Grand Funk Railroad - Heartbreaker (1974) | Reaction

[@bobconklin7159]

Mark Farner is the lead. One of the most unmistakable voices and guitarists of that era.

[@czmax7652]

Grand Funk Railroad One of the greatest in Rock & Roll History.

[@Champion_Aquatics]

And why the fans are the only ones to recognize that is WAAY beyond me.

[@tedgalton2063]

GFR one of my few favorites!!

[@Boethius411]

But not according to the R&R HOF. Smdh. Some of the best to have ever done it.

[@drazennikolic9727]

Best Americana rock bend all time

[@joedapro7236]

AMEN BROTHER, YOU ARE 100% CORRECT!!!!!!

[@stevenewcomer8837]

Mark Farner should be on Best Vocalist lists and Guitarist lists. They were the biggest band in land for most of the 70’s. Sold more tickets than the Beatles at Shea Stadium.

[@bflo1000-k6y]

Mark had huge charisma. IMO he was a much better singer than guitarist or keyboardist. He could play basically any instrument and also played harmonica on some songs.

[@Teresia12]

Grand Funk has never been recognized for the amazing group they are. In the 70s almost all of the guys went shirtless. No shirt, no shoes, but I'd give him service anytime. (get your mind out of the gutter 🤓) Loved it!! They were mega talented.

[@lindakoschwitz7370]

LOL I am right there with you on that!!!

[@detroitlady7201]

Being from Detroit, when Grand Funk rolled back in it was a party! Never missed them. Cobo Hall!

[@bobfurman862]

THEY DESERVE TO BE IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!!!!!

[@ronaldwhite5670]

I’m near 70, I found’em when I was a teenager……I still can’t get enuff of ‘em. The best!!!!!!!

[@tpstrato2270]

I'm 67 same here Ronald

[@Day-O1975]

My dad was a musician, been playing guitar and bass guitar since he was 4 years old. I was born in 1975. But because my dad was a musician I’ve loved all genres of music. From very old stuff. To Otis Redding. Chuck berry. Deep purple. Grand funk. Eric B and Rakim. KRS 1. Too short. All the way to tech n9ne. Disturbed. Bruno mars. I love all music. Christina Aguilera. You name it. So much real music out there that most people nowadays don’t know. My kids are young but I know they know who Grand funk is. Also I believe Grand funk was a trio. So even more amazing the music they made! Love it man! Love to see you get people knowing lost music you don’t hear often nowadays.

[@kimreed4468]

In Flint Michigan they were Mark Don and Mel.Mel came in from Question Mark and the Mysterions (96 tears).Funk was managed by Terry Knight, who had Terry Knight and the Pack. That's how they came together

[@rogerkelly7988]

Grand Funk Railroad was one of the biggest bands in the late 60s and 70s they were everywhere we rode around with the eight track tape player cranked up with their tape in it

[@janelleyurosky4688]

Mark Farner... yeah and he sure looks good up there! 🥰

[@shawnbfowler8883]

Their cover of Feelin Alright isthe best ive ever heard. I been jammin to these guys since 69

[@Bullwinkel0918]

I am SO happy you like our Flint, Michigan boys!!!!! They were phenomenal singers, musicians and entertainers. ❤❤❤👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@charlesberlanga4452]

Mark Farner, always the Showman.

[@point2822]

hit that thannnnggggggg music is truly universal AMERICAN MUSIC IS A BEAUTIFUL THING TO BE YOUNG GIFTED AND SO MUCH MORE ON SO MANY LEVELS NINA SIMONE LOVE THIS SHOW .28 EARONS NYC BAND FROM IS YOUR EARON EARTH JUST LIKE YOU PEACE

[@garyporter1702]

For the love of God. Why isn't this band in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

[@catherinehoffpauir6323]

Because RRHOF is a joke.

[@ricklugiano2047]

The 3 original power trio members are Mark FARNER, lead guitarist, vocals and can also play keyboards and harmonica, Don Brewer on drums and Mel Schaker on bass. They added keyboardist Craig Frost in 1972 or so!

[@rondiacarman376]

That man is the one and only, Mark Farner! When I was a young teenager, I had a boyfriend who had very long blond hair and when I saw GFR and Mark Farner, I made him get the very same haircut that Mark had! He wasn’t real happy at first, because his hair was past the midway down his back! I’ll never forget those times and the delicious Mark Farner! GFR should be in the rock and roll HOF!

