From: owner-grand-funk To: grand-funk-digest Subject: grand-funk-digest V1 #83 Reply-To: grand-funk@roadkill.com Errors-To: owner-grand-funk Precedence: bulk grand-funk-digest Friday, 4 July 1997 Volume 01 : Number 083 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Roverpick@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 01:01:43 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Palace Video Someone recently asked Sunny Quinn about the Auburn video and she stated that the lighting was not good enough for release, but that parts of it would probably be used for promotional use. I sure as heck hope that some of the other shows will be videotaped. It seems a shame in this day and age that a quality video cannot be put together from any one of these fantastic shows on the current tour. ------------------------------ From: WIDOWMAKER Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 00:38:27 -0600 Subject: help! need tour dates asap i just subscribed to this list and need tour dates asap. saw the boys in raleigh north carolina on the first date of last years mini-tour and they didn't let me down. i hear that they are playing in omaha on july 12th. if someone could send me a complete list of tour dates i would be mighty happy. thanks in advance. -justin ------------------------------ From: nickgrenfell@juno.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 15:46:05 -0700 Subject: Re: Grand Funk questions - help needed! > 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 had one here in Phoenix ,The Michael Nitro group. A sort of local band that has been playing local clubs as long as I can remember. > 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? I don't know if Phoenix was a sell out, but if it wasn't, it was _real_ close. I didn't see a single seat not taken. > 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. And worse .. consider people like Mick Jagger or Paul McCartney who can put something out and get automatic recognition (which leads to air play) .. further putting the squeeze on a comeback. It's really a shame. > 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! Very well said... Nick Nick Grenfell Fidonet 1:114/440 e-mail Nick.Grenfell@BioHazard.ghostrdr.wierius.com e-mail nickgrenfell@juno.com ------------------------------ From: James Lichtenberg Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 02:02:25 -0700 Subject: Re: Mel's Bass Playing Joe Holewa wrote: > > There are two Bass Players which I consider "the best" for the style in > which they played: > > 1.Mel > 2.The Bass Player from the James Gang, can anyone guess his name? Dear Joe, In 1972 James Gang bass player was Dale Peters. Regards, Jim ------------------------------ From: James Lichtenberg Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 02:10:42 -0700 Subject: Re: Confused Sue Moore wrote: > By the way, Dale must be Don's stepdaughter. Don has a daughter but she > is younger > than 22 (should be 16-18, I think?). Anybody else know about this???? Dear Sue, I've thought this too, but I was too chicken to bring it up. When I talked to Farner on his bus in Hadley, Mass. in 1991, he told me that Don Brewer was in Florida and was down in the dumps because his wife had just died of cancer and was now alone with their 10 year old daughter. She must be 16 now, but I never hear anything about her. I thought that I had read that Sunny had been with Don for 12 years or something like that and I couldn't reconcile this with what Mark told me. Thanks for the info. Later. Regards, Jim ------------------------------ From: Randy Stowe Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 01:15:32 -0400 Subject: Re: help! need tour dates asap Hi Justin, Welcome to the list, Bro! Here's the tour dates you requested: Thru June 25...Japan June 27: Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel June 28: Phoenix Celebrity Theater June 30: Del Mar, Ca. Del Mar Fair July 10: Walker, Mi. Festival July 11: Minneapolis, Mn State Theater July 12: Omaha, Ne Prpheim Theatre July 15: Little Rock, Ar Robinson Center July 16: Oklahoma City, Ok (site to be annc'd) July 18: Moline, Il Mark of the Quad Cities July 19: Monticello, Ia (fair) These dates come from Sunny Quinn's (Don Brewer's wife) page at the WZZR site located at http://www.wzzr.com/gfr.html. Check this page out when you get a chance. Also be sure to check out the other GFR sites, especially Donna Wightman's site. You can find a link at Bill Parrettes Grand Funk site ( http://w3.one.net/~wap/GFR_WEB/ ). While your at it, scope out Jay Siekierski's Sonics Page located at: http://home.earthlink.net/~thesonics/index.html I know you won't be disappointed. Happy surfing, and once again, welcome the Roadkill Funksters. Cordially, Randy Stowe ------------------------------ From: Brit & John Montalbano Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 20:55:01 