Mark is my original rock hero!!! I was the best air guitarist that imitated Mark. I learned to get decent on guitar by finding Grand Funk music and try to play as close as I could!!! I'll always love your music, Brother Mark!!! 🙂💖
WHAT A FANTASTIC INTERVIEW....check out marks song "isn't it amazing " when I rededicated my life to christ I thought I would need to put my guitar down because I was led to believe it was devil music...lol it was his [mark farner] Casssette "Just Another injustice"...that showed me God would accept my guitar playing just fine...thanks Joe for a great choice and thank you Brother Mark Warner for all you do to spread the Love of CHRIST.
I saw Grand Funk in concert seven times as a kid. I will never forget the solo he played on "Inside Looking Out" at the State Fair Music Hall in Dallas, TX. In the middle of the long solo where he plays ascending pull offs, he got the Messenger to start squealing and feeding back and he took it and through it up in the air, ran and slid underneath it on his knees, catching it and continuing the solo without missing a lick. I was 14 years old and totally in awe of my first guitar hero. Thank you for the music and memories Mr. Farner, They still live within me 50 years later.
Mark Farner is criminally under rated...............I grew up in central Michigan and Grand Funk Railroad was a favorite of mine. The soul and groove of that band is unmatched. Thank you Mr. Farner and thanks to you too Joe .
Grand Funk Railroad was the first concert I've ever seen, way back in the day!!!!! How lucky was I????? Over 50 years and hundreds of concerts later, I'm still going strong! I've got concerts booked up, so far, every month until October 2022. I'll keep going until I cross the finish line. Saw Joe Bonamassa in November and I hit the lottery when he handed me his set list after the show!!!! I just saw George Thorogood, January 1st. Great way to start the year!
I always try to prepare for Joe’s interviews. Didn’t know anything specific about Mark…though, of course, I was aware of Grand Funk Railroad in the 1970s. For those who are interested and would like to prepare for Joe’s interview, there is a series of 9 short interviews with Mark Farner (10 years ago) on the LivingLegendsMusic channel here on CZcams. The interviews are different from Joe’s, in that the moderator is off-screen and says very little while Mark talks. Not the wonderful exchange of conversation that Joe provides, but still very interesting. Mark is not only a wonderful story teller of his own life, but he is a warm, compassionate human being as well. Mark, hello to you from a fellow Michigander. In the olden days, I used to occasionally take the Grand Trunk Railroad to downtown Detroit where I would catch the Wabash Cannonball headed to St. Louis and on to Moberly, MO…and once to catch the Canadian National Railway going to Montreal…long time ago, LOL …..those were the days! I always figured that train was the inspiration for your band’s name.
I really appreciate Joe elaborating on how great Mark Farners Grand Funk Railroad was. Nothing was said about them not being in the so called Hall. To me Marks strutting right on top of the building. This is my favorite Nerdville video. 👍🏻😎
Mark Farner , my 1st rock guitar hero . Saw them in 1972 . REO opened promoting their golden country album . A night iv always remembered and will never forget . Thank u .
thanks Joe, & its good to know, that even a great guitar player, can still be a nerd, lol.. a friend was opening for Grand Funk years ago, afterwards, we met & chatted with Mark & Don, they were really good folk.. & I'll never forget, standing backstge, watching roadies roll Mark out, sitting on a B-3 and opening with foot stomping music, as Funk came on.. yeah, one remarkable little American band..
Grand Funk Railroad was my first concert, I think it was '71. San Diego Sports Arena. Bloodrock opened the show. I'll never forget the energy in that place. I remember the headband and the arm band that Mark wore. Good Times!
I grew up with GFR and marveled at Farner with his long straight hair and bare chest just jammin’! The whole band! I truly believe that Rock&Roll can save this world!
To say Mark Farner was an influence growing up is a supreme understatement! My band’s first live gig had 30 songs and 17 of them were Grand Funk Railroad! No kidding! We started with “In Need” and ended with “I’m your Captain”!
Mark has lost so many rockers of his generation in the last few years (Leslie West, Dusty Hill, and Tim Bogert to name a few) I'm glad to see that he is still alive and healthy! He and Carmine Appice are true living legends in my mind, and I will be VERY sad if those two pass!