[@lpeora]

My older brother took me to see Grand Funk at Cobo Hall in Detroit in 1971.. just before I left for Vietnam.. great concert.. great band..

[@Ian-Cognito]

GFR the most underrated rock band in history.

[@bigbow62]

Thank you for playing my ( & many others ) favorite GFR song... Mark Farner is a beast of a front-man ✌😎

[@brianmasinelli9694]

That's some badass live performance!

[@timothysarris9742]

What a great Rock band! Awesome, heard them back in the 70’s but it’s just now dawning on me how good they really were! Especially Mark Farner!

[@allenmccoy3346]

I had this album when I was in high school. I ran across this video just now and it brought back memories from when I was in high school they were one of the top groups at the time and good man you said the drummer was killing in the lead man was killing also listen to the bass player in the background he has a serious part in that music also I'm a musician so I listen to everything great group great album.

[@atuuschaaw]

GFR is a nine piece band packed into four. ☺♥

[@thomasmarshall5279]

Mark Farner my man. Kicked ass all the time. GFR was the best in the mid 70's when I was in high school. I'm 64 now and listen to them when I want to go back in time.

[@jeffcooper3765]

I'm right there with you brother I've been a fan since it came out in 69 and I've got several other albums on original vinyl that I bought back in the day but I listen to am on here I got a video that's got all their albums all in one video hundred ninety-nine different videos of all the albums they ever made including up-to-date new ones but I'm not so sure about the newer albums just isn't quite the same as it was with the trio they were the first Power Trio man and they were hot

[@joedapro7236]

Thomas, I've got you by 10 years! The same goes for me! Witnessed 3 of their concerts, NO BODY comes close to the show they put on!!!!!!

[@dennisholiday1868]

Well you could have taken my place because every time I hear a Elvis song Ray Barracks pops up. A life time grief from The United States Army lol.

[@sherryarflin726]

Exactly, that’s why they were fired from being Zepplin’s opening act. They put on a better show. Zepplin was great but by the time they’d hit the stage they were wasted and GFR brought the house down!!

[@jskit92380]

GFR: Mark Farner lead guitar, vocals, harmonica, keyboards Don Brewer drummer, vocals Mel Schacker bass Craig Frost keyboards Thanks Van, you’re very entertaining 😜 🤣Janet from Louisiana ☮️🖤🤘

[@bugvswindshield]

what I would give to go back in time to be there for this live concert. I am so blessed to live in an age that I get a super closer version of it. whahooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! thank you kind sir ~mr LFR. thank you again sir.

[@carollittle1059]

70's hair band, vocals and instrumentals were insane.

[@emilymartinez6961]

Thank you sooo much for starting my morning off in the most wonderful way with GFR, they started me on my rock journey when l was 15 and now in my 60's l'm still on that journey but now it's with you guys🤟

[@jeffcooper3765]

I'm right there with you I've been a fan since 14 and am still a huge fan

[@emilymartinez6961]

@@jeffcooper3765 l saw them in 1972, BB King opened up for them, l'll never forget it🤟😉

[@AppaloosaDreams]

(I had to check Wikipedia...) "Mark Farner was honored with the Lakota Sioux Elders Honor Mark in 1999. During the concert in Hankinson, North Dakota, a special presentation was held honoring Mark's Native ancestry and his contributions. Members of the Lakota Nation presented him with a hand-made ceremonial quilt.[13] He has also been honored with the Cherokee Medal of Honor by the Cherokee Honor Society.[13]" ....(Interesting!)

[@danielbritton8588]

Grand Funk seems to play live stuff better than their recorded studio tracks. I am 65 & up until now have not got to see performances taped like these & they are very impressive. Renewing an interest.

[@Sammylu-greenbeatsred]

FYI, They remastered a couple of their early studio albums which sound pretty good now. The "Grand Funk Live Album" from 1970 really captures that excitement. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4utZaiFjLKdm5Y

[@jeffcooper3765]

Hey man I'm 66 and have been a life long fan of GFR the 1st power trio right on brother!

[@bflo1000-k6y]

Their LIVE LP was one of their best ever. SO much raw energy.

[@gregseibel3310]

Don Brewer was a fantastic drummer. You need to listen to their live version of their song.T.N.U.C. very good drum solo.

[@zurla.laslo14]

Amen!

