E. Pluribus Funk.....

Does anybody remember Grand Funk? They were the #1 American rock group of 1970. In that year alone they had 4 platinum selling albums. They broke The Beatles attendance record at Shea Stadium. In fact, they sold that concert out in just 72 hrs. A record that still stands to this day. They were also the 1st rock group to command $ 20,000.00 a performance!
Well, as if you didn't already know, they came from my hometown of Flint. They have had a moderate amount of success throughout the years, but nothing compared to the glory days of the early 70's. The leader of the group, was a well known local musician named Mark Farner.
After years of debauchery and performing long concert tours, Farner left the group in the 80's.
He found God, and he found peace, and he has enjoyed a solo career for the last 20 years or so.
Recently on some local radio stations, there has been considerable airplay of cuts from Farners new CD. He has been at several media events promoting this new CD as of late...

So cut to Friday Night after work for the G-Man. I've already worked 48 hrs this week, and since I am 1 unit short of a bonus for the month, It looks like I am working on my day off tomorrow...So no Border's for Galen this cold evening, he needed something a little stronger.
I had arranged to meet my best friend Alex at our favorite watering hole..Down the Hatch!
I have posted about this place in the past, it's just a dumpy little neighborhood bar, but I am treated really well there and everybody knows your name, blah blah blah!!!
All I wanted to do was go in, get my hug and kiss from the beautiful Ranay, slam a couple, counsel a few derelicts, and go home!! In and out, Bingo Bango Bongo!...But NOOOOOOOO!
Up on the Billboard in front of the bar was written..Live Tonight for Autographs Only....
Mark Farner..6:30-8:00. Free...
Crapola! The place was jammed! Even though it was only 6:00, I had to park a long ways away!
Luckily when I walked in, my friend Barry had a saved seat next to him. Alex was not there yet.
The place usually has a max of 20-30 people in it.....Tonight? 2-300! What a zoo....
And sure as shit, at 6:30 sharp, in walked the legend himself! Funny, he looked a lot older than me, even though we are about the same age. Hahahaha...Not really, he looked great!!
Anyway, he was a very nice man. He answered all questions, he shook everyones hand, and he posed for all pictures. If you wanted to buy his new CD, you could for 10 Bucks. He even autographed the inside sleeve personally as part of the deal. I liked some of the new stuff, so I decided to buy a copy....Heres what my inscription reads; To Gayland...Mark Farner.
Oh well, one bonus from the evening was, there were lots of HOT 50 yr old Rock and Roll Chicks there!
Have a great week-end....... Galen!