Where an american band, where an american band. We're coming to your town we'll help you party down where an american band. I remember them. Mark seems like a great person, humble for being such a iconic rock star. He is a fellow michigan guy. Much respect to Mark...
Joe - awesome interview!! Like every other high school band back in the day, Grand Funk was always on the set list - Foot Stompin' Music, Closer to Home, etc, etc. I still remember all the words and arrangements! Don't we all??
The first time I saw GFR was in 1972 at our Student Union in Stevens Point Wisconsin. The first song our band, Down Home, learned how to play was, "We're an American Band". Seems Like Only Yesterday. Rock on Mark and Joe!
"You kids don't know Grand Funk? The wild shirtless lyrics of Mark Farner? The bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher? The competent drum work of Don Brewer? Oh, man! Grand Funk Railroad paved the way for Jefferson Airplane, which cleared the way for Jefferson Starship. The stage was now set for the Alan Parsons Project, which I believe was some sort of hovercraft." - Homer Simpson
I had no idea who Grand Funk Railroad was but I DID know their music!! THAT is Legendary! Thank you Joey B for showing us where more of the pieces fit.
Man as a young person in Grade School, I just loved Grand Funk Railroad. There live double set might be the first album I ever bought back when I was in 7th grade.
Awesome interview! Grand Funk was my first concert in 1970 Cleveland Public Hall with Glass Harp , and Cactus! Wow what a show ! Farmer is one of the best showman , vocalist! Too bad the other two dudes are doing a tribute band and not going anywhere! Get back together and Rock it! Do it the fans would live it! Oh and you need to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Thanx Joe fir the great time!
Thanks for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting❤️ Please send me a mail via joebonamassarecords@gmail.com
Great interview, i saw GFR in 1975 Caught in the Act Live basically the set list, Redbone opened the show wicked show. Saw Mark solo in the early 2000's and GFR reunion in 1997, then the new version in around 2005? or so.
Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven.GFR Fleet Mac Air Raid Bicycle Radar was the debut tour? I was 11 or 12. what a great Show. years later I met Pete Green at his pad on chamblee Tucker Road one of the nicest guy I ever met.. Thanks for the Great memories Mark! my cousin took me to the Pop Festival too. The Bikers were not so nice at that event. But got revenge with the water cannon on the old fire truck. cheers
Mark Farner is a genuine nice guy and a real stud. Watch the opening of this "live" show from 1974 where he starts out playing Hammond organ and then launches into guitar. The man is a serious machine. Thanks for all of the good music! czcams.com/video/9sew6V6tFtI/video.html
Thanks for a great interview! Got my tix to see Mark in St Augustine FL on 5/22...can't wait! Please post link info in the notes regarding where to buy Mark's dvd, the link to the Veterans foundation and to the flood relief gofundme. Thank you 🙏
Three Ground Breaking Bands that altered the very course of Rock Music that are still Not in the RRHoF . Grand Funk Railroad , Steppenwolf , and Black Sabbath . There is No excuse as to why .
I agree. No excuse at all. It absolutely ridicules. It bothers me so bad that I try to think about it like this...2 of the greatest baseball players ...Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose. Not being in there halls. Its political bullshit. But its don't make me feel any better. We Know who the greats are.
one song bad bands should never cover... 'we're an american band'. i was at a store opening once where the hired a local garage band - they covered that song, guitars out of tune- singers off key -- just awful . while standing next to a guy in the crowd he turned to me and said ...'they sound like a bad polish bad'....
Mark Farner inspired Joe Bonamassa...what an awesome compliment to receive.
Mark is my original rock hero!!! I was the best air guitarist that imitated Mark. I learned to get decent on guitar by finding Grand Funk music and try to play as close as I could!!! I'll always love your music, Brother Mark!!! 🙂💖
WHAT A FANTASTIC INTERVIEW....check out marks song "isn't it amazing " when I rededicated my life to christ I thought I would need to put my guitar down because I was led to believe it was devil music...lol it was his [mark farner] Casssette "Just Another injustice"...that showed me God would accept my guitar playing just fine...thanks Joe for a great choice and thank you Brother Mark Warner for all you do to spread the Love of CHRIST.