[@neilmceachren9485]

Gracias compadre. Luv u bro. 61 yrs and appreciate you playing things that make me happy. Nice to hear and appreciated

[@kevinkoch6900]

Sold out every Stadium and Arena they played in. Soulful Rock sound that shook you to the core.

[@kathleenkarsten5739]

I can’t imagine what it was like to BE THERE! I would have fainted for sure! 😍😍😍

[@joedapro7236]

Kathleen, their energy was unsurpassed. I saw them 3 times, I was rockin for the entire performance! AND' this was not yesterday 😉😊!

[@justiceforall6412]

Glad to see a younger generation and from a different ethnic background get the same reaction I got when I first heard this song way back in the day. If somebody hasn't told you yet, they upstaged Zep at Shea Stadium. Zep's manager literally walked over and pulled the plug mid song!

[@sherryarflin726]

I love Farner’s guitar. It was an aluminum messenger. On Footstompin Music he’s playing a white Les Paul SG that he bought from Steve Marriott ( who was freakin awesome) of Humble Pie and was used by Peter Frampton on some earlier Humble Pie. Even though I’m unable to play anymore I still love them. Anyway, just a little trivia. 😁😁.

[@Mff48]

great story.....love to hear these little gems thanks..

[@dennisholiday1868]

@@Mff48 Here is another story, Miles Davis and Grand Funk Railroad was doing a concert at the same time in the same city. Miles Davis canceled his show because he said more people will be at The Grand Funk Railroad show!

[@paoloardisson2895]

This guitar here is the Veleno. Only 159 were built, all handmade

[@davecody5997]

mark farner....the man!!!!!!

[@jamesfranklyn5312]

I BOUGHT MY FIRST ALBUM IN '69...THE RED ALBUM.....GOT THEIR NEXT 12 IN LINE....50 YRS LATER I CAN SING EVERY SONG ON ABOUT 8 OF 'EM....MY FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME

[@brucecronin6396]

Mark Farner lead the group and wrote 92% of the songs. He wrote "Heartbreaker" when he was 19. Great reaction !! In their day, they ROCKED !! When they opened a show for someone, they always "Up-Staged" the main act, even Led Zep !! When they opened for Rod Stewart and the Faces, the crowd Boo'ed Rod Stewart off the stage !! GFR was the originaters of "Stadium Rock" they sold out Shea, in 72-hours !! The Beatles took 3-weeks to sell-out Shea !! I saw them in '71 at Pirates World in Dania, Fl. Promoters sold 15.000 tickets for a 10,000 venue and the people rioted and over-turned 3 Miami police cars !! If their manager (a friend) hadn't taken every penny and left them NOTHING, they would have been the biggest Band EVER !! Mark Farner is still rock'in today, after decades of legal battles to finally, get the "rights" back enough to play GFR songs again !! GFR is the best thing to ever come out of Flint, Michigin (except maybe the GM Buick)

[@robertwalker1803]

This and live “Inside Out” are fire…What they did with the sound and the simple drum set was over the top.And two great singers.The passion they did things…but their story is a sad one overall.

[@barbarabonnette2705]

That’s why the 70s and 80s ruled the world…..great music.

[@KajunMoo70]

Van, I’ve been enjoying your reaction videos for over a year now and was hoping you’d discover GFR! Mark Farner, lead singer/guitarist is a legend. He also wrote about 90% of their songs. As I heard one other guy’s reaction to GFR, you have been baptized in the funk!!

[@Mff48]

Van,Mark wrote this when he was 18 years old!! He was staying at a friends house a fellow musician who told him he had the powers within him to write so he stayed up all night and wrote this!!

[@bronxbomber3194]

Yes! That was Dick Wagner of Alice Cooper fame that told Mark that.

[@louofm1]

Grand funk is from my hometown of Flint. Awesome band! Over the years, they had several band members, including keyboard player Craig frost, who went on to play for Bob Seagar. Not sure if that's Craig in the background of this video. Got the pleasure of meeting him a few times several years ago. Great guy and highly talented.

[@randyhochstein8455]

I saw Bob Seager in Pittsburgh , and Don Brewer was playing drums for that show.

[@ericramirez4518]

Grand Funk Led Zeppelin , Pin Flo Jimmy Hendrik y todas las bandas de esa época son extraordinarias grandes los mejores musicos

[@jeffhallaran6630]

Mark Farner, the greatest front man ever!

