Grand Funk Railroad I'm Your Captain Shea Stadium 1971 (Rock Reaction!!)

[@poloreacts27]

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[@mattlong7962]

This was the show at Shea Stadium. It sold out faster than the Beatles.

[@wpollock1]

One of my all time favorite songs is "Footstompin' Music" by them. It is so amped up!

[@kimzwolinski9919]

This is a great live but I love studio version as well. I remember listening to this with my dad when I was probably 6 or 7 and getting really upset about why someone wanted to take his ship away 😂 great song.

[@clairwalshe8624]

You are watching some special stuff here, it is a travesty that they are not in the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

[@josephzaranto5044]

You're welcome! Happy to hear you enjoyed It! How about those bleachers 😂

[@sallysharp3845]

Agreed, it was a Golden Age of music. In some ways it was music overload back then. There was so much creativity it was hard to focus on any one artist or group. We just loved them all. At least I did.

[@marcieharreld286]

Amen to that!!! So much competition!!🎵🎼🎶

[@cherylmannor3605]

Agree

[@loadedorygun]

Think about all the incredible, era defining music that came out in 1971. In most rundowns of that year GFR doesn’t even get MENTIONED. That’s how insane the amount of creativity was out there, from all directions.

[@impalaman9707]

The fact that you have 2 and even 3 younger generations discovering and digging the music of this "rennaisance" era that existed from 1966-1976 means that this is a period of music that will stand as a milestone for all eternity

[@raymcarthur3870]

So true, we really had no idea how great these bands were.

[@kathryn7564]

The pilot played this song to the vets on the plane coming back from Viet Nam. My husband was one of them.

[@thekeytospiritdoularanch]

My ex told me that too , that they played this on way the way home from Viet Nam.

[@susangallagher1863]

Love love love and my sincere salute!

[@bella-xp7qd]

This was an anthem, for the soldiers in Vietnam. The crowd was so loud they couldn't hear themselves. They had to be brought in by helicopter.

[@f.murphy8340]

They sold out Shea quicker than the Beatles.

[@FUNKACHELI]

Early on , the people voted them the top live band in the U.S.

[@patriciatighe]

I was there at Shea. It was my first ever concert and I fell in love with Grand Funk then and I love them still 52 years later. Wish Farner was still with them.

[@shelleystinton2425]

Grand Funk was my first favorite band when I was 13! I sent them a fan letter and I got a letter back!

[@u4riahsc]

Awesome, that was amazing for you!

[@sidneyvandykeii3169]

I think that's pretty cool.

[@mokokawi]

Cool man 😎❤

[@BlazinRiver1]

I was in the 7th grade(1971) and in a band. We were playing mostly CCR and "bubblegum" music. Until we heard these guys. I had just bought a new album because I thought it looked cool(Masters Of Reality) then one of my band mates(he was in HS already)told me to come over cause he had a new record. We NEVER went back to bubblegum....lol

[@Topkat311]

You need to stop interrupting the song so much. Listen to it longer before you talk ..please it's so annoying.

[@lisaldeene]

Thank you for recognizing and acknowledging the difference between what some of us grew up with as "real" music and what we have now. Why do today's musicians not actually "play" anything? When did the pride of being a true musician die?

[@johnharkness7114]

This came out while the Vietnam war was still in full swing. 'Getting closer to my home' was kind of a theme song for the soldiers, whether 'home' meant actual home or just death... it was epic on a whole different level for a whole generation

[@kimmorrill7060]

Im 65 and still listen to Grand Funk...LOUD! Grew up with the best music of the 60's, 70's and 80's. Nothing will ever compare again. Love this song!!

[@sharoncole4868]

We are lucky🥰

[@KrazyKatLadyx2]

I stopped listening to current music in the early 2000's. Everything felt flat somehow. We had the greatest era for sure.

[@michelleparenti854]

Studio version with Part 2 (Closer to Home) is a must listen. It is in my top 5 and at 62 years old that is saying a lot!

[@mrcmcdermo]

At 70 years old for me lol

[@msjitter]

Me too, sweetie! 😊

[@michaelasay8587]

Michelle, me too.

[@h.w.hilton6819]

70 years young here also!

[@joannfowler8407]

Me too

[@gregkerr725]

One of the greatest three piece bands of all time!

[@brianoneil9662]

Being from Michigan and growing up in the 70s, Grand Funk were the shit.

[@michelleparenti854]

@brianoneil9662 do you know Greta Van Fleet from Frankenmuth? Awesome rock band.

[@brianoneil9662]

@@michelleparenti854 Agree 100%!

