Grand Funk Railroad show in Pittsburgh, PA

Nfp01 · #1 09-04-2006, 11:34 AM

Yeah. Having never heard GFR before (or, more accurately, having never known what songs were theirs), I went to this free concert blindly. And man, I'm glad I did.

No Bad Juju, a local band, opened at 7:30. It rained just before their set, so they caught people as they were leaving - most of them stayed despite the rain. I thoroughly enjoyed their set. It was kind of a funk-rock deal. It took me about half the set to realize that I had seen half the band before - their trombone player toured with the late Maynard Ferguson when I saw him earlier this year, and the bassist was one of my teachers at the Duquesne Guitar and Bass Camp. He was the one who got me back into reading, which in turn helped me secure the bass spot in all of the school bands.

But as much as I loved them, nothing could compare to the sheer presence that was GFR. The first chord had everyone transfixed. It was absolutely unbelievable. Their bass player, whose name always escapes me, was playing a Zon through an Ampeg SVT. I swear, if that thing was any louder the growl would have thrown you through a brick wall. I've never heard a tone quite like it. Oh, and it was their drummer's birthday. He got a nice long solo complete with many screams. Definately the wildest musician I've ever seen in my limited concert experience.

I definately recommend seeing them if you have the chance. I'm not familiar with what they sounded like back in the 70's, but it sounds like they haven't lost any of it. In fact, they could very well be even better.

Lazylion · #2 09-04-2006, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nfp01

Their bass player, whose name always escapes me, was playing a Zon through an Ampeg SVT. I swear, if that thing was any louder the growl would have thrown you through a brick wall. I've never heard a tone quite like it.

That would be the awesome Mel Schacher! One of my heroes back in the day. He kicked all that butt, and he did it wearing those kooky platform shoes!

Matt Till · #3 09-04-2006, 08:53 PM

GFR? Free? 2 hours from my house? Damn, I need to pay more attention!

Chase_The_Bass · #4 09-04-2006, 08:57 PM

IM YOUR CAPTAIN!!! IM YOUR CAPTAIN!!!But i lose my point, for I am getting closer to my home.

73jbass · #5 09-04-2006, 10:39 PM

Well,you're ruined now.You must get entire GFR library! Mel is the reason I first picked up the bass in the mid 70's.I used to listen to my brothers GFR albums way back when I was a kid (I'm 45 now),and still amazes me how he could play a fairly busy bass line,and not overplay. I feel he is the most underrated bassists on the planet. He is da man!

vinny · #6 09-05-2006, 11:37 AM

First concert I ever saw was GFR in Hershey, PA. We're An American Band tour. Smokin'...I remember it to this day.

PilbaraBass · #7 09-05-2006, 04:17 PM

I used to work on Main Street in Pittsburgh's West End...15 years...and during that period GFR NEVER came around

Oh well...

PilbaraBass · #8 09-05-2006, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73jbass

Well,you're ruined now.You must get entire GFR library! Mel is the reason I first picked up the bass in the mid 70's.I used to listen to my brothers GFR albums way back when I was a kid (I'm 45 now),and still amazes me how he could play a fairly busy bass line,and not overplay. I feel he is the most underrated bassists on the planet. He is da man!

It's about "the groove"...and this cat HAS IT!

RWP · #9 09-05-2006, 04:29 PM

You are so lucky. GFR is one of the main reasons I too play bass. Magic Carpet Ride got me started but GFR was THE band in my early days. Guess I am out of touch as I did not know they are still playing!

**cheezewiz** · #10 09-05-2006, 04:29 PM

Mel is the man, but the GFR touring now is not GFR. Yes, Mel is there, and Don Brewer is there, but without the guy who wrote most of GFR's music, and sang 3/4 of it, it's not GFR to me. GFR will always be Mark, Don, and Mel (and sometimes Craig).