[@rebo2610]

Mark Farner ROCKS!!! I love him so much!

[@sprezzatura8755]

Rock and roll rule #1: Never fire the lead singer. Mark Farner is one of the all-time great frontmen.

[@SusanJohnston]

I heard this was Mark Farner’s first song he wrote at 16-17! He’s awesome ❤

[@joejoesguitarinventions]

they knew... their stuff.... in the day 🎸🎸💥 three man band !!!

[@c5jp904]

“He’s pretty damn good”…slight understatement

[@tpstrato2270]

Pure amazing bluesy soulfully passionate Mark

[@marypulley6512]

Your people are steering you in the right way . I love the 50s and 60's more, but music, like life never stays the same. The long hair and sweat and sexy was beginning. Like I say almost every time. I was there for all of the great music 🎶

[@user-ok7yk7jb7q]

I noticed that little thrust too.

[@rondiacarman376]

I’m still in love with Mark Farner!

[@robertwalker1803]

What they did was amazing to this day….

[@brianadams5996]

I grew up in flint Michigan and they knew this guy craig elstrom and use to practice at his house about two blocks away from my house. I didnt know who they were at the time. Huge bob seger fan. Saw him three times. Led zeppelin once, yes three times, pink floyd once, grand funk railroad at the san mateo fair in California, the allman brothers band, and others. Live music is the best.

[@msmith5121]

Mark Farner....lead singer, lead guitarist, plays keyboards, harmonica, drums and started out in his early years on bass. He wrote 90% of the songs as well....he is one of the most talented musicians that rock n roll has ever seen yet has never been recognized as such! Incredible talent and a great vocalist.

[@joedapro7236]

YOU ARE 100% correct! 50 years later STILL listening to their music!

[@bethvanover5212]

I love minor chords, and I love your intro "Violet Vape", I saved it.. it's so beautiful. Grand Funk Railroad is iconic.

[@robertwalker1803]

Underrated….the most in history.

[@brianmasinelli9694]

You might check out their song ' I can feel him in the morning ' showcases this bands genius and versatility not to mention a gem of a song.

[@cdfdesantis699]

Good morning, Mr. Van! Rockin' some GFR SOUL 1st thing in the morning (for me)! Can't think of a better way to start the day. You saw how the drums rock right along with Mel (front man). The 2 of them move the song along as a team. Song wouldn't be the same without it. Now, we need to hear "We're An American Band", "Rock 'n' Roll Soul", & "Are You Ready?". 'Hit that THANG", Mr. Van! Thanks for such a great alarm clock!

[@Chad_Sandridge75]

Mel is the bassist. Mark Farner is lead. 😉

[@cdfdesantis699]

@@Chad_Sandridge75 You're so right! A bout of mental flatulence - I apologize. Thanks for commenting & straightening me out!

[@mikewarker4445]

I was at this show. My first concert ever. Takes me back. So much pot being smoked in that building that I left high as a kite. Had to convince my dad it wasn’t me, don’t think he bought it

[@Opx958r]

You did it!! This one is my favorite!!!

[@webman1956]

He ( Mark Farner) still tours and still puts on a hell of a show and in his 70`s!

[@alanmcclure9546]

He's a Pretty good Preacher also!!!! You should check out GFR's I Can Feel Him in The Morning.... It will completely take you to church!

[@decadesbandtucson4880]

Get Them Into The Hall Of Fame!!!!!

[@johnszczudlik2306]

What a performance! Thank you!

[@lisaeddins5291]

One of the best Mark Farner, vocals awesome. Plays keys, piano, guitar, harmonica ❤❤❤

[@katherinebosse5706]

The freakin SOUND that came out of these guys back then!! Unbelievable now, couldn’t be done today, not without some major f-Kerry!! God we had it good! ❤️‍🔥

[@maryellenazack4466]

One of my faves! ❤❤❤ And ❤ those pants!

[@einsp227]

One of the most underrated bands.

[@laurafrancis2104]

This is a BANGER love you and your reaction 😂👍❤️

[@robertwalker1803]

Mark Farner is the lead singer and he can play harmonica and keyboards,too.