Grand Funk Railroad was my first concert. I'm soooo happy it was them!! What an impression!!! 👏👏👏👏👏
I saw Grand Funk in concert seven times as a kid. I will never forget the solo he played on "Inside Looking Out" at the State Fair Music Hall in Dallas, TX. In the middle of the long solo where he plays ascending pull offs, he got the Messenger to start squealing and feeding back and he took it and through it up in the air, ran and slid underneath it on his knees, catching it and continuing the solo without missing a lick. I was 14 years old and totally in awe of my first guitar hero. Thank you for the music and memories Mr. Farner, They still live within me 50 years later.
Thanks for sharing that.👍🏻
Mark Farner is criminally under rated...............I grew up in central Michigan and Grand Funk Railroad was a favorite of mine. The soul and groove of that band is unmatched. Thank you Mr. Farner and thanks to you too Joe .
"Knock 'em alive, brother". First time hearing this alternative to "knock 'em dead". Upon reflection, I quite like it.
Grand Funk Railroad was the first concert I've ever seen, way back in the day!!!!! How lucky was I????? Over 50 years and hundreds of concerts later, I'm still going strong! I've got concerts booked up, so far, every month until October 2022. I'll keep going until I cross the finish line. Saw Joe Bonamassa in November and I hit the lottery when he handed me his set list after the show!!!! I just saw George Thorogood, January 1st. Great way to start the year!
What an excellent interview with Mark Farner! You did good Joe!
I always try to prepare for Joe’s interviews. Didn’t know anything specific about Mark…though, of course, I was aware of Grand Funk Railroad in the 1970s. For those who are interested and would like to prepare for Joe’s interview, there is a series of 9 short interviews with Mark Farner (10 years ago) on the LivingLegendsMusic channel here on CZcams. The interviews are different from Joe’s, in that the moderator is off-screen and says very little while Mark talks. Not the wonderful exchange of conversation that Joe provides, but still very interesting. Mark is not only a wonderful story teller of his own life, but he is a warm, compassionate human being as well.
Mark, hello to you from a fellow Michigander. In the olden days, I used to occasionally take the Grand Trunk Railroad to downtown Detroit where I would catch the Wabash Cannonball headed to St. Louis and on to Moberly, MO…and once to catch the Canadian National Railway going to Montreal…long time ago, LOL …..those were the days! I always figured that train was the inspiration for your band’s name.
I really appreciate Joe elaborating on how great Mark Farners Grand Funk Railroad was. Nothing was said about them not being in the so called Hall. To me Marks strutting right on top of the building. This is my favorite Nerdville video. 👍🏻😎
Mark Farner , my 1st rock guitar hero . Saw them in 1972 . REO opened promoting their golden country album . A night iv always remembered and will never forget . Thank u .
Mark's a straight shooter, no fancy whatevers just rock and roll.
thanks Joe, & its good to know, that even a great guitar player, can still be a nerd, lol.. a friend was opening for Grand Funk years ago, afterwards, we met & chatted with Mark & Don, they were really good folk.. & I'll never forget, standing backstge, watching roadies roll Mark out, sitting on a B-3 and opening with foot stomping music, as Funk came on.. yeah, one remarkable little American band..
Grand Funk Railroad was my first concert, I think it was '71. San Diego Sports Arena. Bloodrock opened the show. I'll never forget the energy in that place. I remember the headband and the arm band that Mark wore. Good Times!
God Bless Joe and Mark 🕊
I grew up with GFR and marveled at Farner with his long straight hair and bare chest just jammin’! The whole band! I truly believe that Rock&Roll can save this world!
Saw Grand Funk at the Cincinnati Gardens in 69 or 70. They played the songs from the On Time album. Their best first couple records were great.
To say Mark Farner was an influence growing up is a supreme understatement! My band’s first live gig had 30 songs and 17 of them were Grand Funk Railroad! No kidding! We started with “In Need” and ended with “I’m your Captain”!
My band in high school played 90% Grand Funk and Black Sabbath.
@@scottychapin bet you guys played “Paranoid” from both bands.
