Grand Funk Railroad Ready to Perform Again

Grand Funk Railroad have expanded their ongoing Still Shinin’ On tour with a new round of summer dates, extending their schedule through the end of the season. The announcement, however, arrives with a major development for the veteran rock group.

Singer Max Carl—who has fronted the band since 2000—has officially stepped away from touring. In a statement released alongside the tour update, the band confirmed his immediate retirement due to health concerns.

“Effective immediately, and due to a recent medical issue, Max Carl has made the difficult decision to retire from touring and performing with Grand Funk Railroad.”

Honoring Max Carl’s Two-Decade Run

The band paid tribute to Carl’s 26-year tenure, underscoring the impact of his voice and presence in maintaining their live legacy.

“Max has been an integral part of this band for 26 years. For over two decades, his soulful vocals and stage presence have helped keep the Grand Funk legacy alive and vibrant. We are deeply grateful for the immense talent and enthusiasm he brought to the stage night after night.”

The statement also reflected on his character offstage:

“More importantly, Max has been a kind, loyal friend to us all and a warm, gracious presence to the countless fans he has had the pleasure of meeting over the years. We wish Max all the very best as he focuses on his health and his family in this next chapter.”

Before joining Grand Funk Railroad, Carl was a member of 38 Special, where he co-wrote and performed the 1989 Top 10 hit “Second Chance.”

Band Looks Ahead With Shared Vocals

With Carl’s departure, founding drummer Don Brewer and keyboardist Tim Cashion—a member since 2000—will assume vocal duties moving forward. The band signaled a renewed focus on its catalog as it enters this next phase.

“As we embark on this next phase, the band also looks forward to digging into the catalog and incorporating new songs into our live sets, including fan favorites like ‘Aimless Lady,’ ‘Bad Time’ and more.”

The current lineup still features original bassist Mel Schacher, while founding guitarist Mark Farner last performed with the band in the late ’90s.

The tour—named after the group’s 1974 album Shinin’ On—resumes in Salamanca, New York, before continuing with newly announced dates beginning July 2 in Dalton, Georgia. Additional stops include Washington, Pennsylvania, and Columbus, Ohio, with the run set to conclude on Sept. 24 in Grand Prairie, Texas.

As the band moves through this transition, the expanded itinerary underscores a balancing act between continuity and reinvention. With longtime members stepping into more prominent roles and a renewed emphasis on their classic catalog, the road ahead suggests not just a continuation of Grand Funk Railroad’s legacy, but a subtle reshaping of it—one that leans on history while adapting to the realities of an evolving lineup.

Grand Funk Railroad, Still Shinin’ On Tour 2026
5/02 – Salamanca, NY – Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel
5/09 – Bettendorf, IA – Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center at Isle Casino
5/29 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
6/06 – Troy, OH – Celebrate America 250 Troy Memorial Stadium
6/20 – Paw Paw, MI – Warner Vineyards
6/26 – Salina, KS – The Stiefel Theatre
7/2 – Dalton, Ga. – North Georgia Ag Fairgrounds
7/17 – Church Rock, N.M. – Fire Rock Navajo Casino
8/30 – Washington, Pa. – Hollywood Casino at The Meadows
9/18 – Columbus, Ohio – Hollywood Casino Columbus (Event Center)
9/24 – Grand Prairie, Texas – Texas Trust CU Theatre