Mark Farner – Rock ‘N’ Roll Soul

1. The album  captures a performance at the “Woodstock 20 Years After” festival. Can you tell us about your memories and emotions during that event?

I have fond memories of this event because my band was ROCKIN’! Mike Maple  (druns & vocals) Michael Blair (keyboards & vocals) Lawrence Buckner (bass & vocals) and Arnie Vilches (2nd guitar & vocals) The fans were alive with us and pushing us to give them all we had, so we did! = Emotional satisfaction! 

2. The tracklist for the album includes both your original songs and covers. How did you select the songs for this particular performance?

We always discussed what songs in which order will work for us prior to any performance… based upon our collective agreement we picked the set list and were very pleased with the audience reaction!

3. “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” is one of your iconic songs. What significance did it hold for you in this live performance?

The significance of “I’m Your Captain” during this set was emphasized when the audience started singing it back to us in perfect union with our souls!

4. How did the choice of musicians for this performance come about, and what was it like working with them for this event?

The musicians were all my spirit brothers that had been working with me for years and I always enjoyed working with them… that night, even before the concert when we were praying, there was an excitement amongst the bandthe band that inspired us to play without fear! 

5. You were 20 years old when you first started Grand Funk Railroad. How did your experiences in the band influence your performance at this festival in 1989?

That’s right, my experiences as a 20 year old rocker were always expressed in my evolution of song writing and 40 years didn’t change any of my prideful feelings towards any of my songs. This festival  was a landmark performance of 40 years of live performances and taking the excitement to that stage brought us much satisfaction. 🙏

6. Woodstock in 1969 was a significant moment in music history. How did it feel to perform at the “Woodstock 20 Years After” festival two decades later, and what changes did you notice in the music industry during that time?

Even though my band didn’t play the 1969 event, I think people didn’t realize that fact but instead gave us everything we needed in order to give them a standup performance!

7.  You were inspired by a “future of sincere peace and true and real love.” How do you think those ideals are reflected in your music and this performance?

One can see as well as feel, the audience’s participation and they were loving every heartbeat of effort we were making just for them! 

8. You express gratitude in the album credits to God and Jesus. How has your spirituality influenced your music and your performance in 1989?

My spirituality and inquisitiveness as to the audience’s reaction were both satisfying and rewarding… having Thom Kuchulan road managing this particular tour was a Godsend to us all. 

9. Looking back on your career, how do you think your music has evolved, and what message or legacy do you hope to leave through “Rock ‘N’ Soul: Live 1989”?

The reality of us playing to a lively and exceptional audience helped us re-create the music from my 1969 career, with even more precision… I can’t even begin to guess at how many times I have played those songs for my fans but each time I do, I improve. 🙏

10. What are your next steps in your music career? 

To evolve with the times we live in and hang on to the Love and hope I offer to my fans in song, and to those who may hear my voice for the first time and say, ” he sounds real, I wonder who that is?”… my aim is to be truthful and please like minded folks, and to win those who ate not. 

ROCK N ROLL SOUL LIVE 1989! DO NOT MISS OUT ON GETTING IT AUTOGRAPHED BY MARK!!!

Artist Information: Mark Farner’s American Band | LEGENDARY Rock

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