Mark Farner & Don Brewer - Unplugged pt.1 - 1998

Two great artists singing together, complementing one another!
The cameras captured the fascinating moment in Nashville's TNN TV studios, April 14.
I just can't believe it was 10 + years ago... Seems like yesterday!

[@logicalnotes5007]

"I don't need a whole lot of money" because I've taken all of Mark Farner's money.

[@harryberry474]

LogicalNotes...So true, Don Brewer is a POS, if I was Mark I wouldn't have anything to do with that snake in the grass. But Mark is too "let bygones be bygones" type of guy. Did you hear about Don taking Marks Musicraft Messenger guitar from a museum without permission Mark didn't even know about it until he was asked for permission to make detailed specs to make a replica and discovered Don took it. He got it back the very next day when contacting DON, sent back (overnight special delivery)...why would Don think he had the right to do that. What a A-HOLE.

[@hearswhat8734]

@@harryberry474 maybe he owes the mob? I really think it's jealousy. Mark can't help it he was the star. Makes me wonder now what he was Really thinking behind that creepy smile. Thought he was just enjoying the jam? No more like " I'll get you , my Pretty!"🤔

[@scottjackson163]

😆

[@boomer3150]

@@hearswhat8734 Mark the empath, Don the narcissist.

[@RenikaVectora]

Mark's the best. A natural born performer and multi-talented - sings, writes, boogies down, plays a variety of instruments and was a shining rock God.

[@alan30189]

I really don't know how Brewer can live with himself after screwing Mark Farner over and kicking him out of the band. It's incredible. That is like killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. Farner was the real talent behind most of their greatest hits.

[@alan30189]

JustAintThatWay If you listen to the Mark Farner interview of him explaining what happened, they had him sign a contract and he did, without reading the contract thoroughly or having an attorney review it first. Then Brewer and the base player voted him out of the band according to the contract. Farner was tricked and then totally screwed.

[@1gitarz]

In Mark's authorized biography...he decided to leave the reunion tour for various reasons, personal and financial. The other two then decided to put the screws to him when it was clear he was not going to return.

[@alan30189]

Either way, he was tricked and forced out by the other two scammers.

[@RenikaVectora]

He wanted to lay golden eggs but hes the ugly troll.

[@yucchhiiowwee]

I saw GFR for my very first concert ever 1973 SHININ' ON tour, Providence R.I. Wet Willie band opened. Then caught Mark Farner Band 1988 at a club gig in Santa Clara, Calif at a place called "One Step Beyond" and then again at a show in Virginia Beach, Va where met him yet again. I asked him how he feels about not being with GFR and that "IF" the chance came along, would he get back? He said its all to be taken in stride. He had fun at times and there were its disadvantages. Mark said that if TIME allowed, he would tell me more of what he sees and how he feels. TIME was not on our side to talk about it. Mark is Christian and loves what he has been doing with HIS band.

[@sun622]

The greatest band in the world that's NOT in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

[@inspector7112]

David Dierlam that's jethro tull

[@GOOD-oc9kk]

How about Bad Company ?

[@cindysue5474]

Fuck it the RRHOF dont deserve them.

[@aihsjabsuans6569]

RRHOF is too small for them

[@bigbow62]

We all know who the "wonderful one" is out of these two ! God bless Mark Farner & screw the other two dudes for what they did to their leader - heart & soul of the band ! How can you do that to a band brother after all of those sweet Rock-n-Roll years ! Mark Farner for R-n-R HOF 😎🎸 ( The other two wanted the cash so Mark deserves and should get all the glory ) So much talent and pure rock & roll soul 💜 such a great all around guy and yes maybe a bit to trusting but damn you have to put your faith,love & trust into someone & why not 2 guys you have just spent many many years with rocking around the world ! ......but once again money shows its ugly head.... so once again I will say,we all know who the "Wonderful one" is here ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌟🌟🌟 Mark Farner 🎙😎🎸🌟🌟🌟 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@bigbow62]

I'm sure Don was thinking..... damn every night this guy ( Mark ) is out front stealing all the glory and all Don's yes people are saying... man you deserve some that that then then Don,Jim & some smart lawyer buddies got together and hatched the low-down all around dirty scheme to take the band's name ! That's about as bad as it gets... especially doing that to the leader,main song writer and heart & soul and band brother ( you would think they all had lots of magical & amazing nights on stage together ) that even makes what they did even worse..... once again money the ugly part of the music industry wins again 😔😔😔

[@davidlanham99]

Two microphones and a guitar, unbelievable.

