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MESA, AZ. Concert Review
by: Ric Cottrell, Scottsdale AZ
First off, I am lucky everybody who knows me, has ever played in a band with me (a decade or two ago) or my family
This time it was my oldest sister, who always called me Ricky Farner, until I told her there already was a real one!
I've spent the last two weeks 3 to 4 days a week at Mayo clinic, and I hadn't been online since. So if not for her
My wife of 29 years, dating since 75 (All the girls in the world). She's also been a fan since that time.
First off it was a beautiful night, a free concert (nice but a couple of tickets we'd pay in a heart beat). We got there an hour early got seats right in front of the soundmen, we've been front row before, but sound wise it was the best and with 2 big screens One on each side it was perfect. The band sounds better every time, which doesn't seem possible, but they do. I am one Grand Funk fan that after hearing the original band 3 times during their time together again, that felt this band, first Mark and Lawrence (Live and Gospel albums), Hubert next at The Greek theater in L.A. with part of Uriah Heep, and Edgar Winter, another great concert and Paul at a couple concerts and the new CD. Chesters set was one of the reasons I liked the new band, with Mel and Don, it's always the same songs. With NRG you get, Nothing is the Same, Same ol' feelin' from the new CD, which if you're a Funk, Farner, Rock, Soul, R&B or just a fan of great music, Buy it! You won't be disappointed and many will have a little shock coming to them if they think Mark should be touring with Don and Mel.
I won't bother with my feelings towards Primarily Don. The DVD release, has the smell of another Brewer ego attack. I hear at least 4 to 5 added vocal tracks to the Bosnia Live album. Some kinda wonderful, two versions of American band? Us Funk fans have been waiting over 30 years for some of the footage we knew was out there somewhere. And Take me as a greatest hit? Not in your biggest dreams Don. I've always felt once Don and Craig started writing, a good portion of the albums were 10 years behind what Farner wrote and sang. I don't remember any song Don wrote for Mark to sing. There were plenty Vise versa. I'd still love to shove a guitar in Don's hands and tell him play a little of American band, if you catch my drift. I saw his version, of what he has the nerve to call "Grand Funk", four of us went and within about 30 minutes and the sickliest version of Closer to home, Ive ever heard, sounded like a falsetto the entire time. This time I"m glad I wasn't in the front row, because I might've belted the guy one and told them to play Flint music, because in truth, they were Flint 2. And in all our opinions, not even Flint quality.
Not with NRG, Mark still sings the **** out of everything, and his guitar work is among the best, period end of story!
And with Lawrence on bass and vocals, Hubert playing some *** kicking drums and vocals, and last but not least Paul, On keyboards and Sax, along with Mark sound better then the original, if you ask me or my lovely wife.
Most of the years I played here in the Phoenix area, we played biker bars, great crowds number one, great people as long as you donÂ’t do anything stupid! But they all loved Grand Funk, we played at least 1 or 2 each set and they always filled the dance floor. I saw plenty of people blown away at the music and just how tight the band is. Songs I can never hear too often. Got a chance to speak to Mark and the rest of the band afterwords and that doesn't happen with very many other bands. You can tell Mark honestly still loves playing, and truly is greatful for us fans. And he's a truly wonderful person. If my health will allow me, we want to see the band in Vegas, on Freemont street. I also hope this is just the beginning of CD's by the band.
It's obvious Mark still has plenty to say and young and old recognize good music when they hear it. I wish the music industry wasn't such a joke now. There are a number of tunes on the new CD that deserve airplay, Pop and R&B. Hopefully news travels enough to let the sleeping Funk fans know there is a band that plays Grand Funk, better then "Grand Funk". I heard from a little birdy that Don is going back on the road with Seger, that's where he belongs. Funny, in that band he knows his place! He must leave his ego at home.
Thanks to all, Mark, the band, merchandising, and Chesters for bringing the band here, and my sister for letting me know.
Ric Cottrell, Scottsdale AZ
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MESA, AZ. Concert Review
by: Gary Newton, Tempe, AZ.
I heard about this show exactly one day before they played on a Saturday night. This was the first cool breezy night we have had since summer....so with that in mind...I told my wife....who we both loved Grand Funk back in the 70's.....and still do....we cannot miss this show......this was free!!!!!...........along with major league stage, sound system and 2 big screen monitors!!!.....let's just say you could close your eyes and Mark's voice sounded like he was 25 years old!!! perfectly preserved...............great guitar playing......perfect showman....and a kickass band......if you get a chance...do not miss this show.........I am still humming those songs 3 days later....I went home and played my favorite Grand Funk album....Born To Die!!!!!!!...3 times in a row!!!!!
Gary Newton, Long time Guitar Player
Tempe, Az.