[@josephzaranto5044]

I have a friend in the UP that spends a lot of time with Mark Farner. Cool dudes doing good things!

[@josephzaranto5044]

They played every year at MilwaukeeFest for years! Talk about a party! 😮

[@kennycamaro2361]

As a Michigan man. Yes they were!

[@kitspics526]

We can’t forget that along with all the great rock being created and performed live, there were also fantastic Soul groups, folk groups, duos and symphony styled groups (ie: Moody Blues) , all releasing original pieces at the same time. Music reverberated through our generation's souls. ✌️

[@ricksaunders8074]

I'm glad I grew up with this music 60's 70's Pop Rock R&B Best music ever

[@richardwilts2042]

Us thAt grew up in the 70s new without a doubt that this was the greatest music ever created

[@truckerjim7933]

Dude this song brings so many memories for me. I was in the Navy at this time and I would play this on my Panasonic 8 track at full blast on my way home to Texas. The studio version has SO much more to it. Gotta hear it that way dude!

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

Agreed

[@mickschleis9354]

I had that tape Mark Don & Mel. 1969 to 1971

[@modelcarswithglen.]

I still have Mark Don and Mel 69 to71 album and CD Best album ever,,of theirs

[@leceillebeckmeyer3195]

I want to thank you for your service. ❤ Thanks so much.

[@patriciacooper114]

This was just real music no gimmicks nothing added just talent and hard working young men . The saddest thing to me and I’m 63 years old is with everything they gave us the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has never noticed them!!!

[@Yes.its_me]

I've wondered about that for YEARS ! R&R Hall of fame must be deaf !

[@ben3tiger]

72 years old and still listening to this, We were blessed with GREAT music!!!

[@hal1740]

Me and my best friend grew up listening to this all the time back in the late 60’s and 70’s. They were all his older brothers albums. What a wonderful life we had.

[@marcieharreld286]

They were pure ENERGY!!💜💜🎵🎼🎶🥁🎤🎙🎸🎹🤘🔥

[@joedapro7236]

POLO, what you are watching is, history! GFR sold out Shea stadium in 3 days, while it took the Beatles (whom I truly luv) a couple of weeks, if I'm correct! The crowd at this concert, went wild! The police were afraid the stadium was going to fall because of the jumping up and down by the audience! Check out early Beatles videos, where the audience is going bonkers over them. Same experience at Shea with GFR!

[@mc-lp4zl]

This is a Grade A, Top-Notch Classic that takes you on a journey. One of the best songs in the history of mankind. You MUST listen to the full uncut studio version with headphones.

[@mikepeters4916]

It was a privilege to have grown up in the 60's and 70's, best memories of my life we're made in those years, this music gives me flashbacks for sure

[@mimig3904]

Grand Funk was a legendary live band, saw them in Miami way back when. Their 1974 rendition of "Heartbreaker" is one of the best live performances out there, (available in KZbin). You must see/hear it. Agree with you that was a magical time & we didn't even realize it.

[@Stefnmaddy]

My god I love that you gave this band your time. I was a bit too young to see this band live but I knew they’re music for sure. Thank you so much

[@alansmith7626]

people back then LOVED them, the critics, not so much, but they sold out everywhere they went....this song has huge memories for me...the studio version is a MUST!

[@Suprachiasmatic]

My childhood friend’s dad requested this song on his deathbed. I’ll never not think of him when I hear it now.

[@carleckhardt4701]

I was in the Marine Corps in 71 and hearing GFR brings back a lot of memories.

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

This song was my very favorite song for many many years. THANK YOU!!!

[@isaacvanwart-i2v]

Polo: You go a fabulous-FABULOUS-job with your reactions. Your cool demeanor matches the best music you react to. Thanks. One key point-you hit on something I had never considered here. We lived this music every day. We loved it. We made out to it. We danced to it. We enjoyed 1000 experiences to it. But ultimately, we took it for granted. We were young and because the early memories of our lives were filled with Beatles, Stones, Van Morrison, Traffic, Cream, Clapton, Allmans, Skynyrd. . . we didn’t know anything else, so assumed this was the norm. It all disappeared with politics, the deaths of Jimi and Janis and Mama and the Lizard King, drugs, darkness . . . It all ended too soon.

[@roymoore3156]

Your words are 100% spot on. The music was once in a lifetime, and thankfully recording technology was as advanced then as it was. GFR was then and historically remains, one of the greatest bands ever assembled!

