The instructor was asking for male volunteers to play the bass drum. I hated it so much that I ended up being the last chair. I was in the junior high band and I had worked my way to the first chair. I actually started out playing clarinet in the school band. I always wanted to get into the drums when I was a kid. Was there any event that made you decide to become a drummer?ĭ.B. You've had a nice successful career so far. Did you ever run into those guys on the cover of the "Survival" album up there in the mountains?ĭ.B. We're going to be going there in the near future. I see that you also have a place in the mountains in North Carolina?ĭ.B. We've been doing things like this for a number of years. They were "preemie's" from a feral cat colony. We currently have 2 cats that my wife rescued around 2 years ago. It dates back to when my wife was in radio. My wife and I have been involved in a place called "Safe Harbor" down here in Jupiter Florida, for quite a number of years. Can you tell me about your animal rescue work?ĭ.B. I understand that it's pretty hot down there in Florida.ĭ.B. Rob von Bernewitz from Long Island New York. I recently spoke with Don about his amazing career. This has been the lineup for over 17 years now. After a couple of brief reunions with Mark Farner, Don and Mel welcomed Bruce Kulick, Max Carl, and Tim Cashion as Grand Funk Railroad members. At this time, Don would hook up with an old Flint, Michigan buddy and do numerous tours with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet band. Don and the boys had a few more hits in them such as "Locomotion" and "Walk Like a Man" - before they decided to go their separate ways. After a management shakeup, Don wrote a song that would soon become an American anthem, "We're an American Band" - and it proceeded to become the number one song in the country. They sold out Shea Stadium faster than The Beatles. With the success of their smash hit, "Closer to Home/I'm Your Captain" - GFR began to perform at major stadiums and arenas throughout America and Europe. Their first three studio records, "On Time", "Grand Funk", and "Closer to Home" became gold and platinum. Promoters took notice and started booking GFR all throughout the south which eventually lead to a record deal from Capitol Records. They were invited to perform at The Atlanta Pop Festival and received a standing ovation after their opening act set. Shortly thereafter, they got their first break. They went to the woodshed and worked out a high energy repertoire of material as a three piece powerhouse. Don and guitarist Mark Farner decided to break from "the Pack" and brought in bassist Mel Schacher from Question Mark and the Mysterians - and Grand Funk Railroad was born. They put out a few records and had regional success. His first band was called The Red Devils - and after a few member and name changes, it morphed into Terry Knight and the Pack. When he found out that the drum section in school was all girls, he got right down to business.
When he was a youngster in a small town right outside Flint Michigan, Don always wanted to play the drums. Don Brewer is a drummer/vocalist and a founding member of the legendary American rock band Grand Funk Railroad.