@@claytonb9685 yep
What a good guy Mark is!
I remember having every Album in High School
Sooo great Mark Farner🌹 with you JOE❤️ Great interview is coming 🌹❤️❤️🌹
The Grand Funk Live Album is still one of the greatest live albums of all time, IMO.
Great interview from two of the best in the music world. I thank you both from the bottom of my heart!
Joe, I love that you are such a fan and you make no bones about it. How wonderful for you! Great interview
I wore out 2 vinyl copies of that INSANE double album “Grand Funk Live”, then my absolute favorite band.🌟
Great interview, Joe! 🌹
I wore out my Grand Funk Railroad records. This interview is a real treat. Underrated power trio.
Great interview Joe! Longtime fan of original Grand Funk. Mark Farner is a class act. 😎🇺🇸❤️🌟🌟
Also, SO going to buy Farner’s DVD, he continues the legacy of “I’m Your Captain” 🌹
IMO, Mark Farner and Chris Cornell are the two best American rock voices.
I'm your captain❣ very, very cool👍🌹
Grand Funk was the first band I seen live. “Blood Rock” opened up for them. Boston Garden early 70’s. Absolutely loved them !
One of your best SHOWS! Thanks JOE!
Good on you Mark Farner, even a bigger fan now, thanks from a 65 year old guy that jammed with you guys the whole way. American Band...
I'm your captain was one of the first songs I ever learned. Loved that record !
Mark has lost so many rockers of his generation in the last few years (Leslie West, Dusty Hill, and Tim Bogert to name a few) I'm glad to see that he is still alive and healthy! He and Carmine Appice are true living legends in my mind, and I will be VERY sad if those two pass!
I saw Mark play two years ago with Jim Peterik and they killed it....still
Where an american band, where an american band. We're coming to your town we'll help you party down where an american band. I remember them. Mark seems like a great person, humble for being such a iconic rock star. He is a fellow michigan guy. Much respect to Mark...
Mark is a class act. Thanks for sharing this Joe!
Joe - awesome interview!! Like every other high school band back in the day, Grand Funk was always on the set list - Foot Stompin' Music, Closer to Home, etc, etc. I still remember all the words and arrangements! Don't we all??
Love it.! Grand Funk.....
The first time I saw GFR was in 1972 at our Student Union in Stevens Point Wisconsin. The first song our band, Down Home, learned how to play was, "We're an American Band". Seems Like Only Yesterday. Rock on Mark and Joe!
"You kids don't know Grand Funk? The wild shirtless lyrics of Mark Farner? The bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher? The competent drum work of Don Brewer? Oh, man! Grand Funk Railroad paved the way for Jefferson Airplane, which cleared the way for Jefferson Starship. The stage was now set for the Alan Parsons Project, which I believe was some sort of hovercraft." - Homer Simpson
BIG BIG FAN OF MARK & JOE !!!!!.....GFR FOREVER !
OMG ! What a great interview ! Thanks for this Joe !
I wore out their records! Yea, in those days it was vinyl or nothing. No cd’s, or tape, just vinyl and I played the albums so much I wore them out.
Thank you for this wonderful episode.
You two were right there with with each other the whole way. Best one yet-and I’ve seen them all
Awesome.
I really appreciate these interviews... I learn something new about the music I grew up with. Thank you Joe! and Happy BIRTHDAY on Saturday!!!
I had no idea who Grand Funk Railroad was but I DID know their music!!
THAT is Legendary!
Thank you Joey B for showing us where more of the pieces fit.
Can't thank you enough. Your timing is great. I am getting to see him live 5/15 here in Ohio! Was great to see his human side before the show.
GFR - Favorite band since high school in the early 70’s. Great interview as always!
i taught myself how to play the bass by listening to and playing along with the first Grand Funk Railroad Album....thank you Mark
Man as a young person in Grade School, I just loved Grand Funk Railroad. There live double set might be the first album I ever bought back when I was in 7th grade.
