Grand Funk Railroad steams into Fort Benning

BY SONYA SORICH - ssorich@ledger-enquirer.com --

They promise to help you party it down, but members of Grand Funk Railroad expect something in return.

"When you come to a Grand Funk show, you've got to be ready to smile and sweat," founding member Don Brewer said in a recent phone interview.

The act -- known as "The American Band" in honor of their hit, "We're An American Band" -- comes to Fort Benning's Wetherby Field Saturday. They're joined by opening act Bowling for Soup.

Fans at the show can expect to hear Grand Funk Railroad's signature single, as well as standouts from their collection of '70s hits. Songs like "Some Kind Of Wonderful," and "I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home."

"We always do as much of the hits as we can," Brewer said.

The group performs 35 to 40 shows a year, focusing on entertaining crowds and stretching the live music experience to its maximum potential.

"We are a live act," Brewer said. "We're on stage to perform live."

Thanks, Homer

Saturday, Brewer expects to see not only veteran Grand Funk fans, but a good share of young faces, too.

It's something he attributes to a larger rising interest in classic rock.

An endorsement from Homer Simpson didn't hurt, either.

In an episode of "The Simpsons," Homer raved about Grand Funk Railroad, praising band members' talents. (Among Homer's praises? "The competent drum work of Don Brewer.")

The pop culture reference is evidence of the band's permanence in the music world, even amid management struggles and lineup changes. Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher are the two founding members remaining in the five-piece act.

Brewer said that through the band's transitions, he kept his focus on Grand Funk's overall approach to music: a signature blend of rhythm and blues, plus rock and roll.

"We've always just tried to keep true to the spirit," Brewer said. "It's really kind of always been that way. That's what we continue to pursue."

Brewer wrote "We're An American Band" while Grand Funk was taking on a new direction. They'd moved on from early management, and were adjusting to a changing FM radio climate.

Against that backdrop, and the band's travel schedule, Brewer remembers thinking of a line:

"We're comin' to your town/We'll help you party it down."

Brewer said, adding that the remainder of "We're An American Band" was largely built around that line. It's song that thrives on the party experience that comes with being on the road.

Musical style isn't the only thing that's remained consistent throughout the band's stay on the entertainment scene.

Another permanent fixture? The act's name. Despite what you may hear from a variety of Internet sources, there was never a deliberate switch from "Grand Funk Railroad" to "Grand Funk," Brewer explained.

"We never really changed the name," he said. "Both names apply."

Under either name, would the band ever consider collecting enough new material to make a full album?

Yes, Brewer said, but offered a disclaimer. Radio stations may boast classic rock titles, but they're frequently ambivalent about playing new material from traditional classic rock acts, he said.

"They don't get any airplay. There's a major disconnect there," Brewer said.

Fortunately, he and his fellow members of Grand Funk Railroad are content with the live music scene -- and all the parties, smiles and sweat it promises them.

IF YOU GO

What: Grand Funk Railroad, with opening act Bowling for Soup

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Fort Benning's Wetherby Field

Cost: $25

Information: 706-494-8330