The Betrayal That Destroyed One of America’s Greatest Rock Bands

[@stevolene]

Grand Funk doesn’t exist without Mark Farner , I would not pay a dime to see them without

[@jayyoung4055]

Same here!

[@semmcstevenson]

Fact

[@avlisk]

Bruce Kulick is a really cool guy, and it would have been a fun band if they hadn't called it Grand Funk. It's only GFR with Mark Farner.

[@donkeyboy585]

@@stevolene Absolutely not

[@seamus2112ophelan]

Same here!!!

[@oneida41859]

I’m from Michigan and Mark Farner is Grand Funk and is Michigan. He’s a hero of mine.

[@cheribee968]

All eyes were on Mark Farner when GFR performed

[@montbob100]

I love Mark.I would never watch grand funk without him.Grand Fraud.Lol.

[@jayyoung4055]

No Farner No Funk. And another band: No Richrath, No Bruce Hall, I now think of them as RE-No Speedwagon.

[@gwag8410]

The very first album, I ever bought, was Grand Funk Railroad, double live… I was 12 years old, in 1972, and I got it at a garage sale in Arkansas. I wore it out, listening to it, and I’ve been a Mark Farner fan ever since… God bless you Mark.

[@Grit489]

I learned to play drums to that album, I'm 66 and still drumming and gigging

[@toddflowers8052]

@@gwag8410 Same here !!! 😎👌🏻💯

[@KarlHalliday-q6j]

John great interview with Mark.

[@billyshane3804]

No Mark Farner - No Grand Funk Railroad E PLURIBUS FUNK

[@dangroat4438]

Mark is what made Grand Funk such a great band. His guitar playing and singing gave the other two a way to delve into the groove and get it going to rock a crowd. Together they had a way of uniting a crowd to sing along with them, especially on "Closer To Home". I saw them back in 1991 and they were rocking it. It is a shame that they can't put all their differences aside and get back together again because I would bet that the three of them could still rock it.

[@MDHeleniak]

Mark Farner and his band put on a great show. Forget the skunks.

[@astrosjer822]

What shocks me is that “Bad Time” is not in every set list by Farner for his solo shows. That is a must play in my book!

[@BobDennison]

yea friend

[@frankgenovese3700]

If you ever come around the Boston area, I’m coming to see you Mr. Farner.

[@terrygrady7683]

One of the greats.

[@tonygaston4021]

My best friend for life KWC loves & knows for sure it’s definitely not GFR without the great Mark Farner! 😮

[@floydthebarber9956]

John ... I hope you read this. Next time you interview Farner ask him if he thinks Mark's embrace of Christianity or conservative politics was a factor in Don and Mel's screwing him over. I've never heard that question asked. TIA

[@montbob100]

The just run it and hate that.They want devil worship.

[@christophernaples1315]

Wow ! Those other dudes would be shining shoes without Mr Farner

[@JoeZinger-rf4cv]

Legend. Lucky enough to catch Mark open for my favs BOC a couple years ago. Advantage Mark Farner. Legend.

[@billlashure2008]

The songs--" In Need" and " Sin's A Good Man's Brother" come to mind--- Mark, we all believe you're the best.

[@chevyvandweller2706]

There is a fine line between ' Forgiveness & Letting Go'.

[@earlfriedman9132]

Mark Farner was Grand Funk !

[@rockerz57]

Mark is the real deal....Donnie and his pet Mel are posers.

[@LarryNiles-t1d]

Wrong, they were 2/3 of the band.......do the math Posers? No way.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

No, they're each a third of the sound. The problem is, Don screwed his friend to own it all, and Mel went along which make them greedy creeps.

[@jordandickerson4069]

Mark could have pulled off Grand Funk Railroad with any decent Rhythm Section. It was all Mark's Talent.

[@michaelmilazzo3720]

No FARNER No FUNK !

[@THX-vb8yz]

I was living in Royal Oak, MI, a few years back, and every August, we have two things..... Dream Cruise and Arts, Eats and Beats. Grand Funk was playing and my wife and I were only a couple of blocks away. I couldn't wait (not knowing what had happened) and the guitarist wasn't Mark. I went back home.

[@musiclover3205]

Mark Farner is Grand Funk.

[@christophersanders5007]

Grand Funk without Farner is like Steppenwolf without John Kay

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

GFR was the work and wisdom of Farner as front man ..... these little do-little-say-much back stabbers are shameful.

[@davidmontgomery5047]

Love Brother Mark .Foreigner was a Faceless band Even in Their Hey Day

[@hudentdw2]

No Mark No Grand Funk period!

[@timothypartin8460]

Putting the music aside....for those 2 knuckleheads not wanting Mark and his wife to be their friends is insane...Mark...you are what good people want as a friend

[@markkenific6587]

This man is the epitome of a rock star. He’s the man. He IS Grand Funk. Period. What Don and Mel did was disgusting.

