Grand Funk Railroad Makes a Stop at Casino Miami
The Locomotion Tour Barrels Its Way Into 2025

2025-01-27

Miami, Fl – It’s a cool night by Miami standards on January 18, 2025, as Grand Funk Railroad brings the Locomotion Tour to Casino Miami in Miami, Fl. The Jai-alai Fronton serves as the backdrop for the iconic Grand Funk Railroad show. Wth its intimate layout, the Fronton allows fans to get up close and personal with the legendary band, creating an atmosphere of pure connection and celebration.

Tonight marks a stop on the group’s 50th Anniversary Locomotion Tour, which kicked off in 2024 and continues into 2025, bringing generations of fans together to celebrate one of the most enduring legacies in American rock.

As the lights dim and the unmistakable opening riff of “Rock & Roll Soul” reverberates through the venue, the crowd erupts in cheers. The energy in the room is electric as fans of all ages clap, sing, and dance along. Frontman Max Carl, with his dynamic vocals and commanding stage presence, leads the band through a setlist packed with timeless hits and fan favorites. Legendary drummer Don Brewer, a founding member of the band, delivers his signature powerhouse rhythms, while bassist Mel Schacher, another founding member, grooves with razor-like precision. The band is rounded out by guitarist Mark Chatfield, and keyboardist Tim Cashion, whose harmonies and flourishes add depth to the band’s sound.

The setlist is a journey through Grand Funk’s storied career, with highlights including “Shinin’ On” and “Footstompin’ Music.” Fans sway and sing every word of “Some Kind of Wonderful,” the soulful anthem that resonates as much today as it did decades ago. The crowd comes alive during “The Loco-Motion,” the very song that inspired this milestone tour. It’s a full-circle moment as fans dance with unrestrained joy, echoing the energy of a time when the song first hit the charts.

The intimacy of the Jai-Alai Fronton enhances every moment of the show. Fans, some just feet away from the band, raise their arms and dance in the aisles, creating a communal vibe rarely experienced in larger venues. Brewer takes a moment to thank the audience for their decades of support, his words met with thunderous applause.

The night reaches its crescendo with the electrifying “We’re an American Band,” a raucous celebration of rock and roll that has the entire Fronton singing in unison. The thunderous applause at the song’s conclusion echoes through the venue as the band takes a final bow, waving to the very grateful smiling faces.

Grand Funk Railroad proves once again that their music is timeless and why they’ve stood the test of time. Their performance at Casino Miami isn’t just a concert—it’s a shared experience, a celebration of music that unites generations. As fans stream out of the Fronton, their voices still ringing with the melodies of the evening, one thing is clear: the Locomotion Tour is a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll.

Casino Miami continues its tradition of bringing iconic artists to Miami fans with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas scheduled to perform in February and Jon Secada performing in May.