Subject: GFR Article Hey Boys & Girls, Just a quicky to let everyone know that there is a pretty good article on GFR in the AUGUST '97 edition of Guitar World magazine. I have not read all of it, just did some skimming. It looks to be pretty involved, and also has a couple of photo's of the boys with the orchestra folks. Later, gotta go... Keep the Funk cranked up !! John Montalbano ------------------------------ From: Brit & John Montalbano Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 22:49:08 Subject: Re: Mark? Mel? What's up??? Paul, I brought my camera to the DEL MAR concert and I kept waiting for Mark and Mel to jam together... it NEVER happened. As a matter of fact, Mel seemed to be keeping an eye on Mark, and whenever Mark would run across the stage to do a lead, Mel would retreat to the back and hang out by Don. There were a couple of times where I thought for sure that they would jam together, but it never happened. I too play bass and bow to Mels greatness! It was he who first got me into playing bass. While me and my friends used to "air guitar" GFR songs for hours, I would always find myself imitating Mel. When you think "power trio", you have to have a good bass player... just look at RUSH. Though I hold Geddy Lee (and Chris Squire of YES) in slightly higher regard than Mel, Mel still kicks some serious @ss!! As far as that guy saying that Mark Farner probably wrote 95% of the bass lines for GFR, I got one word for him... NOT !! I hate to burst your bubble, but Mark, in my opinion, is the least talented of the three. Now don't everyone bite my head off, let me clarify that I don't mean Mark is not talented, I simply mean that Don is a better drummer, and Mel is a better bassist than Mark is a guitarist. Sorry if that offends anyone. So I agree, let's here some more about MEL ! Anyone notice the make and model of bass he is using? I saw some PEAVY amps behind him, and it looked like he was playing a Gibson bass, but I can't be sure. From the sound he gets, he probably uses flat wound vs. round wound... anyone know? With all of us bassists saying that we were influenced by Mel, does anyone know any groups or bassists that influenced Mel ? I heard someone say that Mel's kid plays bass... anyone ever hear the kid play? Did anyone who talked to Mel backstage ask him what his favorite GFR song is to play? OK, that should keep us talking about MEL for a little while at least!! John M At 03:06 AM 7/3/97 -0400, Bass6plyr@aol.com wrote: >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: jmaijala@juno.com (James I Maijala) Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 02:50:17 EDT Subject: Re: Vegas Recap - Part II Phil, When the stage hand came onto the stage behind Mark to give him the extra guitar Mark had to shoo him away, twice! From my vantage point to Marks right I saw the whole thing. Mark had been screwing with the tuning key on his low E string for serveral songs, I watched the stage hands start talking rather excitedly and they scrambled to get the axe! Mark waved him off twice (waving his hand behind his back) before the dweeb got the message. When I showed the people at work the drumstick on Monday I was treated with total reverence(as it should be). One of them had seen the show in Phoenix on Saturday and loved it as well. Had I known you didn't like elevators I would have said something like "What's that noise?" Later, Jim ------------------------------ From: Creamx5@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 03:39:23 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: In Need... along with general comment! mel is probaly the best bass player around,most eccentric quiet ball busting musician in rock. ------------------------------ From: Creamx5@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 03:48:02 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Grand Funk questions - help needed! perhaps not,but it might be nice after the trendy music scene fades,gfr come from the battlefield famous.sincerly steven ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 04:00:21 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: In Need... along with general comment! *ADDED COMMENTS ABOUT ROADKILL* Here are a couple of comments on this subject that didn't make it to the list. I figured I would share them with you. ============================================================= patrickg@shadow.dbapic.com.au (Greg Patrick) writes: << What can one say.I totally agree, Mel has got to be one of the most underated bassists ever. I remember listing to the Red Album when it hit the shores in Australia back when i used to play. (going back a good 25 odd years now.) And i still listen in awe of the lines played. Ah the mysterious Bass player... Greg>> ljb@pwshift.com writes: << Paul. You're right. The Live album is a testament to Mels awesome playing ability. That album wouldn't be half as good as it is w/o Mels contribution. And I know nothing of Bass playing really. Leo>> ============================================================= I just want to thank you guys for responding to my posts. Especially Bill Parrette Grand Funk You guys RULE!!! And to everyone else who has responded in the past, thanks again!! Lets face it boys and girls, Funk fans rule!!! It just doesn't get any better! Who else can rave about the BEST power trio band in the WORLD better than we can??? Grand Funk Railroad has roared down the tracks and into our souls... with an impact so hard, this is how we became "Roadkill" :) Happy 4th, and... FUNK the FUNK ON!!!! Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: Mike Davidson Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 20:58:38 +1000 Subject: Anniversary 4th July 1969 Hi All, My name is Mike Davidson, I am 44 yo, I come from Melbourne Australia and I have grown up with Grand-Funk Railroad. The band featured in my early years as an air force airman dating back to 1972 when I first heard "Survival". Since then I have been following the "adventures" of Mark, Don, Mel and Craig for a long time. The reason I said anniversary, is that this day marks the 28 th anniversary of their appearance at the Atlanta Pop Festival, their first public gig at which no fee was charged by any of them, I am led to believe. Mark, Don, Mel and Craig. Thank you for the richness you have given me in life and the music I was born to. Mike Davidson - -- Mike Davidson |\_______ E-mail:davo@melbpc.org.au >#|_________> |__/ - ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 07:05:06 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: In Need... along with general comment! Phil... Did something get mixed up here? I don't remember anyone making a statement like this. Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com In a message dated 97-07-04 05:09:43 EDT, catalano@nymph.cs.mci.com (Phil Catalano) writes: << > Mel is a great bass player, but I don't believe that "he comes up > with half the sh!t he plays." Well Jim, sorry but I've got to disagree with you 100%! Phil --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= Phil Catalano phil.catalano@mci.com --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= >> ------------------------------ From: DOdell4280@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 10:03:18 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: In Need... along with general comment! hey man, there aint NOBODY who sounds like Mel !!!!! to say someboby else wrote that is hard to believe. that comes from feeling man. he is the music just as much as mark & don. you cant put feeling on paper you put musical notes. this is where the difference between someone who plays an instrement & the person who originally played the song or sound.Mel does not just play the bass . HE IS THE THUNDER OF THE BAND. Nobody can get bottom like him. Put on the live album man and I think you agree that someone doesnt tell you to play like that. That comes from the heart don ------------------------------ From: DOdell4280@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 11:01:19 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: fishnet 91 hey man Fishnet was a show from 91 that was recorded. I only have that one song. Is the rest of the show on tape? also who sang back up when mark did this tour? ------------------------------ From: DOdell4280@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 11:27:19 -0400 (EDT) Subject: forgotten promos hey man, I remember in high school going to the auditorium and watching a film in which gfr was promoting donating blood for a blood drive. It showed them giving blood and telling about giving blood. There were also concert footage. had to be 75-76 . anybody remember this. maybe we could find this jem maybe contacting red cross? man there is more footage out there than what we got. we just gotta look in the right places. don ------------------------------ From: Leo Bartoli Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 11:38:29 -0400 Subject: This & That Good morning fellow funkers! I'm in the mood to ask some questions. = Anyone in the mood to respond? - - I've got to know. Does it or does it not happen.....Before the band = comes on...as the crowd is stirring....do they do it?....do they do what = I would want to be doing if I were there? ....do they call 'em out in = the style of the Live album......WE WANT GRAND FUNK...WE WANT GRAND = FUNK...... - - Say, I'm as nuts as anyone is for the songs they've been doing in the = recent concerts. Just the same, if I had my way, I'd be willing to trade half a dozen or so of them for = other great tunes you practically never hear in concert. Sometimes I wonder if the band itself may share = my sentiment. I mean, if it were me playing WAAB or IYC for the zillionth time, I'd be