[@charlesivey100]

Mark wrote the music... Can we imagine the Beatles without one of John, Paul, George or Ringo? Same with GFR. Come on guys...

[@johnnymac5228]

These guys made millions and never ended up with anything.

[@GarySwanson-c3c]

I've been a Grand Funk fan since there first album, high on a house.thanks

[@tommeredith7462]

Drummer’s can be sneaky. Brewer lost all respect in my outlook Towards Grand Funk Railroad. Getting Mark to sign papers Was a trick bag. He really screwed Mark Farner over. Grand Funk upon Mark being removed immediately turned them into a mere Tribute band. And shame on Mel the bass player because he supported Brewer for eliminating Farner. Mark is positive and active giving remarkable performances. I hope Mark is earning more money than if he stayed with his original band.

[@avlisk]

There needs to be a category called "Official Tribute Band" for those bands with one or zero original members who own the band's name. Grand Funk, Foreigner, Eagles, Little River Band, Chicago, Lynyrd Skynyrd are all bands who would benefit from such a designation.

[@dustylover100]

Three Chicago originals still there.

[@terrencereardon6374]

Pink Floyd never went there when Richard Wright passed away. Styx and Judas Priest are now cover bands.

[@dadduorp]

War, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Santana (it wasn't just Carlos), Foreigner, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Little River Band, The Temptations, Lynyrd Skynyrd...the list is long.

[@tpstrato2270]

LOVE YOU MARK

[@tmo7734]

I agree with the comments. For example, today, I consider The Eagles a “brand,” not a band.

[@terrencereardon6374]

You think Pink Floyd are a cover band now. David Gilmour is done with the band and when Richard Wright died he ended the band.

[@Sprenklefish]

It’s obvious something happened between those guys that none of them will ever talk about. We’ll probably never know what it was, and so, no reunion.

[@bayoubengal1961]

I met Mark at a smaller venue in Houma, LA many many moons ago. Such a humble and great faithful guy.

[@dennydude3737]

How can you not like Mark!? Always a fun interview! Just a absolute rock & roll legend. I love how he calls everyone brother. Lol.

[@AHLUser]

I'm from Flint, and I never got to see GFR LIVE... I WANT a REUNION..!!

[@Blade247]

Years ago mel don along with the other alleged funk Railroad came into town. They do the county fair circuit. I was very disappointed.. mucho no bueno !

[@chuckstenberg]

....and some transparency about whether the performer will actually be singing live or miming at the concert to make an informed decision whether to purchase a concert ticket or not.

[@Incredulous-w7u]

Saw Mark at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield CT. last night. Great show, but sadly, no encore.😩 Big sound. Mark wore a big blue hat with a long feather sticking up. A different look. But looking good, healthy.👍 That venue has been totally renovated. The theater is fresh, and the lobby area is expanded with some rock memorabilia like autographed guitars and pictures of various artists. Full bar too. Great venue to see an act. But be advised, the seats are very narrow and uncomfortable. Back to Mark. The crowd was energetic, practically sold out, and a good time was had by all. Lesia was working the merch table. Tee shirts, his new album on CD and vinyl. Hand bags made from actual GFR albums, photos, the usual stuff. Anyway, it was a great show, good fun and seeing Mark is always something special. God bless Mark, Lesia, their loved ones and all the Farner fans! Happy Holidays all!! 🙏✝️❤️💯👍🎄

[@LoyalOpposition]

I wish the interviews were labeled with the date. Thanks

[@rodneynorfolk9737]

thnx

[@funkfan1751]

John Brodin!! Mark Farner's new album is titles "Closer To MY Home" not just Closer To Home.

[@Grit489]

How can we get it bro ?

[@donkeyboy585]

The current lineup played a casino about 10 miles from me a few years ago… NOPE

[@sheddski2942]

i have one of those Backwards Clocks Don is holding in ON TIME it was Hanging in my parents Down celler Bar sinse 1969 i recently Took it to my house its old but still here i Wonder if Mark has the Original from the Album Shoot

[@JackB-v2z]

I saw Grand Funk with Mark Farmer , in the 90s . They looked good and sounded great . Exceeded All expectations ! I have no desire to see them with Bruce Cullac .

[@mlbolts72]

Mark Farner is amazing Cant wait to get his new cd . So many great tunes w the old GFR . 🤠🤟😊

[@dogcowrph]

They have become a GF tribute band that plays the rib fest circuit.