[@hendersondc]

The most underrated band of ALL times ! ! !

[@peggywilliamson9940]

They really took advantage of Mark's talent and tried to take credit ha ha... HE MADE THE BAND. The best guartarist of the 70's. Mark we all love you!!!

[@Jellogel]

Mark and Don's vocal riffs were such a big part of their soud. Especially those ealry days playing live. They sound so good singing together.

[@aldenunion]

They sure do..Lucky when a vocalist can find another they're vocals sound so great together... I love the shuffle rendition Mark is also playing on guitar. I play it different and sounds amazing,what a great song they wrote.(many others to)

[@Bigpete327]

It will never be Grandfunk with out Mark F , plain and simple

[@richardhenry6463]

Mark Farner is the most positive person to have all those set backs. Being in a band is hard whether you are famous or just a local act. Things can change in a hurry and keeping a group together for a year is hard.

[@thomasriccardi9040]

He is a Christian...that's what Jesus will do for you :)

[@5455mickey]

Mark Farner was the voice. Awesome!

[@AudiophileTommy]

What is that sticking out of Mark’s back ?? Oh wait it’s a knife !😳

[@bindig1]

One of the greatest bands of all time and then sadly, things got real ugly. What a shame.

[@twwtjohns]

It was just shortly after this Appearance Don And Mel struck a knife in Mark's back and ended the original GFR!

[@panitatangjaitrong299]

ชอบวง แกรนด์ฟั้งค์ มาก เพลงเพราะทุกเพลง การแสดงสดยอดเยี่ยม.ยุค '1960..วงนี้ดังมากๆ

[@curthammond6028]

It's not too late , Get back together !

[@robertbishop5357]

Don Brewer is classless. Mark Farner was, is and will always be GFR. Otherwise it's a glorified tribute band.

[@debbieedwards711]

Brewer, you blew it Dude!!! Farner rocks!🎸

[@ridingnice9384]

I grew up as a kid listening to "The Real" GFR on 8 track in my parents car, and was always in awe of how awesome the "original three" were as a band, and how great that music was (and still is). Especially the "Red Album". But now I sit here and wonder...how can somebody be a devil, and do the devils work, like Don did to Mark, after all they been through, and accomplished? Okay, so Terry Knight was dishonest as well, and kept you (Don)from making more than you should. So now you follow in his footsteps (Terry) and basically do the same thing to your bandmate (Mark) who also suffered the same fate, to now make him suffer it twice? How do you sleep at night? How do you live with yourself? Being senior citizen musicians, there is not much life left. Instead of taking food off Marks families table, you know, its not too late...you do not even have to admit your guilt, or apologize. Just do the right thing and make Mark and equal with the profits of the band, and do another tour, and put out another album, before its too late, and please the fans, and go to Heaven, and not Hell.

[@raymondmasse5577]

Cheer up bro. In 2019 I saw the so called GFR playing in some side show fairground in front of 50 people. I wonder how Don felt about that? Lowering himself for hundreds of dollars. That goes for you as well Mel. Mark is a forgiver but you both can't accept his forgiveness and let things go so "US" the fans can enjoy one of the greatest bands in history one more tour before it's too late. NAAH!!!!!!! You would rather make hundreds instead of millions right Don than apologize and divulge your cowardliness flaws to Mark and reunite this band for ONE MORE SHOW FOR THE FANS ASSHOLE!!!!!!!

[@ogrebattle22763]

@Lmcdan1313 Yeah from what I understood it's was all about money... It's messed up because Ive heard Mark Farner's interview about this & he said it was all about money... Don Brwer & Mel wanted a bigger slice of the pie & felt they would get that if they kept Mark out of the loop.... it's usually always about money with these guys most of the time.... sad..... they were an amazing band together!