busting at = the seams with frustration wishing I could let the world hear and = experience some of my other creative efforts. My heart goes out to = these guys if they feel forced by popular demand (i.e.. us) to do things not = quite like they would prefer. The last thing I want to do is be part of = something that suppresses free expression, creativity or spontaneity. = Maybe we'd be giving something back to the boys by letting them know we = encourage them to experiment some with they're song list. I know for = one I'd appreciate it. =20 - - Lastly, anyone up to speed on Marks religious beliefs/practices these = days. Years ago I thought I had read that he was unwilling to do WAAB due to its theme, which we = know is not a problem now. I don't believe he has given up on spirituality entirely-thats not what = I'm inquiring about. What I'm wondering is whether his view of Christianity has changed, or = whether he's less of a bible thumper than he was (that is if he ever was, I don't really know). I think I did a poor job of expressing what I'm looking for here, but = all responses appreciated! T/Leo ------------------------------ From: Gasnoilguy@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 11:57:55 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Import CD's Roverpick@aol.com wrote: >Even though I have bought these as Japanese imports, I will also not >hesitate to buy these titles again if Capitol should ever feel the urge to >release them in the states. I agree. I got the Japanese "Phoenix" CD, and it really sounds good. It even has English lyrics on the liner notes. I don't remember if the original album had lyrics. Anyone know if it did? Gasnoilguy ------------------------------ From: Stephen Barber Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 12:11:01 -0400 Subject: Mel I'm not a musician so I can't make any musical judgment on the technical aspects of Mel's playing. However, I will tell you that the the prominent bass lines in GFR music was the first thing I noticed when I listened to GFR in the early 70's. I had never heard a "bass solo" section of a song before! (If that's what you call it) I recall one critic that said that Mel deserves a better band. Hey, all three guys are great, but if one is missing, it is not GFR! I've gotten several more responses to the poll. You can send a list of your favorite albums and I'll post the results Monday. GFR needs to come south! Stephen ------------------------------ From: James Lichtenberg Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 12:20:29 -0700 Subject: Second class citizen Brit & John Montalbano wrote: > As far as that guy saying that Mark Farner probably wrote 95% of the bass > lines for GFR, I got one word for him... NOT !! I hate to burst your > bubble, but Mark, in my opinion, is the least talented of the three. Now > don't everyone bite my head off, let me clarify that I don't mean Mark is > not talented, I simply mean that Don is a better drummer, and Mel is a > better bassist than Mark is a guitarist. Sorry if that offends anyone. > DOdell4280@aol.com wrote: > > hey man, > there aint NOBODY who sounds like Mel !!!!! to say someboby else > wrote that is hard to believe. that comes from feeling man. he is the music > just as much as mark & don. you cant put feeling on paper you put musical > notes. this is where the difference between someone who plays an instrement & > the person who originally played the song or sound.Mel does not just play the > bass . HE IS THE THUNDER OF THE BAND. Nobody can get bottom like him. Put on > the live album man and I think you agree that someone doesnt tell you to play > like that. That comes from the heart Dear Brit & John, Don, Phil Cat, Don't worry, no one on this list is gonna bite your head off for banging on Farner! I never thought that I'd be reduced to having to defend Mark Farner on this list. Mark is a complete second class citizen here. You would think that Mark was lucky to have been let into the band. Please consider the following. Mark Farner wrote EVERY song on the following albums that most of you guys worship(Shinin' On is my favorite). On Time Closer To Home E Pluribus Funk Phoenix On the Red Album, of the 7 original GFRR tunes, Mark wrote/co-wrote all seven(Brewer helped out on "Please Don't Worry". On Survival, of the 5 original GFRR tunes, Farner wrote/co-wrote all five(Brewer helped out on "I Can Feel Him In The Morning". I am an amateur songwriter and my bass player does not write my bass lines, although he can play me under the table(maybe this is why I'm still an amateur!). Seriously though, Mark said he wrote "Footstompin' Music" in 20 minutes. I just can't believe that Mel wrote the bass line in that tune or any other that he didn't get a writer's credit on. Phil, next time you schmooze with Mel, please kindly ask him. Maybe Mel defers to Mark on stage because he knows