Grand Funk Railroad celebrated their 50th Anniversary as a band with a fantastic night of rock at the Mohegan Sun Wolf Den.
Don Brewer on Drums and Mel Schacher on Bass , original members were joined by Max Carl on vocals, Bruce Kulick on guitar and Tim Cashion on keyboards. Yes, the line up has changed since the days of the early 70’s, but they still belt out the classic songs of Grand Funk that still are in regulars on many playlists.
“Rock n’ Roll Soul” kicked off the set, along with “Foot Stompin’ Music” and “Shinin’ On”. That was enough to keep the start the night off and get everyone on their feet. Max Carl sounded great on vocals and Don Brewer took over for the lead on a couple of songs. The band performed “Second Chance”, a cover of .38 Special, a song that Max Carl wrote and is popular even performed by Grand Funk Railroad. Most of the audience knew the songs and joined in singing along with the band.
“The Star Spangled Banner” was performed by Bruce Kulick formerly of KISS. A large part of the audience was on their feet in front of the stage enjoying the night.
The night was filled with energy and fun. Not just the crowd was having fun, but the band looked like they were having a great time on the stage performing. Of course there were the Grand Funk Railroad mainstays, “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” and “We’re an American Band” complete with Brewer in his Captain America star spangled red white and blue flag hat.
The 50th anniversary celebration goes on as the tour continues. I’m not sure how much longer they will tour but the Grand Funk Railroad sounded as good as always and the audience never tires of hearing them. It was an easy night of familiar songs and I would go see them again.
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/
Review by Donna Ericshen
Photos by George Bekris
Setlist:
Rock & Roll Soul
Footstompin’ Music
Shinin’ On
The Loco-Motion
Walk Like a Man
Sky High
Second Chance
Lightning and Thunder
The Star-Spangled Banner
Inside Looking Out
Some Kind of Wonderful
I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)
Encore:
We’re an American Band