[@coreylee3569]

Grand Funk was the first Live concert I went to, why because my last name is Lee, and regardless the Lee family was a part of building America and "We're an America Band "hit home...

[@RenikaVectora]

I cant imagine how humiliating and painful that must have been to Mark. Coldest story I have ever heard about a successful rock band.

[@sharonotoole5203]

Another really sad story that comes to mind is how the Band Badfinger was rooked out of their money and profits... not by another bandmate tho...but other sources...The band members were young from Wales and didn't realize ruthlessness like that in the business end

[@tylermcay6676]

Say what you want about Don Brewer, but his voice is incredible. (Mark Farner is class as always though).

[@odysseusthesojourner4401]

It’s a shame to see a band (or a team) go from friends to sheister-like enemies. Bravo to Mark Farner for the way he has handled it all. This video was nice to see.

[@DutchStar443]

I’ve not seen that before. That was really good. I miss those days, and I mourn the fact they will never do it again.

[@mmsmarjar]

The harmony is amazing.... only Mark and Don can create that smooth melody together. Thanks for posting it... wonderful. Yea Larry, I agree - too bad they couldn't bury their differences in their music.

[@rcandrews]

"Their" differences? More like Don and Mel's greed.

[@tylermcay6676]

If they went into the climax of the song it would have been unreal.

[@jazcat6822]

My favorite song of all time! The talent and love of music really show through on this acoustic version. Thanks for sharing a fantastic performance!

[@ForReelFunk]

Wow...great quality on this video! Love the familiar harmonies only Mark Farner and Don Brewer can produce when they're truly together. Good thing someone recorded it, they appear on different stages these days. Good one John!

[@dennispfoley]

@kevjay777 That's interesting, this is a story i'm unaware of. I do know I played lot's of Grand Funk in my high school years. The fact that you mentioned Mark's still being humble about whatever happened is not surprising when you realize that Mark has become a Born Again Christian some years ago. What evidence of the change that Jesus Christ can bring to the human heart who's been changed by the new life that Christ brings, Awesome

[@sixstringbluesify]

Wow can they sing...amazing amazing amazing.

[@annetedraksler7332]

Damn that was good!!!!

[@trysometenderness7466]

What an absolutely fantastic band that was. Only Mark got screwed big time. Too bad cuz they were great together.

[@superkunk2]

Friends, I guess friendship turns to henship when it comes to money.

[@tonlo92]

Beautiful

[@bobdalton4302]

Grand Funk set the bar for live raw music I don't believe it's ever been touched Rock On 🫵

[@MuckoMan]

They both sound incredible. Life is to short. Donny needs to grow up and realize its not about the power and money.

[@adods9824]

Too

[@raulreinoso5418]

My infinitive admiration to the best of the 70s.

[@Lmcdan1313]

Great stuff;wish these guys could bury their differences and reunite.

[@RenikaVectora]

Larry McDANIEL - I dont think Don and Mel deserve it. Theyre reaping exactly what theyve foolishly sown. 8 yrs after original post. LOL

[@johnjarou2357]

they should get back together. Flint Michigan band!

What a wonderful !!!!!

[@anthonyrichard8001]

thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@unhingedsoulcollector8501]

Mark Farner still has the goods at 73 yrs old. Just watched a couple live clips from 2022. That voice just knocks you out. Marks band now is a different chemistry but those players in many ways are better musicians than Don and Mel ever were. Id love to see those guys reunite and make peace just to heal the wounds. Funk without Faner is like Creedence Clearwater Revival without John Fogerty. Sure. Don sings some to but without Mark...Should call it GLAND SPUNK!!! It is heartbreaking the Don & Mel screwed Mark the way they did. He trusted them and they took advantage. They have what they have today because of Mark. When Grank Funk sold out Shea Stadium every composition they played was written by Matk.These two were like Terry Knight 2.0. SCREWED BY YOUR FRIENDS AGAIN. It's weird to watch this this clip. They look like they're having a great time only for Mark to have a knife in the back a short while later. As far as I can see though. Mark still holds the keys to the Kingdom😄😁

[@KellyKasia]

excellent, very well done

[@jangunner]

listen these two belongs together wow om stage

[@КонстантинЗадунайский]

Супер!!!Bravo!!!

