Grand Funk Railroad Headed For Darlington

As part of its celebration of the early 70’s during Labor Day weekend events, Darlington Raceway will have 1970’s rock and roll icon Grand Funk Railroad perform at the Bojangles’ Southern 500 Pre-Race Concert Presented by Coca-Cola on September 6.

Known for its No. 1 hits We’re An American Band and The Loco-Motion, Grand Funk Railroad is one of the top-selling rock bands of the 1970’s. Their 1973 album, We’re An American Band, topped out at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard music charts.

“What better way to celebrate the 1970’s and our return to Labor Day weekend than by having rock legends Grand Funk Railroad perform our Bojangles’ Southern 500 Pre-Race Concert Presented by Coca-Cola,” Darlington Raceway President Chip Wile said. “Grand Funk Railroad’s hit songs were some of the most memorable from the early 70’s. They are an iconic name in rock music and a tremendous fit for our celebration.”

Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer agrees, declaring, “NASCAR and GRAND FUNK on Labor Day Weekend! God Bless America!”

Fans of Grand Funk Railroad have the exclusive opportunity to watch the concert from the front of the pre-race stage. In addition to the purchase of a Bojangles’ Southern 500 grandstand ticket, a pre-race access pass may be purchased for an additional $45. This pass will not only give fans stage front access for the concert, but will also include an up close view of the Sprint Cup Series drivers as they are introduced to the crowd. Supplies are limited.

“Coca-Cola has been part of racing since the beginning, so we're excited to partner with Darlington Raceway to bring fans a fun throwback race and a great classic band for the pre-race concert,” commented Heather Hucks, Senior Director of Brand Marketing for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated. “The weekend will be full of classics, from drivers to cars to our ice cold Coke, it's going to be a fantastic event for race fans."

We’re An American Band was released in July 1973. The following month, the song became the band’s first No. 1 hit single.  By August, the album charted to No. 1 and they picked up Gold Record No. 9.

Success was still in their future. Not only did they release yet another huge album, Shinin’ On, but also had their second No. 1 single with The Loco-Motion. Also, the single Some Kind of Wonderful hit stores with an immediate impact reaching No. 3 on the charts and staying in the Top-40 for a remarkable 12 weeks.

Known as “The American Band," the high-energy five-piece group has been part of the rock scene in many forms for over 45 years. Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher. Joining them is singer Max Carl, who is a rock veteran from 38 Special, lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and keyboardist Tim Cashion.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 45 years after its 1969 birth in Flint, Michigan is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out venues in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. Over their career, Grand Funk has had 19 charted singles, 8 Top-40 hits and two No. 1 singles (both selling more than one million each). The group has accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales in excess of 25 million copies sold worldwide.

For more information, visit www.grandfunkrailroad.com.

The Tradition Returns to Labor Day weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 is set for Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015. The NASCAR XFINITY Series VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 will race on Saturday, Sept. 5. Tickets are on sale now by calling 866-459-7223 or visiting www.DarlingtonRaceway.com.