[@sonnytavares2006]

Mark Farmer was the frontman for GFFR, but, it seems Jesus got a hold of his heart and created a new heart within him. I take it that some or all of the band didn't like the way Mark was being led. They plotted to take Mark out of the band and tricked him into signing his rights away to the band. I have personally met Mark on a few occasions and I must say you can't meet a more humble and down-to-earth person. He actually LISTENS, with genuine interest in your conversation. I have met a few entertainers in my lifetime and I have to tell you it was an honor to meet such a man as Mark Farner. A tragic story for GFFR fans. Don Brewer should be ashamed of himself.

[@Mff48]

spot on sonny.......shoddy treatment he received but look how much love his fans have for him,he is so adored........deservedly so!!!!

[@Julia-rd3lv]

What, dang, he's a believer! That's so dope!

[@SusanJohnston]

So true! He should be recompensed

[@patkelley8991]

Mark Farner a very grounded and spiritual man. A man of strong faith and belief. I met him in Amarillo with Don and Mel. I too am spiritually grounded and when we shook hands he left his energy signal in the palm of my hand for 2 days.

[@rondiacarman376]

Mark and Don have been great friends and did tour together, so I’m sure all is forgiven, especially because Mark is such a strong believer in Christ Jesus!

[@gummball]

IMO Don is a way underrated drummer. His solo on their Live album is the best I've heard. The band as a whole is underrated, at least outside the US - they're great musicians and Mark is also a great entertainer, as noted

[@vickiconley3638]

Love me some Grand Funk!!!

[@Silverstreak7878]

Don Brewer tricked Mark Farner into signing a contract that would allow him to get kicked out of the band and he did this. Lead singer Mark Farner was tricked out of Grand Funk Railroad.

[@perrycorsetti3674]

Van you are the man. great unbiased love for music🎶🎵🎼🎸🥁 and unbiased love for country 💯🇺🇸🙏😎

[@DarbyF]

GFRR Hall Fame without a doubt

[@hog7203]

Glad you've been enjoying this amazing band. They've always been one of my favorites.

[@ROCKGRINDER12]

in the early 70s, nobody could talk about rock n roll without mentioning Grand Funk Railroad. one of the best "hard rock bands" in the USA in the 70s, along with Manilla Road, Steppenwolf and other hard rock acts from that era.

[@ignaciogalvan1732]

Mark Farner also is a native American😊

[@davidpeterson144]

Guarantee most bands put in a hundred percent Grand funk railroad put in 350%

[@impalaman9707]

This band were the masters of what I call "the false finish". Where they make you think the song is over---"BLANGA BLANGA BLANGA---BUZZZ!" and just like that---they're right back into the song--and then---the grand finale of all finales---they finish. It all adds more suspense and drama to what is already a dramatic number

[@johnschofield9496]

I saw them during this tour. I won't say they were loud, but Mel's bass was vibrating my breast bone from 35 rows up at Tampa Stadium !!!

[@markeetafarmer541]

Also Farner's grandmother was Cherokee

[@robertwalker1803]

Underrated as hell…

[@danielfardella1622]

WOW! Yeah...I saw them in their prime - I'm that old... This band was superb ALL the time BUT... some people did not like Grand Funk! I am one who loved this band - saw their talent - and got pissed when someone said 'they can't play their instruments'...can you believe how dumb and nasty people could be? I still don't know why that was said, and I sure didn't agree. This band was always a hit with me! Check out ALL their hits, you won't be disappointed.

[@davecody5997]

more more more!!!

[@bobconklin7159]

Same concert, “T.N.U.C”, friggin EPIC drum solo.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

I forget which GFR song you were reacting to, but at one point, (it was just a flash on the screen), a couple or security guards had to catch and remove a woman who threw herself at Mr. Farner from the first row of seats... :D

[@retiredfirelt586]

I have never seen this live version... thanks Van.

[@jamesedwards3231]

Saw them 4 times, was never unhappy after seeing these guys, so good. Mark Farmer was the singer and lead player, one of the best and not in hall of fame. Many hits but did not play the games for HoF.

[@deborahcornell171]

Okay, Van. I'm not saying a word this time. Not starting anything... 😍😊🥰 And Mark Farner is his name.

[@williamweiss6128]

Just watch that whole show. Great band. And check out the drum solo from this show.

[@RexAlfieLee]

This is my second fave song from GFR. I was 18 in 1974. Another depressing song but I was somewhat depressed when I was a teenager as most kids are.

[@sherriebrooks6790]

The base player is great