The longtime Bob Seger guitarist will join the band on tour immediately
Bruce Kulick announced his retirement from the iconic Grand Funk Railroad earlier this week. Now, the multi-platinum-selling group shares that his replacement is industry veteran and longtime Bob Seger guitarist Mark Chatfield, effective immediately. Chattfieldโs first show with the chart-topping quintet will take place on Friday, January 12th at Ledyard, Connecticutโs Foxwoodโs Casino.
โHaving been friends and bandmates with Bruce Kulick and Mark Chatfield for over 40 years, it is a pleasure and a real kick to know both of these great classic guitar players as contributors to the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad,โ states GFR founding member and drummer Don Brewer. โAfter 23 years, we respect Bruceโs decision to turn the page and wish him the best in his next chapter. Mel and I are truly excited to now have Mark Chatfield on tour with us and look forward to many awesome Grand Funk Railroad rock and roll shows!โ
โI will forever cherish my time in Grand Funk these past 23 years,โ states Kulick. โIt was a great opportunity for my career, and performing powerful classic hits with Don and Mel was a thrill for me. The crowds sing, dance and reminisce on memories of GFRโs great catalog of songs. The train was always on the track, creating a rock & roll groove known as the GFR sound. Thank you Grand Funk Railroad for 23 years!โ
The Foxwoods Casino show will kick off Grand Funk Railroadโs 2024 tour, which – to date – includes stops in New York City, Las Vegas, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Biloxi, and more. After playing to millions of fans on the bandโs tours from 1969 to 2022, the band marked last yearโs milestone of 50 years since their cult hit โWeโre An American Bandโ with their largely sold out The American Band Tour.
Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top selling American rock group of the 70โs is โCOMINโ TO YOUR TOWN TO HELP YOU PARTY IT DOWNโ. Grand Funk Railroad is extremely excited to be touring in 2024 marking a 55 year milestone. After playing to millions of fans on the bandโs tours from 1996 to 2023, Grand Funkโs THE LOCO-MOTION TOUR 2024 will continue to reach both new and long-time fans.
Known as โThe American Bandโ, the high-energy five-piece group will play forty shows all over the USA this year. Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, โThe God of Thunder.โ Joining Brewer and Schacher are true โAll Stars,” former 38 Special vocalist Max Carl, and keyboardist Tim Cashion.
The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. Grand Funkโs 2023 We’re An American Band Tour was a huge success and now, with the groupโs The Locomotion Tour 2024, seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate with Grand Funk Railroad!