whose band he's in. I'm not arguing that Mel and Don are not great players and I think Don is a good songwriter in his own right, but I sincerely believe that Grand Funk would have achieved 95% of the success that they did achieve if Mark had picked 2 other great musicians from Flint to play with him. I also know some outstanding lead guitarists who think that Mark Farner is an accomplished player and an incredible songwriter. All the commotion about Don & Mel is exciting, but I am still stunned at the lack of attention that brother Mark gets here. Talk soon, guys. Later. Regards, Jim ------------------------------ From: James Lichtenberg Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 12:26:53 -0700 Subject: Phoenix lyrics Gasnoilguy@aol.com wrote: > > I agree. I got the Japanese "Phoenix" CD, and it really sounds good. It > even has English lyrics on the liner notes. I don't remember if the original > album had lyrics. Anyone know if it did? > > Gasnoilguy Dear GasnOil, My copy of Phoenix on vinyl that I think is an original pressing does not have any lyrics. I don't know if my boot is original or not. Regards, Jim ------------------------------ From: JFerr54280@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 12:28:57 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Vegas Recap - Part I This is just a note of thanks to all who have spent so much time sharing their time and experiences on the net these past weeks. I am going to the Little Rock concert on the 15th of July. I have many GFR memories etc. but no time to write. I would rather read all of your posts. Please keep them coming. I am preparing a note to fax to all the area media in Shreveport,La. they probably will not forward the info. but I'll see what happens. I always thought I was a huge GFR fan, all you guys put me to shame with your knowledge. I used to play bass guitar in my teen years but switched to keyboard in my last band. That is the year we began hearing GFR music (1970) I'll never forget hearing ARE YOU READY for the first time. I thougt what a great song and how easy their music was to learn and play. none of hard BEATLE stuff. HAPPY 4th to everyone. I shall post a note after I get back from LITTLE ROCK as in the song-"last night in Little Rock" I expect the place to explode when Don Says those words in AMERICAN BAND. Bob, Shreveport ------------------------------ From: James Lichtenberg Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 12:32:59 -0700 Subject: Re: This & That Leo Bartoli wrote: > - Lastly, anyone up to speed on Marks religious beliefs/practices these days. Years ago I thought I > had read that he was unwilling to do WAAB due to its theme, which we know is not a problem now. > I don't believe he has given up on spirituality entirely-thats not what I'm inquiring about. > What I'm wondering is whether his view of Christianity has changed, or whether he's less of a bible > thumper than he was (that is if he ever was, I don't really know). Dear Leo, I saw Mark solo a ton of times between '85 & '95 and he never once played ILO or WAAB. He changed the lyrics to ILO with GFRR. According to his interviews, he sure sounds as spiritual as ever. My guess is that he compromised with Don & Mel when they reformed. How could GFRR not do WAAB live? He was a Bible thumper and even had his own ministry which sent out newsletters. It was very cool and enlightening. Later. Regards, Jim ------------------------------ From: Randy Stowe Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 11:35:16 -0400 Subject: Re: This & That Leo Bartoli wrote: > - Lastly, anyone up to speed on Marks religious beliefs/practices these days. Years ago I thought I > had read that he was unwilling to do WAAB due to its theme, which we know is not a problem now. > I don't believe he has given up on spirituality entirely-thats not what I'm inquiring about. > What I'm wondering is whether his view of Christianity has changed, or whether he's less of a bible > thumper than he was (that is if he ever was, I don't really know). > Hi Leo, When Mark came to Little Rock in 1988, he stated in a newspaper article, that he wasn't doing WAAB because it was Brewers song. He was only going to be doing his own tunes. As far as Mark's faith in Jesus, I think you'll find that it's as strong as ever. By the way he talked during the AOL live chat a while back, he indicated that if you want to find new converts, you don't hang around folks who are already converted, you go out amongst the unclaimed masses. Have a great 4th, everybody! Randy ------------------------------ From: Sue Moore Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 12:47:43 -0400 Subject: Re: Confused James Lichtenberg wrote: > Sue Moore wrote: > > > By the way, Dale must be Don's stepdaughter. Don has a daughter but > she > > is younger > > than 22 (should be 16-18, I think?). Anybody else know