[@sunking2001]

I've seen GFR 3 times and Mark once with his own band. The first time was 1970 at Winterland Ballroom in S.F. The opening band that night was Bloodrock. Of course...GFR tore the roof off. Next time was Oakland Arena with Freddie King. Last time was reunion tour in 1998 at the San Mateo County Fairgrounds. GFR played better than I ever heard before. They were clean and very refined Don and Mel are now SCABS...ripping off fans under the name of GFR. They can go to hell! There is NO GFR without Mark...period!

[@motorcity7137]

Monster Magnet has a killer cover of “Sins a good man’s brother” on the Spine of God record

[@adambower2677]

There is no way net the so-called Grand Funk could be making the same amount of money they would make if mark reunited with them

[@TELarkin61]

With much respect, I feel the same way about the current Kansas.

[@kevinkline7242]

Grand Funk is another band whose best album 'Were an American Band was produced by Todd Rundgren.

[@jimzimmerman5852]

There is no way the band would have gotten this big without Mark.

[@TerryKrysinski]

The big difference with Foreigner is that they were a faceless band except for Gramm & Jones. And everyone knows what happened with Lou. But Kelly Hansen gave them new credability and the fans accepted him,hence their touring presence all these years. Most of the band as is has been there for a long time now. with Grand Funk--everyone knows it was Mark that was the main guy. Most fans know that but a few will still go see the band as is w/o him. Crazy as that is.. T

[@Chuck-Bob]

If it was not you I saw them with, Oklahoma State Fair, 2014, then they fooled me with a guy who looked and sounded pretty much just like you man. But knowing what I know now, I have no desire to see them again until this is rectified.

[@maxherron1376]

Where can we get the new album?

[@paullevine1813]

The new album without Mark can be found in the dumpster behind the record shop.

[@MDM0915]

Wikipedia generally has members and timelines for previous members. Not hard to follow Wikipedia’s. If that’s too complicated then then ticket buyer never was a big follower and gets the tribute band they deserve.

[@JohnnyLaps]

Mark is only telling one side of the story.He was very greedy and treated his bandmates like session men.This reminds me of the Deyoung/Styx debacle where Dennis was insufferable and now realizes it.

[@annkopfer6713]

First off Farner needs to let this go..76 years old still bitching about...cmon...2nd he needs to own up look at himself...hes not Grand Funk...3rd Farner's wifey LEISA gets involved with his business...very difficult to deal with 4th if GFR today isnt for you...go see his American Band...hardly.any new material is performed if at all

[@harveyharveyness8773]

without Farner it's Grand "FAKE" Railroad

[@doccyclopz]

I feel this is the reason bands like Grand Funk & the Guess Who get passed over for the RRHOF. The imposters have dragged their respective band names through the mud beyond the point of no return. I think that any new band should split the Songwriting credits equally amongst all members like what the Doors did. I know it's not fair to the Fogarty's and Farner's of this World but I think it's the only way to keep bands together. IMHO

[@RickDOnofrio-dl3su]

No Mark No GFR 😮

[@rickknuth2158]

Went to see Mark and his band around one year ago and was very disappointed...no keys, no drums. Saw GFR a week later felt it was much better. Pretty much the same music but sounded much better with the keys and drums.

[@joemanderino6234]

Is Mark still being paid by the Grand Funk corporation since he is one third of the corporation?

[@sgt524]

Shame on this Band

[@1934rod]

No one ever gets to the point of the real reason for the breakup and reason for not getting back together.

[@rmcq1999]

A childhood friend of mine was a sideman on Farner's American Band before the COVID. Not sure what happened, might have got back to it. Guy doesn't return calls.

[@davidrice3337]

So what's your point

[@MelissaMitchell-xg2kp]

i agree do it for your fans why give up like dad says get along be team player still work job play on your days off.

[@JohnLittle-ze7sp]

Farner made G.F R.R. the other two guys have used his work to make themselves rich

[@tombrewer1540]

Truth…this is the way business works…you sell your share, the intellectual property goes with. I totally understand the way he feels and people know it’s not the original members but they want to see “GFR” anyway. I wish it could be different but it’s not going to be. Mark knows what he did and accomplished, best to let it go and move on. I love Grand Funk RR!

[@AHLUser]

It was a terrible decision to sign Terry Knight as their "Manager"... He was originally their "Publicist" and 'Started the Band' (Terry and The Pack) but Mark was obviously had more talent... Terry thought he was entitled to make WAY more than all of them combined, and screwed the band over for years. He kept them stoned, drunk and with plenty of girls, so they didn't know what was happening... When they found out, they should have gotten a good lawyer, but instead fired Terry, just months before his contract would expire. Terry sued them for $54 million in lost future money, and what was left of the band was destroyed by the IRS because Terry didn't bother paying the taxes... Screwed by their Friend..!!

