings those types >of songs to life. We need to be more aware of this for discussion, ok? > >Mel + Bass in hand = PURE GENIOUS!!!!!! >FUNK ON BOYS!!!!! >Paul >Bass6plyr@aol.com > > Stan Pace U.S. Atlantic Command Joint Training, Analysis and Simulation Center ------------------------------ From: Al Henneborn 595-6669 Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 10:14:00 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Signing Off For A While Dear Roadkillers, This will be my last e-mail for a while. I'm on vacation and don't want to come back to 1000 messages. Plus the e-mail police are getting closer so I may have to switch to my other address. However if any tour/album/appearance news comes out, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail. Thanks for the reviews and info. There's no one like GF Roadkillers. GF Lives, Backstage Al Not ahenneborn@ail.com ------------------------------ From: RCinSinCty@aol.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 10:39:50 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: old mags I remember those 8mm movies, or videos, i dont know anyone who got them. They came out around the time of the Phoenix album. Rick ------------------------------ From: "William A. Parrette" Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 11:16:38 -0400 (EDT) Subject: My site, the list, and stuff Hi all, I just wanted to drop a quick e-note to the list and tell ev- eryone that my site is *almost* back to "normal." I've just about completely recovered from my ISP's disk crash and their two-and-a-half month old backup to the point that I'm almost hap- py with it. There's just a few more things that I want to do before I try to become a PhotoShop expert like Donna ;-) and pretty things up. I'm trying to find all of the old concert schedules that I can and fill in with some set-lists when possible for my Reunion and Concerts page. That, along with some missing comments on my More Pictures pages and I should be back "up to snuff." Now, all I have to do is remember to back up my 12 megs worth of data on my ISP's machine, FTP it down to my Mac at 28.8 KBPS :-(, and then remember to back up my Mac to my local DAT tape and do it all on a regular basis. Egads! BTW, there are 163 of us on the regular mailing list as of to- day (Thu Jul 3 11:06:00 EDT 1997) and 18 folks reading the di- gest list. That's 181 of us "roadkill"ers out there chatting about the best band in the land -- *the* American Band! This is all really great stuff. I, for one, am enjoying the heck out of this list. In fact, I've unsubscribed from all of my other lists to concentrate on this one! Grand Funk fans -- espe- cially us "roadkill"ers -- are the best! Now, if we can only get them to reschedule the Toledo or Cleveland shows, or to schedule one in Cincinnati, on Dayton, or Indianapolis, or Louisville, or Lexington, or Columbus, ... Take care, keep Shinin' On, and always grok in fullness ... Bill-- ...who can resist anything but temptation. /\___/\ (42?) +--------------------------+--------------------------+-- / ~ ~ ~ \ / --+ |William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | / (o) (o) \ | |wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| / `' \ | | *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | \ ( ( (( / | +------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+-- \ )( ) (/ -----+ \m<->m/ ------------------------------ From: Stan Pace Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 11:52:03 -0400 Subject: Re: My site, the list, and stuff Bill, While we're building a new tour schedule, how about at least one of these: Virginia Beach, Hampton, Richmond, D.C., Raleigh, Roanoke, etc. Glad to hear you're "whole" again. Peace, Stan At 11:16 7/3/97 -0400, you wrote: >Hi all, > > I just wanted to drop a quick e-note to the list and tell ev- > eryone that my site is *almost* back to "normal." I've just > about completely recovered from my ISP's disk crash and their > two-and-a-half month old backup to the point that I'm almost hap- > py with it. > > There's just a few more things that I want to do before I try > to become a PhotoShop expert like Donna ;-) and pretty things up. > I'm trying to find all of the old concert schedules that I can > and fill in with some set-lists when possible for my Reunion and > Concerts page. That, along with some missing comments on my More > Pictures pages and I should be back "up to snuff." > > Now, all I have to do is remember to back up my 12 megs worth > of data on my ISP's machine, FTP it down to my Mac at 28.8 KBPS > :-(, and then remember to back up my Mac to my local DAT tape and > do it all on a regular basis. Egads! > > BTW, there are 163 of us on the regular mailing list as of to- > day (Thu Jul 3 11:06:00 EDT 1997) and 18 folks reading the di- > gest list. That's 181 of us "roadkill"ers out there chatting > about the best band in the land -- *the* American Band! > > This is all really great stuff. I, for one, am enjoying the > heck out of this list. In fact, I've unsubscribed from all of my > other lists to concentrate on this one! Grand Funk fans -- espe- > cially us "roadkill"ers -- are the best! Now, if we can only get > them to reschedule the Toledo or Cleveland shows, or to schedule > one in Cincinnati, on Dayton, or Indianapolis, or Louisville, or > Lexington, or Columbus, ... > > Take care, keep Shinin' On, and always grok in fullness ... > >Bill-- > ...who can resist anything but temptation. > /\___/\ (42?) >+--------------------------+--------------------------+-- / ~ ~ ~ \ / --+ >|William A. (Bill) Parrette|7177 Heritage Drive | / (o) (o) \ | >|wap@one.net |Westchester, OH 45069-4012| / `' \ | >| *** http://w3.one.net/~wap/ *** | \ ( ( (( / | >+------------------- 513-779-0780 --------------------+-- \ )( ) (/ -----+ > \m<->m/ > > > Stan Pace U.S. Atlantic Command Joint Training, Analysis and Simulation Center ------------------------------ From: murf01@sprynet.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 09:41:52 -0700 Subject: Re: My site, the list, and stuff <> Somewhere near Orlando, Florida would be Fantastic also....There was a GFR show scheduled for Walt Disney World Pleasure Island about a year ago and it got cancelled because of contract problems... I was REALLY disappointed. Murf - -------- e-mail me at murf01@sprynet.com' visit my WEB page at: "http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/murf01/ ------------------------------ End of grand-funk-digest V1 #81 *******************************