about > this???? > > Dear Sue, > I've thought this too, but I was too chicken to bring it up. When > I > talked to Farner on his bus in Hadley, Mass. in 1991, he told me that > Don Brewer was in Florida and was down in the dumps because his wife > had > just died of cancer and was now alone with their 10 year old daughter. > > She must be 16 now, but I never hear anything about her. I thought > that > I had read that Sunny had been with Don for 12 years or something like > > that and I couldn't reconcile this with what Mark told me. Thanks for > the info. Later. > > Regards, > Jim Jim, Thanks for the info that Don's first wife died with cancer. I did not know that but it clears up a few things that I was innocently confused about. He must have been separated from his first wife if he and Sunny have been together for 12 years (1985?). Anyway, I am sure that this is very personal for him and I will be careful about bringing it up again. ------------------------------ From: Donna Wightman Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 10:14:50 -0700 Subject: I'm still here Hi everyone, I apologize for not getting back to some of you within the last couple of days. I hurt my back (again) on Tuesday, and have not been able to sit in a chair for more than a few minutes at a time. For those of you waiting for the Vegas pictures to be posted, I think I should be able to sit long enough by Sunday to get at least some of them up. I'll get back to everyone as soon as I can... LOL, Donna ------------------------------ From: David Watson Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 19:10:30 +0100 Subject: Beg to differ! >Brit & John Montalbano wrote:- >As far as that guy saying that Mark Farner probably wrote 95% of the bass >lines for GFR, I got one word for him... NOT !! I hate to burst your >bubble, but Mark, in my opinion, is the least talented of the three. Now >don't everyone bite my head off, let me clarify that I don't mean Mark is >not talented, I simply mean that Don is a better drummer, and Mel is a >better bassist than Mark is a guitarist. Sorry if that offends anyone. Never intended to disagree with anyone since I joined the group a few days ago, but I HAVE to comment on this! I don't know whether Mark's lead is better than Mel's bass or Don's drums,but his singing IS better than those 3! Can you make YOUR voice do what Mark's does? I certainly can't. Plus - Mark is the main composer of the tunes,i.e: the notes and chords that make up the songs. I'm sure Mel's bass enhances the ARRANGEMENT and PERFORMANCE (execution) of them, but there has to be a song there in the first place,agree? For that reason,I think it is a very bold statement to call him the "least" talented!!!!! - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---- ------------------------------ From: tom fagan Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 12:17:11 -0700 Subject: pictures Hello Brothers & sisters, I was lucky enough to get some real kick ass tapes from Rick Cappetto. has anyone else heard QUEEN BEE by the BOY'S. iT' AWSOME Thanks rick!!! Also Robert Bodily, where are you??? You or Denise took an awesome picture of Mark and Me. I will pay good money for it. PLEASE RESPOND ROBERT!!! Anxiously waiting funkster fagan! tom-span@pacbell.net ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 15:46:15 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: In Need... along with general comment! Sorry Phil.... For some reason your received that mail a day before I did. Oops! Well anyway, I strongly disagree also!!!!! Later, Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com In a message dated 97-07-04 07:05:54 EDT, Bass6plyr writes: << Phil... Did something get mixed up here? I don't remember anyone making a statement like this. Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com In a message dated 97-07-04 05:09:43 EDT, catalano@nymph.cs.mci.com (Phil Catalano) writes: << > Mel is a great bass player, but I don't believe that "he comes up > with half the sh!t he plays." Well Jim, sorry but I've got to disagree with you 100%! Phil --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= Phil Catalano phil.catalano@mci.com --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--= >> >> ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 15:56:59 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Mel IS the Man Hey Mike, don't be so hard on yourself man! I think it's cool and I certainly didn't laugh. You're never too old to do anything in this life, and if it's Mel that has inspired you so much, I think that's pretty awesome!! Good Luck, Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com In a message dated 97-07-04 12:05:45 EDT, 1kfunkrr@vegasnet.net (Mike Butler) writes: << The last thing, and please hold the laughter, I bought a bass and amp Monday. Although in the olden days I played the drums, I'm now