[@suefields4254]

Love love love Mark Farner. What is it with these bands , kicking out the leaders of the classic lineup band...Look at REO. Kevin is doing it to Bruce, and did it to Gary Richrath 35 years ago...Founding drummer Danny Seraphine got kicked out of Chicago after 23 years. Lead guitarist Roger Fisher FOUNDER of Heart got booted out. And these guys were the best of the best. Happens left and right. Who would even want to see Grand Funk without Mark Farner. . Oh yeah, Dennis De Young sort of kind of booted too over Mr. Roboto... Hypocritical present day band Styx play the song at their concerts all the time now..Good on Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman too for suing Gary Peterson and the fake Guess Who too...

[@kimwestwood8840]

Love Mark, his integrity. Don Brewer will be remembered for being a jackass.

[@lawrencealberts898]

Part of the issue getting back together? Mel and Don have been touring with their own group for almost 25 years, the same with Mark and his group. So what happens to the other band members? Also, yes Mark did sing/write many of their hits. But Don sang on a lot of their biggest hits as well. As such, with 2 of the 3 original members, they are not a fake band. They are not cheaters. Also, we only hear Mark’s side of the story. Perhaps there is more to it. FYI - I am from the Flint area, and have seen every incarnation of GFR since 1965 or 66.

[@ShaneMcCrae]

I’d pay serious coin to see GF. The real deal. I’d buy a ticket to see Mark because he’s got the voice and he’s an honourable man. As for what the other two are doing? I wouldn’t cross the street to see them if the tickets were free and they threw in cold beer.

[@Tune-O-matic]

They are Grand de-funked Railroad without Mark..

[@wolftracks9010]

Bland Junk Failroad w/o Mark!!

[@milanuzelac9980]

It's the death of rock n roll when fools act like music is just a product to sell...

[@MelissaMitchell-xg2kp]

he is your captain cant sink your ship yet got listen you listen you learn more

[@markcastillo2757]

No Farner,no Grand Funk

[@philbrown1474]

GFR is going to be 30 mins away from my home in December. I’ve been offered free tickets to it twice. Turned it down. I saw them about 10 years ago. It was pretty bad. No Farner No Funk.

[@slojo3898]

They played my town recently ( a freebie at a car show) I took one look and left. No Mark No Funk PS….. Mel looked too thin. I hope he is not ill.

[@bayoubengal1961]

No Farner, No GFR!

[@mrrhee2467]

Mark, you are easily more than 2/3rds of what made GFR the American Band. All your fans who supported the band's origins from Terry Knight & the Pack to your first major gig in Detroit opening for Led Zeppelin, know this clearly. Mt Holly, Flint, Dave West, what good times.

[@patricklilly2520]

It's not Grad Funk without Mark Farner. Sorry...

[@1999zrx1100]

The Guess Who, there’s a band out there that doesn’t have one member. 😳

[@BobDennison]

burton cummings

[@justinclark8867]

As of recently, Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman got the Guess Who name back after stopping the bogus band on tour.

[@electricbomber9970]

The sake of the fans matters not to Don Brewer Mel follows because bass players follow drummers they are a team, but how many replacements can try to fill Mark's shoes?

[@Mike-qe3nq]

If you have 1/3 of the corporation, you have the right to be in the band. Show up and play.

[@catfishcooler1566]

It's KARMA. Farner quit the band thinking the other guys couldn't go on without him. But finding someone who can sing & play Farner's parts was fairly easy. Bar bands cover Grand Funk material all the time. Brewer and Schacher realized that it was more profitable and easier to NOT put up with a Prima Donna who kept threatening to quit if he didn't get his way. So they vetoed letting him back in the band. The End.

[@dalemullins4562]

Brewer we'll reap what he sows. Mark has the glory and Truth on his side and Mark can live with himself. But when Brewer has to answer for what he's done. It's not gonna be so pretty. His elevator is going to be going to the lower level parking garage.

[@TheSpydersBand]

No Farner, No Funk

[@NelsonMontana1234]

The most disgraceful act of greed, duplicity and disrespect as ever been witnessed within a musical group. It's an insult to the legacy and to the fans. Mark is being kind comparing it to Foreigner. That's just a business deal where someone owns the name and the original members have no interest in it. Grand Funk is those three guys, mainly Mark, and Don stabbed him in the back so he could get a little bigger piece of the payday. Any self respecting fan should boycott that crap.

[@mawortman72]

Now, along with the signature into the corporation, does his music belong to the corporation or does he still have personal self rights to the music himself? If he had soul rights and ownership of these songs, why doesn't he say you can't play them anymore. Cease and desist.

[@JVrndo]

It's not GFR WITHOUT FARNER...

[@owlman1365]

Grand Funk opened for Kid Rock a couple years ago. No Farner = great show .

[@xpump876]

Grand Funk Railroad plays w/o Mark Farner - is that for real - if so WTF !!