[@MoonlightNothing]

Very nice Boys! I think you could cut and album!

[@cagewarrior123]

Look how happy they are to be performing together but unfortunately it was short reunion tour especially for Mark farner

[@pvde67]

Simple, GFR became the People's Band - and for me, Close to home/I'm your captain The People's Song. These 3 should bury their individual differences, reunite and be The People's Band again. Even their personal ego is not bigger then GFR with Mel, Don, Mark. No other option, no other line up. (and wonder if they would ever react to this reply from a foreign GFR nut :-) )

[@1spati]

@ObamaWonFool fabulous vocalist....always emptied his heart out.

[@MichaelOBrien-z8i]

OH, THE GOOD OLD DAYS!!! M.O'B

[@geraldroraback5432]

No in Rock Hall because Mark is not with them. Sad

[@anthonyfernandez9066]

Dawn needs to give Mark the band back and a whole lot of money that's go to Farmer and then let him know how it feels to be kicked out of the band and Mel he needs to give a big apology to mark screwing him over to for picking sides the wrong side .

[@DSon25]

killer mullet... and vocals

[@QUIKTRAX]

No Hall Of Fame. BLAME BREWER! ! ! P U N K stabbed Mark in the back. Uses Marks name everywhere, yet, Mark cant use GFR. DUDE. DON, YOU LOST MY SUPPORT. Apologize to Mark, release him from his prison. Then Ill consider being a fan aqain. I bought EVERY RECORD, Played guitar to EVERY song you guys ever did. THIS HURTS. NOBODY IN THE ORIGINAL GFR BAND IS REPLACEABLE. I HATE THE NEW GFR

[@mrbbollier]

Man im with you 100% was the split over money or was man vs man. Or the man vs chicken sh_t. Wouldnt it be awesome to hear the group again live and LOUD!!!!!!

[@highstick0]

Great harmonies. When i was a kid i thought Mark Farner was black, because his voice is so soulful.

[@ridn4s]

highstick0 lol that's great!

[@mjsmcd]

highstick0 he is light skinned black

[@opel9170]

DonBrewer ready to stab Mark in the back!

[@samscott54]

good stuff... nice

[@TheJetfighter666]

FUCKING GREAT !! ..............THESE GUYS ARE APART OF MY SOUL AND MARK BROUGHT ME TO THE LORD! YEAH I CURSE AND I LOVE JESUS AND GRAND FUNK RAILROAD !!

[@ruffusp768]

TALENT

[@TheDrumChannel]

nuff said - I agree

[@koolbossjock]

EXCELLENT !!!! Fellow Funk Brother JohninFunk

[@marvtarzan]

Brewer should kiss Mark's ring, because he'd be a broken down bar act if it wasn't for Mark. And Mark would've still made the same great music with any half decent drummer.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

Farner still does with his American Band! He and his band sounds more like GFR than Don and Mel (and whoever they cobble together) will ever do!

[@jeffstaci5643]

Hell ya, some kind of wonder full

[@mightyjoe3849]

Don is such a great drummer with a great voice. But, Mark's voice is exceptional too. Mark and Don's voices together just works so well........Together They are "Grand Funk Railroad".... PUT THE BAND BACK TOGETHER.....PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

[@robertoetojo5861]

Those days JIMI HENDRIX. LED ZEPPELIN . GFR.. DEEP PURPLE AND BEATLES AT THE END AND BLACK SABBATH. ARE VERY HUGE MY DAD HAD ALL THE VYNALS RECORDS MY MUM WAS COOL LISTENING TO ALL THESE REAL ARTISTS REAL MUSIC .💘💋❤❤

[@joelark2007]

Dynamic duo

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Epic. Sweet.

[@dahur]

That sure is true.

[@williamjones9395]

Better days for these guys for sure. Too bad they couldn't keep it together. Getting s little late in the day for an amicable reunion. Too bad for, us, the fans it will probably never happen.

