1. Trip to Florida:

Liz and I left NJ Friday evening and after arriving in St. Pete at 11 PM, we hooked up with Shock in the airport and had a few drinks. Shock was waiting for DJ and Carol to arrive later. Liz and I then went to the Hilton.

2. Saturday:

Saturday, we started to hook up with other Cyberfunkers, and a group of us went downtown and walked out along the pier to the end. Nice view, and it wasn't too hot. Later that evening, a small group of us went to the Hurricane Bar/Restaurant in St. Pete Beach to meet up with David Tedds...yes, that's right, THE David Tedds, master producer/remasterer in the flesh. George Anderson had the idea to bring in David and surprise the band, so a few of us helped out and made it happen. What can I say about David...a cool guy, and very knowledgeable about music and production and everything....but also a real nice guy, and funny too. It was a pleasure meeting him. Later that night, a group of us went to the Midtown Sundries to hang out, eat and party.

3. Sunday / The Show:

This was the last show of 2002, so everyone was excited. About 5 PM or so, we headed over to the venue. Edgar Winter was playing and was putting on a good show. Don, Mel and Tim hung out behind the stage for a bit to watch Edgar play. As I stood and looked out into the crowd, I got a chill inside by body that worked its way down through my genitalia.....there were about 15000-20000 people out there....and they were ready for GRAND FUNK RAILROAD. Then the time came, about 6:30 PM, and GFR took the stage, one by one, to a roaring anticipating crowd. The band played the same set list but this time, Heartbreaker was tossed in as a good surprise. As night fell, the air got cooler, the crowd got more exuberant, and GFR kicked it up a notch. Don changed up his drum solo...no banging of the head this time, but he pounded those drums like a Goodfella beating the crap out of someone who owed them money. The SSB and ILO was totally awesome, as Bruce proved to everybody that he is taking no prisoners and that these songs are now HIS. The entire band was on, and Tim F. as usual, proved why he is THE number one sound guy. WAAB was the encore, and the crowd ate it up.....what an awesome, never to be forgotten night.

3. After The Show:

After the show, there was small meet and greet/autograph session back stage. After that, we all headed down to the Midtown Sundries where George A. had arranged for us to have the restaurant. Good food and drinks....what can I say. We al had a good time, then it was time to say bye...at least until next January, when it starts all over again!!

4. Monday:

Monday, we headed back to the airport. Joe and Luann rode with us. It was great to see old friends again and some new faces. We had a good crowd at this one: George and Bonnie, Ray Rod, Shock and Sharon, George C., Daryll Davis, Rob McKinney, Joe M., Al and Maria Sardinas, Deb, Joe and Luana, Jeanne, Doug and Doug Jr., Dan, Joyce and Rachel, Craig and Tom, Brad and Denise, Rich and Lesley, Jan, Kim (sorry you couldn't find us), Stan and Tia, Joe and Dan, MaryKay, Donna and Allen, Ralph and Wanda, Mike,Don and Dawn, Tedd, Dan, Kevin, Jennifer, Peter, Nancy, Stan and Kay and Dustin and Dillan, and of course, my wonderful wife, Liz G.

AGAIN...IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN A GFR SHOW YET...YOU NEED TO...YOU WILL MEET THE BEST PEOPLE AND HEAR THE BEST ROCK BAND IN THE WORLD...GRAND FUNK RAILROAD. Thanks again to Don, Mel, Max., Bruce and Tim for a great show, and thanks to Dena, Sunny and the rest of the crew including DJ and Tim F., who put it all together and make it work and happen.

See you next year.

Jimmy G.