a 41 year old budding bass player and boy do I suck. But I'm pumped up about it. Hey Stan can you come out and give me some lessons? Mel IS the Man, baby. -=Mike=- >> ------------------------------ From: Bass6plyr@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 16:06:08 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Mark? Mel? What's up??? In a message dated 97-07-04 12:34:20 EDT, bmontalb@sdcoe.k12.ca.us (Brit & John Montalbano) writes: << Now don't everyone bite my head off, let me clarify that I don't mean Mark is not talented, I simply mean that Don is a better drummer, and Mel is a better bassist than Mark is a guitarist. Sorry if that offends anyone. >> I totaly agree John. I've always felt that way. Who knows, if it weren't for Marks originality, maybe he would've just made it as a singer and GFR would've wound up as a 4 piece!! Later, Paul Bass6plyr@aol.com ------------------------------ From: ken.blackley@agric.gov.ab.ca Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 15:02:18 -0600 Subject: Album release Ken Blackley@AAFRD 07-04-97 03:02 PM Hi Guys (and Gals)! Been a little out-of-touch with things lately, so please forgive me if this is a little trite. What is the status of the live album GFR was to be releasing? Is it still in the works? Is their a firm release date? Thanks, Ken Blackley ------------------------------ From: Roverpick@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 17:18:11 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Album release Someone else posted that late August early Sept is the planned release date. I also read that it is on a Columbia subsidiary label. ------------------------------ From: "Randy J. Valdez" Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 14:43:34 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Del Mar Hello everyone, My name is Randy Valdez and I just subscribed to roadkill yesterday. In the first couple of loads of mail I received there was a lot of talk about Mark and Mel. I can't say I've ever noticed the avoidance, but I do know that at Monday's show at Del Mar during Mel's moment of glory in Closer To Home, some bone head dimmed all the stage lights with the exception of those directly over Mark. Mark quickly corrected the situation by leaning forward to the mike and shouted "MEL SCHACHER!" while pointing to him. It was still kinda sad to see Mel back there thundering away in the dark. Overall Del Mar was killer!! Way better than the Greek. Couldn't help but notice I was the only one wearing the famous Funkengruven t-shirt. What happened? Randy ------------------------------ From: "NH Borger" Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 23:41:08 +0200 Subject: Replies <> Yeah, I've never noticed that before. I've always been watching Mark running all over the stage in the LA74 video. But lately I watched the Beacon '97 video and during Loneliness there is a moment, almost at the end of the song, when Mark and Mel do jam it out together smiling, check it out..... >>I also know some outstanding lead guitarists who think that Mark Farner is an accomplished player and an incredible songwriter.<< How about a wonderful singer? Mark's voice is really the best! CU, Nico. ------------------------------ From: midge fagan Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 15:19:03 -0700 Subject: I want to subscribe my name is midge, my son tom is a Grand funk freak!!! tell me what is so special about this band please??? sincerely, Midge ------------------------------ From: DLGiff@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 18:31:46 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Second class citizen Hi Crew, Been part of the Roadkill crew for months, but this is only my second posting. I've been following the discussion on the boys, who is responsible for what and so on and I just have to speak up. Mark is the driving force behind GFR, no doubt. He is primarily responsible for the sound. He is the key writer and number one voice. While his guitar playing doesn't compare to Leslie West or Eddie Van Halen, he is a very good guitar player. In fact, his style of guitar is more suited to GFR. Mel is one hell of a bass player. I believe it is his distinctive style that puts the POWER in "power trio". While Mark is a very good guitar player, Mel is the greatest bass player today or any day. Geddy Lee and the late Felix Pappalardi are close, but clearly not of his caliber. I used to think Don's style was too frenetic. Fortunately, my senses returned by the time Please Don't Worry was over. (Second track from the "Red" album.) I quickly recognized he added the perfect energy to Mel's bass and Mark's guitar. The more I listened, the more I realized he is a great drummer. I also believe that on their own or with other bands, the boys wouldn't be nearly as good or such a sheer joy to listen to. Clearly Grand Funk Railroad