[@dallaswhyte1748]

We are an American Band!

[@superkunk2]

Wish they could be friends again.

[@RenikaVectora]

Why? They stabbed him in the back. Don and Mel don't deserve to be on the same stage now with a great performing artist and decent human being like Mark.

[@gittahfiend]

Don brewer ain't SHIT without Mark Farner!

[@Mukundanghri]

Where's Mel?

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

Probably out getting coffee for Don like Don told him to... oh yeah, and getting a knife so Don can stab Mark in the back...

[@tamarabradshaw4799]

hurdygurdyguy1 - Mel says to Brewer, “yes mastah” and eats a 🕷 spider

[@MarkDrums77]

Are you a drummer?

[@surewhynot6040]

The guitar player was the band. Everyone knows it.

[@jeffstaci5643]

oh don give me a break, sue me.

[@macelarm50]

brewer f---ed him over,watch the farner interviews

[@zadokdean]

Karma is gonna get Don!!

[@scottblanton4988]

What happened? They seem fine.

[@robertocantelli2260]

Here from Madrid Spain one of the KIND ---> one of the best american bands

[@mr.timebombman2230]

Money

[@matthatter2849]

Don't be fooled by Don's smile here....he was getting ready to hurt Mark big time.

[@powerface71]

Mark Farner IS GFR!

[@1funcar]

I think it's time for a Grand Funk reunion tour!

[@josepho7799]

That was great .Mel on acoustic bass would've been better

[@kirkendahlvoyd]

These cats belongvtogether.

[@Muertes-tf2oj]

Sleezebag Brewer

[@bridgetlyons876]

Well I adore Mark Farner….the Judas next to him? Not so much.

[@justincase2281]

This must have been just before Brewer tricked Mark into signing papers that pushed Mark out of the band. Nice guy, Brewer is. Since then, Mark is still going strong and is huge in South America and other parts of the world. And the existing "Grand Funk" lineup plays mostly small gigs and county fairs. And they kind of suck. It's just not the same without Mark. I've been a fan of the band since the beginning. Saw them in '74 at MSG, then years later at the Beacon theater. I've seen Mark 4 times, but I wouldn't go around the corner to see those other dudes if you paid me. Too bad. But everything changed. At least I have my memories and my records.

[@JOSEVALDIVIESO]

What is GFR without Mark? A car with no engine…

[@ptalley316]

They just need to put their differences behind them and just play music!!

[@robertoetojo5861]

MONEY DISPUTE BECAUSE BOTH OF THEM CAN SING AND PLAY THE INSTRUMENT.

[@merseybeat1963]

This is the year Don screwed Mark Farner right ? Don is a really good singer..Mel is a GREAT bass player and Farner a really good all round guy plus most of the song writing.But why did the other two resent him enough to do such a thing ..? huh?

[@Slo-ryde]

I would like to hear their side of the story.

[@gregthornton4209]

When your drummer challenges for lead singer...

[@impalaman9707]

Sad thinking about what could have been when I see these two back in 1998. As a duo, they have twice the amount of soul of either Hall and Oates or the Righteous Brothers---a powerful combination, a dynamic duo. But Don decided to give Mark the shaft and eschew him for some douche like Max Carl who can ONLY sing, and Bruce Kulick, who can ONLY play guitar. All because Don doesn't want to hear Mark "preach"! How petty!

[@MariaRamirez-nj8kc]

I am agree ,they are better then britney sperr , sorry i do not know how writte her name ja ja

[@ednareiman4554]

Donnie Booster cannot hold one note to Mark Farner😊

[@daytimeslacker]

Don Brewer the whole time he was planning to stab Mark in the back. For years Mark couldn't sing his own songs. 95% of all the songs were Marks but they for years stop him from singing them. They made money on his songs.

[@leelitif7187]

this band was getting worse by 74 75 76

[@sheddski2942]

He was setting up mark the whole time keeping him close then dropping the net on him and Mel was in on it too SCUMBAGS 👎🏻

[@johnnytightwad3784]

Finish the song kids.