It was awesome interview again JOE❤️ Thank you🌹💕🌹
Love this interview
Awesome interview! Grand Funk was my first concert in 1970 Cleveland Public Hall with Glass Harp , and Cactus! Wow what a show ! Farmer is one of the best showman , vocalist! Too bad the other two dudes are doing a tribute band and not going anywhere! Get back together and Rock it! Do it the fans would live it! Oh and you need to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Thanx Joe fir the great time!
Farner ! Sorry Mark
Great interview with a great guy. Obviously his music comes straight from his heart. Music joins us all.
Thanks for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting❤️
Please send me a mail via
joebonamassarecords@gmail.com
Great interview, i saw GFR in 1975 Caught in the Act Live basically the set list, Redbone opened the show wicked show. Saw Mark solo in the early 2000's and GFR reunion in 1997, then the new version in around 2005? or so.
THANK YOU JOE B & MARK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a long time Mark Farner/GFR Fan. Great interview and props to Joe B.
Can't wait for this one!
Live Album was the first album I bought with my own money and Where an American Band was the song my HS Rock band opened with.
you bet thank's Joe loved it.
Thanks for this joe
The first album I ever bought was Grand Funk (The Red Album). Early stuff was the best stuff!
We are here to watch!greez from 🇨🇭
Loved the music interesting the business part of the industry learns something new every week!
My Son and I was at the Volunteer concert in Atlanta at lakewood ....do you remember
I want to see Joe play a Parker Fly
Great interview. Love Mark.
Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven.GFR Fleet Mac Air Raid Bicycle Radar was the debut tour? I was 11 or 12. what a great Show. years later I met Pete Green at his pad on chamblee Tucker Road one of the nicest guy I ever met.. Thanks for the Great memories Mark! my cousin took me to the Pop Festival too. The Bikers were not so nice at that event. But got revenge with the water cannon on the old fire truck. cheers
Saw. Grand Funk Railroad at a casino in upstate New York and I loved it very intimate and you kicked ass I just love the rhythm they give
SWEET SWEET CONNIE SAYS HEY! DONT LEAVE ME OUT!!!!! THOSE THINGS DONT SUCK THEMSELVES YA KNOW!!!!!!!!!
That was an amzing interview.
"I'm doing but not mildewing" Ha, great!
Should have been 2 or 3 hours long. Mark has a lot to talk about. But it was just awesome Joe, Thank You
Mark Farner is a genuine nice guy and a real stud. Watch the opening of this "live" show from 1974 where he starts out playing Hammond organ and then launches into guitar. The man is a serious machine. Thanks for all of the good music! czcams.com/video/9sew6V6tFtI/video.html
Thanks for a great interview! Got my tix to see Mark in St Augustine FL on 5/22...can't wait! Please post link info in the notes regarding where to buy Mark's dvd, the link to the Veterans foundation and to the flood relief gofundme. Thank you 🙏
Peter Haycock of Climax Blues Band played a gold Velano.
Joe!!! 👍👍👍😍🌷
Tht was in Louisville Ky btw .
Hello Joe, Love the show, Just wondering if Mark has heard Yoyoka Soma's cover of we are an American Band, Thank you and keep doing what you're doing
Grand Funk Survival. Cut my teeth on that one. Still my favorite GF album.
My favorite album too. Just love that album cover. “I Can Feel Him In The Morning” is my favorite song from the album.
Joe I think you may wish to play with either Robin Trower or Yngwie Malmsteen . What do You Think . ?
Doyle Bramhall II should get an Interview someday ! And Clapton ?
GFR was The Loudest Band I ever heard in 71, Louder than Deep Purple and The Who!!! Huh Wha HaHa
Three Ground Breaking Bands that altered the very course of Rock Music that are still Not in the RRHoF . Grand Funk Railroad , Steppenwolf , and Black Sabbath . There is No excuse as to why .
I agree. No excuse at all. It absolutely ridicules. It bothers me so bad that I try to think about it like this...2 of the greatest baseball players ...Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose. Not being in there halls. Its political bullshit. But its don't make me feel any better. We Know who the greats are.
one song bad bands should never cover... 'we're an american band'. i was at a store opening once where the hired a local garage band - they covered that song, guitars out of tune- singers off key -- just awful . while standing next to a guy in the crowd he turned to me and said ...'they sound like a bad polish bad'....