[@cathybrookeburt2616]

This is a Michigan band. I grew up with these guys & graduated with the lead singer Mark Farner's sister, Susie This was from the year we graduated, 1971. Mark was ahead of us 4 years, but got kicked out his Sr. year of high school, so he did not graduate in 1967 as he was supposed to. It seemed to work out for him just fine, right? LOL He is still making music & touring & he played here in Flint, Michigan a couple years back. After the concert, they popped in the Pub I host Karaoke at & I got to see them. Mark did not get up & sing, but he has a black guy in the band now & he got up & sang this one, only instead of singing 'I'm your Captain', he would sing 'I'm your black man' & Mark was rolling laughing about it. My son ran into him up north in Traverse City last summer & got a pic with him, just walking down the street sight-seeing. LOL He's still rocking his long hair too, mullet style, LOL Sides short, with hair down almost to his waist in the back. Love these guys. We got to see them before they were famous. Rock & roll is in their blood.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

GFR was an amazing band at an amazing time in history.

[@FadedRose62]

It was a magical time and I miss those days..GFRR FAN FOR LIFE. Thank you for the reaction♡

[@Red_5_Standing_By]

Thank you so much for this!!! Such a great band and my favorite song by them!

[@reginaldsmith752]

Im 71 years old this is the music of my generation. I gotta say I didn't appreciate this like I wish I had. I was living, toking, and chasing; and the music was the background. I lives were truly altered

[@rickeyjohnson9906]

This is the most under rated band, I was a fan since I was 11 that's When their first album "On Time came" came out

[@dancornwell6169]

I love your takes on the older stuff and understanding of how important and original these works were. Great music…

[@MisterWondrous]

This was my first concert. 3 bucks. Charlotte Coliseum. Bloodrock (D.O.A.) opened for them. The smoke in the air was as thick as it is in New York today, but it smelled a lot better. It really was badass. Fun memory. Thanks!

[@casageorgia]

I saw that same combo in the Fort Launderdale area. It was a great concert. Grand Funk was one of those bands that I went to see whenever I could.

[@rainerader1182]

This band was totally awesome it was my Moms rock music, I love it to this day, I remember her dancing to this her black hair flying

[@dpollard5286]

We listened to music like this on the radio everyday from '65 to '75. Radio will never be the same.

[@patrickpurser3776]

I can't believe you are actually playing this song. I had only heard this rendition once, AT THE CONCERT!!! Black Oak Arkansas opened for them!! In Hotlanta!!! I just returned from doing a tour in asia as a Tank Commander. I had been listening to them and many other musicians on cassette, reel to reel,and yes, 8 track!!! I had purchased a portable cassette player with detachable speakers. I got some wire from a commo guy in our unit 1/72 Armor "C" Company, 2nd ID and spliced the speaker wire so we had a speaker for the driver and one for my loader and I. We were cruising through the camps and villages, and had it blasting!!! GI's flashing Peace Signs along the roads (paths)! A lot of good and bad memories from that period!!! Lost so many friends!!!

[@johneldridge8678]

I love how much you appreciate them, and this era of music. It's undeniable. Excellent reaction.

[@cletushouse906]

You are 100% correct about that being a magical time. Will never be recreated.

[@tacmason]

This great music helped me survive my Teenage years in Fort Lauderdale , Florida !

[@ahronlong9846]

Riding home the other day this came on the local classic rock station. It put the biggest smile on my face singing this with the windows down on the way home.

[@lindasalaki9404]

Love Grand Funk Railroad ❤❤❤ Seen them in concert , they were bad ass ❤❤❤❤

[@ryanagee3038]

I got to see them in the 90s in Nashville TN (Ryman auditorium) I was a teenager an inspiring bass player and drummer. I wasn't prepared for the feeling I got .. I told my dad that's what I'm gonna do!!!! Two years after that I'm playing bass in Nashville!

[@msjitter]

Yes, it was a different time. A wonderful time for music. The bass line is epic. One of my favorite GFR songs. It just hit me in the heart and stayed there. Loved then back then and I still do. 🥰 Came back to say thank you for playing and liking this. I always tear up when I hear it. Definitely listen to the studio version as well.

[@impalaman9707]

They had only been together two years at this point, but you mentioned chemistry--the story is that they knew from their very first rehearsals back in 1969 that they had something special---that could never be duplicated by three other guys

[@TheDivayenta]

They opened for Led Zeppelin at Shea. The crowd went so wild for them that LZ’s manager pulled the cord on their mics. They were not invited to open for LZ again. Appreciate you’re showing this , POLO. Back then, the equipment wasn’t so great as you can tell.

