Artist

1997 Update Announcement

The following announcement was received by several Grand Funk fans on the 'Net. It comes from David Fishof Presents, Inc. and details some of the upcoming plans for the band through the rest of the year and beyond. It also asks that we, the fans, try to help thank some of those folks who have been instrumental in helping to keep The Railroad "back on track." So, read on and lets help in the plan for the best band in the land.

Date: Wed, 13 Aug 1997 15:54:03 (EDT)
From: David Fishof, Manager of Grand Funk Railroad
Subject: Grand Funk Update

Dear Grand Funk Railroad Fans,

Greetings Grand Funk fans. I know it has been a few months since I last communicated with you. I have been busy working with the guys to strategize the strongest come back Rock 'N Roll has ever seen. A lot of work goes into making a strong return with such a great band. With all your support, this year will be the year of Grand Funk. The Flint reporter Doug Pullin said it best when he said:

"IF LAST YEAR WAS ABOUT GETTING BACK ON TRACK, THIS YEAR IS ABOUT FULL STEAM AHEAD ..."
The Flint Journal, April 21, 1997

I would like to update you on the latest Grand Funk news. It is important for Grand Funk fans to always know what is happening with the band. In all my years of the music business, I have never seen a band more dedicated to satisfying their fans. Donny, Mel and Mark always take time to listen and communicate with all their fans around the world.

Record Releases

Bosnia Album
On or about October 21, 1997 EMI-Capitol Records will release the live Bosnia Album in a double CD and double cassette package. Our dedicated record producer, Ron Nevison, recently finished the Bosnia album which has been praised by Capitol Records executives as a masterpiece. A percentage of each record sold will go the Bosnian American Relief Fund. With the horrible situation in Bosnia still going on, it is important for the record to continue to raise money for this cause.

The Anthology
The release of an extensive history of the band by EMI-Capitol has been confirmed. The yet unnamed CD set will include three new tunes the band just recorded in Los Angeles and Detroit. Although they are still in the works, I can tell you that these new songs will blow you away.

Ron Nevison, our outstanding producer, has been pouring his heart and soul into Grand Funk for months. Incidentally, in the recent book about the making of KISS called Kiss and Tell, the author writes that KISS waited a few years to do an album until Ron Nevison was free. Stay tuned for more information.

Reiterating what I have previously mentioned, it is very important to hear from the fans about which previously recorded songs they would like on the upcoming anthology. Please put together a wish list and feel free to email them to Rocstarr@aol.com.

Ringo and His Third All-Starr Band
Mark Farner is on this CD in the Third All-Starr band with Ringo. It is currently available for $5.99 at Blockbuster stores.

Charity Events

Bosnia
Grand Funk donated the money from your concert tickets and merchandising revenues to help rebuild the schools in the Biahac region of Bosnia. Keeping his promise, Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey, the Bosnian Ambassador to the United States, gave a major presentation on July 23 honoring Grand Funk for their donation to Bosnia. United States Ambassador Richardson also attended the ceremony.

Plans for the band to go to Sarajevo are currently on hold due to military advisement about the current negative political climate. Also, the U2 show that Grand Funk was going to play around has been postponed. The band is working with Ambassador Sacirbey to find a good time to go to Bosnia. Grand Funk is committed to helping with the plight of the Bosnia orphans.

Flood Aid
Following the band's dedication to helping those in need, Grand Funk performed in Flood Aid in Fargo, North Dakota last week. To boost ticket sales, the sponsors of Flood Aid, including Mr. Chris Clauser of Northwest Airlines, asked Grand Funk to co-headline with Travis Trit. Northwest was also the proud sponsor of the Grand Funk Bosnian charity shows.

After adjusting the bands recording schedule the band flew to Fargo to help out. It was broadcast on the web as the first ever rock benefit concert on the web. Rolling Stone Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, CNN and local press was all in attendance. It was a great event. Please feel free to write to Mr. Chris Clauser and thank him for all his support of Grand Funk. His address is:

Mr. Chris Clauser
Vice President of Corporate Communications
North West Airlines
51001 Northwest Dr.
St. Paul, MN 55111-3034

Web Sites: grandfunk.com. and grandfunkrailroad.com

The band is currently working on their own web sites at grandfunk.com and grandfunkrailroad.com. Please feel free to check them out and write back to Rocstarr@aol.com. with you comments. We would be glad to link all your web sites into ours and visa versa. We want to include chat times, concerts from abroad, recording sessions and a lot of new and exciting technology for the fans to enjoy.

Touring

Recent Japanese Tour
Wow ... what incredible fans!! The Japanese fans flocked to the four concerts and Grand Funk sold them out. The reviews were great and the entire production was first class. A great time was had by all.

We met the Japanese web page designer and another longtime fan from Japan named Son. Son had flown to all three Bosnian benefit shows in the United States. The reason the band looked good because Son provided the group with hot looking shades. Thanks to the Japanese fans, Son for all your support, and to our Japanese promoters Al Arashida of Koyoto, Japan. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Upcoming Six Week Tour
Beginning on or about October 20, 1997, the band will embark on a six-week tour of the United States. With a new technology production this will be an incredible show.

As soon as the dates are confirmed we will post them on the web to notify the fans before public sale. Make sure you catch a show this fall.

Recent Highlight

Before a show in July, Arkansas Governor Huckabee jammed with the band on stage.

Please Write

UN Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey
Please feel free to write to the United Nations Ambassador Sacirbey to thank him for being a major force in bringing the band back together. Your letters of support will really help the band and the Bosnian relief cause. Awareness about the issues of safety to all mankind is what life is about. Muhamed's address is:

United Nations Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
866 UN Plaza, Suite 580
New York, NY 10017

EMI-Capitol
Please write Bruce Kirkland at EMI-Capitol records and tell him that his support of the band with these two record releases is exciting. His address is:

Bruce Kirkland
President and CEO
EMI-Capitol Entertainment Properties
5750 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Radio Stations and VH-1
In October we need you to contact your local radio stations and VH-1 to get them motivated and aware that the fans want to see Grand Funk back in a big way. The President of VH-1 is John Sykes. His address is:

John Sykes
President
VH-1
1515 Broadway, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10036-5797

Thank You

I am sorry it has been such a long time since I've communicated with you. Everyday my staff and I are working hard to make sure Grand Funk's return to the big time happens soon. Your constant support and emails are so encouraging.

Please check out the web sites and send in your comments. We really appreciate your input. That's it for now. I hope you're all having a great summer.

David Fishof
Manager, Grand Funk Railroad

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