Grand Funk Footstompin’ Music Live
Grand Funk Railroad’s live album “Footstompin’ Music” is a must have for any fan of the band. This live album captures the raw energy and power of Grand Funk Railroad’s live performances.
Introduction
This live recording of the band’s show at Detroit’s Cobo Arena on March 15, 1971, was originally released as a double-LP set, and while it has been reissued on CD a number of times, this is the first time it has been remastered and presented in its entirety. As such, it offers the clearest and most detailed presentation of the band’s performance yet, making it an essential purchase for fans of live rock & roll.
For those unfamiliar with Grand Funk Railroad, the band was formed in 1968 by guitarist/singer Mark Farner and drummer Don Brewer (who had previously played together in Terry Knight & the Pack), bassist Mel Schacher (who had played with Question Mark & the Mysterians), and keyboardist Craig Frost. Like many bands of their era, they were discovered by meddling management (in their case, Terry Knight), who proceeded to drive them into the ground through unrealistic touring schedules and exorbitant spending on their productions. Fueled by Farner’s considerable songwriting talents and their willingness to just keep playing no matter what, they slowly built up a following throughout 1969 until they had a breakout hit with “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” which reached number one on the singles chart.
The Early Years
Grand Funk Railroad’s rise to the top of the rock world was hardly meteoric, but it was nonetheless remarkable. Formed in 1968 in Flint, Michigan, the band spent two years honing its craft in the bars and clubs of the Midwest before signing with Capitol Records in 1969. The group’s self-titled debut album was released later that year, but it failed to make much of an impact. undaunted, Grand Funk regrouped and headed back into the studio. The result was their breakthrough album, CLOSER TO HOME, which went to #4 on the Billboard chart and spawned the Top 10 single “I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home.”
The Band’s Popularity
At the time, many popular groups were using heavy doses of feedback and distortion, but Grand Funk’s sound was much cleaner and polished. Their music was generally positive and affirmative, with party anthems like “We’re an American Band” and “Footstompin’ Music.” The band developed a strong following among working-class youths, particularly in the Midwest.
The Band’s Legacy
Formed in 1968, Grand Funk Railroad became one of the top-selling American rock bands of the 1970s. The band’s name is a combination of the members’ hometowns — Flint, Michigan and Lima, Ohio. The band was originally managed by Terry Knight, who was also the lead singer and rhythm guitarist. After achieving success with their first three albums, Grand Funk left Knight’s management and went on to achieve even greater commercial success.
Grand Funk’s signature sound is a mix of blues-based hard rock and down-to-earth country elements. The band’s biggest hit singles include “We’re an American Band” and “Locomotion.” Grand Funk’s live performances were also very popular, and the band became known for their high-energy stage shows.
Despite their commercial success, Grand Funk was not without its controversy. Some critics accused the band of selling out to a more mainstream audience, while others praised the band for its fresh sound and down-to-earth approach to rock ‘n’ roll. Nevertheless, Grand Funk remains an important part of American musical history, and the band’s music continues to enjoy popularity today.
The Band’s Influence
Grand Funk Railroad’s Influences est une liste de douze chansons originales par le groupe de rock américain Grand Funk Railroad, publiée en octobre 1971. Le groupe a été formé à Flint, Michigan en mai 1969 par Mark Farner (chant, guitare, piano) et Don Brewer (batterie), avec Mel Schacher (basse) joignant plus tard. Ils ont connu un succès commercial immédiat avec leur premier single “I Can’t Get Enough” et ont continué à enregistrer et à produire leurs propres albums jusqu’à ce que Farner quitte le groupe en 1976.
