Mention the name Grand Funk Railroad, and you might get a lot of doubting glances and the odd aside snicker. In reality, Grand Funk were the world's most popular and biggest selling band during a two or three year run in the early 70s.
GFR was much more than just a poor man's Led Zeppelin--they were an explosive, original and aggressive power trio that was simply fashioned in an American mold instead of a British. Indeed, they could probably lay claim to being the best (and first) bonafide garage band of all time.
Of course, the driving force behind Grand Funk was guitarist, singer and writer Mark Farner. What made him (IMHO) a great guitarist, was the fact that nobody, anywhere had a similar style--he was truly unique in his approach. Starting with GFR's first album 'On Time' in 1969, Farner's clean, chrome-edged rhythm sound and piercing fuzzbox set him apart. Ultimately, GFR was one of the world's top touring acts and sold tens of millions of albums.
Grand Funk's music could turn on you like a beast. All of a sudden, during a bridge or lead break, the band could kick into high gear and whip up a tornado of sheer energy and volume. It was indeed heavy metal, clear and true! With the 'Red Album', 'Live Album' and 'Closer To Home', all released in 1970, Grand Funk and Mark Farner produced a powerhouse body of heavy rock that remains listenable and inspirational to this day.