is clearly greater than the sum of the parts. Several times I''ve seen comments about Grand Funk wasn't Grand Funk without Mel, well it goes for all three. Their chemistry, style and songs couldn't be duplicated with the same impact without any one of them. (And there is no need for a fourth member!) I would only have three pieces of advice for GFR for getting back to the top. First, get back to your pre WAAB days sound! You were great then, and now the industry has gone full circle. The sound you pioneered is on top again. Second, get better management. Your current management doesn't seem to understand what makes GFR great and therefore doesn't understand how to promote it. Don't treat GFR as a reunion act, reunion acts don't last or make successful comebacks. GFR and their fans deserve better. And third and most important, come back to LA, once is not enough! I also want to say to the rest of the Roadkill gang, that it is a real pleasure be with real fans and not the fair weather variety so popular in this day and age. You guys are the best. Dave ------------------------------ From: Leo Bartoli Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 20:04:36 -0400 Subject: RE: I want to subscribe Hi Midge. Glad you asked! This band is made of three very special men with wholesome good-hearted personalities which are magnified by the creative outlet of their powerful musical essence. Wow,did I say that! - -----Original Message----- From: midgef@earthlink.net [SMTP:midgef@earthlink.net] Sent: Friday, July 04, 1997 7:54 PM To: Ljb Subject: I want to subscribe my name is midge, my son tom is a Grand funk freak!!! tell me what is so special about this band please??? sincerely, Midge ------------------------------ From: HCRRock@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 20:48:55 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: This & That There's a good answer from the horse's mouth Mark, in a article on Bill's sight back when he was just starting to regroup Grand Funk....I'm sure there will be more answers on this subject when Mark's bio comes out sometime this summer... CRASH TEST CHRIS ------------------------------ From: "Rex D. Hutto" Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 21:42:48 -0500 Subject: RE: More Vegas II - -----Original Message----- From: James I Maijala [SMTP:jmaijala@juno.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 1997 10:44 PM To: 1kfunkrr@vegasnet.net Cc: grand-funk@roadkill.com Subject: Re: More Vegas II 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!! I climbed up on stage and grabbed the drum stick. =20 It is a Don Brewer signature stick. I didn't know there *was* "a Don Brewer signature stick." What brand? = What size? I didn't know he was "important" enough (commercially = speaking) for endorsements/signature products. Looking forward to = details. =00 ------------------------------ From: Creamx5@aol.com Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 22:20:26 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Mel IS the Man MARK IS IT,HE BLOWS VAN HALEN AWAY AND ANY OTHER POP HARD ROCK BAND... ------------------------------ From: jmaijala@juno.com (James I Maijala) Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 23:27:32 EDT Subject: Re: Del Mar What happened? We we all in Vegas, BABY!!!!! On Fri, 4 Jul 1997 14:43:34 -0700 (PDT) "Randy J. Valdez" writes: >Hello everyone, > >My name is Randy Valdez and I just subscribed to roadkill yesterday. >In the >first couple of loads of mail I received there was a lot of talk about >Mark >and Mel. I can't say I've ever noticed the avoidance, but I do know >that at >Monday's show at Del Mar during Mel's moment of glory in Closer To >Home, >some bone head dimmed all the stage lights with the exception of those >directly over Mark. Mark quickly corrected the situation by leaning >forward >to the mike and shouted "MEL SCHACHER!" while pointing to him. It was >still >kinda sad to see Mel back there thundering away in the dark. > >Overall Del Mar was killer!! Way better than the Greek. > >Couldn't help but notice I was the only one wearing the famous >Funkengruven >t-shirt. What happened? > > Randy > > ------------------------------ From: jmaijala@juno.com (James I Maijala) Date: Fri, 04 Jul 1997 23:27:32 EDT Subject: Re: I want to subscribe Midge, Most of us are in our 30's and 40's and have children of our own. If you grew up or were a teenager during the late 60's through the mid 70's I would be flabergasted by your statement. Grand Funk, identifys a way of thinking about music and life. That is a easy as I can say it. Jim On Fri, 04 Jul 1997 15:19:03 -0700 midge fagan writes: >my name is midge, my son tom is a Grand funk freak!!! >tell me what is so special about this band please??? > >sincerely, >Midge > ------------------------------ End of grand-funk-digest V1 #83 *******************************