Grand Funk Railroad to play at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

One of the biggest rock groups of the 1970s, Grand Funk Railroad, performs at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on Aug. 8. Still featuring original drummer/singer Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, alongside vocalist Max Carl and guitarists Mark Chatfield, and Tim Cashion. Grand Funk Railroad hasn’t released new music in decades, but their run of hits, including “We’re An American Band,” “Closer To Home,” and “Some Kind of Wonderful,” have become part of pop culture, practically synonymous with the 1970s.

This year’s tour celebrates the 50th anniversary of Grand Funk Railroad’s 1974 single, “The Loco-Motion,” penned by legendary songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin. What started as a bit of humor soon became a No. 1 hit.

“Well, we were in the studio with Todd Rundgren, working on our ‘Shinin’ On’ album,” Brewer recalled. “We had pretty much-finished everything, and we were going, it would be nice to have one more song. So, everybody was scratching their head and thinking about it. And somebody just came up with the idea of Grand Funk Railroad doing ‘The Loco-Motion,’ and we all just cracked up. It was a tongue-in-cheek kind of a joke, but we called our manager in New York and asked him to get the lyrics, then started working with Todd on coming up with an approach to the song.”

Five decades on Grand Funk’s version of “The Loco-Motion” remains a radio staple. “I think our version is more well known than Little Eva’s (1962 hit recording),” Brewer said good-naturedly.

Grand Funk Railroad’s music has shown up in numerous movies and TV shows, from the “Sopranos” to “Fargo.” How does Brewer feel about Grand Funk Railroad becoming a pop culture icon?

“I think the name has something to do with that,” Brewer said. “And the time we came up in, the early ’70s, the pre-disco stuff. We kind of became everybody’s favorite garage band. Also, I think we created a very honest rock ‘n’ roll. It wasn’t overly thought out, it wasn’t overly recorded, with overdubs and all of that stuff. It was pretty honest. I think that’s what rings true with everybody.”

One of the band’s songs best-known TV appearances is in an episode of “The Simpsons,” in which Homer Simpson declares Grand Funk Railroad to be one of his favorite groups. “I got notified in advance because I co-wrote the song they used, ‘Shinin’ On,’” Brewer said. “The producers sent me a copy of the script. I thought, they’re going to mention each guy’s name in the band and we’re one of Homer Simpson’s favorite bands? It was great.”

Grand Funk Railroad’s most recent album is 1983’s, “What’s Funk,” but the possibility of new music from the band hasn’t been ruled out. “We’ve been working on new stuff for the past 20 years with this particular band,” Brewer said. “We’ve had a lot of songs come and go in the show, so we’re kind of thinking of putting together maybe a compilation.”

While some previously unissued vintage live tracks and alternate takes have been released over the years, unfortunately, fans hoping for more treasure from the vaults will be disappointed. “I think we’ve pretty much gone that route. It’s all pretty much out there,” he remarked.

At age 75, Brewer remains a powerhouse rock drummer, playing with a force and passion that is the envy of younger musicians. “I work at it,” he said. “I walk every day, I go to the gym every day, I watch what I eat, and take care of myself. It’s all of the above. All of the things that doctors have always told you that you need to do, that’s what I do. It’s because I love what I do, and I don’t want to stop. I’m driven (laughs).”

With more than 50 years of touring behind him, Brewer still enjoys being on stage just as much as ever. “I’ve been asked before, “What do you like most, playing live or working in the studio?” I replied, “You just said it. Playing live is playing,” he commented. “Being in front of an audience gives me something I can’t get anywhere else. Everybody’s up on their feet and you look out in the crowd, and you can see generations of people that all know the words to your song. There’s no feeling like that.”

Grand Funk Railroad: Thursday, Aug. 8 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $71. humphreysconcerts.com.