[@summergivens242]

That didn't happen during this show. Humble Pie opened for Grand Funk at Shea.

[@TheDivayenta]

@@summergivens242 yeah- it was in Detroit!

[@BlazinRiver1]

Didnt they sell out Shea faster than the Beatles?

[@summergivens242]

@@TheDivayenta Also keep in mind, Grand Funk was huge at that time plus they basically had the hometown crowd at that show. Flint is only about 68 miles from Detroit. An hour drive or so.

[@jimmyb207]

@@TheDivayenta That was Detroit. And the general consensus was that Grand Funk blew Led Zeppelin out of the water.

[@johnbrus3510]

They were pretty much able to reproduce their studio versions, live. They just gave more for the audience. And I enjoy your reactions!

[@dougwhite9898]

Then = talent and passion Now = looks and money There are exceptions of course.

[@deplorable1357]

Love this track, introduced to me by my dad decades ago ✌️❤️🇺🇸

[@wayneblackburn670]

Love It! I saw them live in concert twice at the Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA in 1971 and again in 1972. I also saw them in 1998 during their reunion tour in Clear Lake, CA. My favorite all-time GFR song was "Heartbreaker". Why isn't GFR in the R & R Hall of Fame?

[@scottclark7592]

the bare chested lyrics of mark farner, the thunderous bass of mel schacher and the competent drumming of don brewer

[@jenniferfoster1692]

I was born in the late 60s and grew up in the 70s & 80s. I will always be grateful for that. We were totally spoiled and took the great music for granted. We just thought it was normal & the music would always be good, because it was so consistently good for 3 decades. Unfortunately by the mid-90s it was going downhill, and has just gotten worse and worse. Most is just unlistenable now, but of course there are some exceptions. I'm thankful reactors are keeping this music alive.

[@cosmo1eleven855]

Golden Age of Rock N Roll...1965 to 1985

[@charlesphillips3192]

I first put the LP on the turntable when I was 10, that was in 1968. It was great.

[@andywalker8064]

It's a freaking trio... just three guys... no room for mistakes... nowhere to hide... and they nail it. One of the best bands of all time. Bar none.

[@joniarmel7308]

I was in high school . I’m so glad this was my time of life on this earth .

[@FloridaRocks]

"Closer to Home" was one of my favorite songs growing up ❤ "Sin's a Good Man's Brother" from GFR is FIRE!

[@marybelliotti894]

You are just a joy to watch. I love when you are smiling. Tells me you are just loving what you hear.

[@waynemoon5359]

Tell me honestly Polo. Is your life not better for having discovered this band? Mine sure is. I was blessed to see these guys in their prime back in the day.

[@jacquelynmedina5401]

I used to listen to this every night when i was in high school when i was going to sleep along with Dreamboat Annie by Heart. Loved GFR.

[@uncnorseman2670]

The studio version IS fantastic! King's X does a fantastic version of this, also, or, at least they did as encore at a show in Chapel Hill many years ago.

[@dccalloway4450]

Watching someone hear a song for the 1st time, brings bk the feelings I had when I 1st heard it. Great stuff.....

[@ricktrent275]

I remember those days as Exciting, like the feelin you get walking into your first amusment park. Little did we know, we were surfing a socially historical wave of thousand foot sunami purportions. Only looking back do we really get WOWED OUT!! about how special those times were.

[@joegutierrez4]

I'd say this was the best time to grow up with all this amazing rock music ever. Real music no auto tune ,or samples. Thanks brudda for bringing this back ❤

[@stephaniesoftich9959]

Absolutely one of the best bands . I'm a huge fan of the base sounds too .. always the base up more than it probably should be.. and you are absolutely right.. the music was magical.. you needed to know your shit be talented .. because no one was going to do it for you.. youth may someday give thanks to these bands but those bands took alot of the old blues talents and built from their an amazing thing

[@ralphpetrucelli5484]

Grand Funk music is magical..I wish I was at this concert...one of the best rock bands ever..

[@marklecuona8889]

The euphoria of the young audience is exactly like it was. They were away from their parents, doing drugs and experiencing feelings they never knew.

[@kristyjewell4610]

Mark's voice is like buttah. I'm so grateful for these videos since they were a bit before my time. I listen to their live concerts almost daily. If you haven't already done "Heartbreaker" do it! Thank you for loving real, true rock and roll.

[@vicvaccani7015]

Music has deevolved, nothing compares to this

[@jeffmontague6700]

So much respect for singing drummers!

[@liftme225]

People dont know what they dont know. The best of times for music

[@mikewest6569]

Lived in Corona, right across from Shea, heard the whole concert.

