Are you ready, good readers? Yes, pun intended by the way.
Mark Farner is bringing a well-remembered chapter of rock history to the Valley, packing a career-spanning set that connects his definitive Grand Funk Railroad catalog with the deep, personal stories of the era that shaped him.
When Mark Farner’s American Band takes the stage at Celebrity Theatre this Sunday in Phoenix, the audience will catch a musician and frontman who represents a direct, living link to a musical landscape well loved by the Boomer generation to this day.
Yes, the songs that fans know and love like We’re An American Band, Bad Time and Closer To Home remain staples in Farner’s set today, alongside select solo songs as well.
“Oh, absolutely”, Farner stated enthusiastically in a quick phone chat. “We play a good mix of Grand Funk tracks, both hits and deep cuts for longtime fans. In short, it really is nothing but love we try to spread at our shows”.
That desire to connect with the people stands in stark contrast to how Grand Funk Railroad was originally framed by the music press. “Yes, one of– if not the biggest– misconception that critics had of us when we started was that we were recluses, or unapproachable”, Farner stated candidly.
He added. “The truth is that our former manager, Terry Knight, wanted to carve out a certain mystique surrounding us. It wasn’t our idea, because we always prided ourselves as a people’s band. The fans ultimately felt that as well, luckily”.
Stripping away that artificial barrier and maintaining a commitment to raw authenticity extends directly into his technical craft and live repertoire today. For his latest solo record, 2024’s Closer To My Home, Farner intentionally recorded it using the 432 Hz tuning frequency.
It’s an alternative audio calibration favored by select musicians for its warmer, more naturally resonant sonic quality. It is also an organic approach he traces all the way back to the classic protest era.
Farner noted that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s 1970 classic Ohio– a seminal track he proudly features in his current live set– inherently carries that same resonant frequency.
With Closer To My Home, the project itself traces its roots to a somewhat spontaneous broadcast session.
“It really started with an appearance I made on The Howard Stern Show in 2006”, Farner recalled. “At the time, I had also been part of the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp. That’s when I met Mark Slaughter. Also, during that Stern performance, I had Kip Winger and Bruce Kulick playing with me for a rendition of Closer To Home”.
Fun fact: At the time of the Stern appearance, Kulick was actually in a version of Grand Funk Railroad, which he would remain with for over two decades. He officially left the band in 2023.
Farner continued. “I remember being blown away with Mark’s harmony vocals that day. Anyway, we became close friends from then on. He did an incredible job on the album”.
The Phoenix stop on Sunday promises that the music will do the talking. The current incarnation of Molly Hatchet will be opening the show, ensuring a night of big riffs and memorable songs.
For Valley music fans, this rescheduled show from April will offer a unique look at a musician and songwriter who simply refuses to slow down.
IF YOU GO:
WHO: Mark Farner’s American Band w/ special guest Molly Hatchet
WHEN: Sun. October 11.
WHERE: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. Phoenix. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Showtime 7:00 p.m.
TICKETS: Between $47-$89, available at celebritytheatre.com and Celebrity Theatre box office day of show.