[@sierrasky2491]

How could I forget about Grand Funk Railroad? This song takes me back. We had so many creative artist we were on Mega overloads with creativity and freedom wow

[@dylandenney3980]

Grand Funk were a fantastic live band. The main reason to check out the studio cuts is the mixes on their early albums. There weren't a ton of overdubs, most of each song was cut live in the studio except songs like this that were a little more produced. But you can really hear every instrument perfectly. Red Album is one of my favorite sounding records, and there's something about Closer to Home as well that just sounds right

[@mexban]

Grand Funk was my favorite band , I heard them when i was 9,10 yrs old growing up in SW Detroit. Rock n Soul for sure. Such raw power! It's good to see you playing their music.

[@suziq8714]

When that bassline hits... it's on!! I'm glad you're digging them. I of my all time fav bands. I saw them several times in the 70s & was not disappointed! Great reaction!! ✌🏼🧡🎸👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@carolyn64]

GFR was so good! Nothing since that era can compare to a Live Concert by them and all of the great groups since! The electricity in the crowd hearing the music and singing back to the band was something that can never be forgotten! I'm 79 now I can still feel it!

[@premierrulz]

I'm back again watching another one of your reaction videos because of Grand Funk Railroad I will say it again they are the greatest band of all time. Nobody Compares

[@gardnerdan17]

Their early studio albums were very raw as well. For a few song suggestions, "Sin's A Good Man's Brother", "Upsetter", "Footstompin' Music" or "Paranoid".

[@Frankincensedjb123]

"One of the greatest generation of music." I need to start collecting all these statements from you young folks about how great the music of the 70s was. It was exceptional. We loved it, but had no idea what would happen a few decades down the road. Post 2000, the music has certainly died.

[@donnielsen154]

I am SO blessed to have grown up with the greatest bands ever from the 60s and 70s; from Hendrix and Joplin, to Grand Funk, Stones, Who, and a plethora of others

[@olly8]

Loved your comments! Especially about this "popcorn generation". Very TRUE that musicians are coming to our era for ideas, tips & knowledge on GOOD MUSIC. Worth more than just 'sampling' fr. It always makes my heart happy when youngsters appreciate what we DONT take for granted. Sweet Child in Time- LIVE is a MASTERPIECE ✌🏼👍🏻

[@jamesburnett6247]

We didn’t know how lucky we were to grow up during this musical renaissance.

[@jessedelaney609]

I graduated HS in 1972 and man!!! The music was amazing coming from every direction!! I was a huge fan of Hendrix and when he died, many of us wore black arm bands to school. But there was great, original music coming from everywhere. It’s so difficult to see what passes for “music” now. It feels like it’s just stamped out of a machine, and it’s very sad to know why, because so much of it is!

[@johnmccarthy-behindtheveil]

Grand Funk was my first concert I saw, at Madison Sqr Garden, 1974. Great live band. Def belong in R & R HOF

[@ultimategoal07]

People still come to Flint, MI to take photos of the old Grand Trunk Railroad overpass that a fan painted with Grand Funk RR and their names. An iconic part of this city.

[@margiemcpeak9304]

🎸💯 Grand Funk Railroad is a very cool vibe‼🔥 I was a high school junior when this song came out & it was definitely a "brand new bag"‼"Some Kind of Wonderful" was my VERY FAVORITE GFR joint‼My generation was "spoiled" by great music‼☮ ❤ 🎶

[@kfflo8496]

Everybody was patriotic🇺🇸🇺🇸❤This generation has not ever been through a war. It was about everybody coming together . ❤ the song.

[@EdnaDoe-s2k]

This used to be one of my favorite songs. I know every word and every beat to it. I hadn't heard it in a long time. Thanks to the wild memories.❤❤ Great show

[@stevedahlberg8680]

That's fun. Check out the studio cut of We're an American Band. I bought that single in high school and played the hell out of it!

[@Leslie-d4e]

My older sister went to GFR concert in WA state in 1972. Remember listening to this album constantly. ❤

[@joemurphy5769]

You are right. Musical talent like this does not exist anymore.

One my all time faves. Thanks for sharing.

[@cptight88]

The full studio version of this is a must listen.

[@judefrazier4727]

So awesome, im 77 now but this was some of the best memories. Grand Funk whoa❤ love yer platform. Closing my eyes and drifting back to when I was in my braids and patched up bell bottoms…….

[@ethelbramston4882]

One of my 10 TOP all time favorites......,@ 84 yrs of age!) ❤❤❤