FORT BENNING, Ga., (April 29, 2015) -- You can't fight this feeling any more... and May 9 you wont have to. Coming live from Fort Benning's York Field, a high-energy rock and roll show will light up the night. Featuring rock legends REO Speedwagon, Grand Funk Railroad and the Chris Watson band, the night is sure to be some kind of wonderful.

Also know as "America's Band," Grand Funk laid the groundwork for bands such as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. Grand Funk's legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 40 years after its 1969 birth in Flint, Michigan, which is a testament to the group's influence and staying power.

Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums) and bassist Mel Schacher (also know as "The God Of Thunder"). Joining Brewer and Schacher is singer Max Carl, lead guitarist Bruce Kulick and keyboardist Tim Cashion. Although most members don't have familial ties to the military, they feel connected to the troops in several ways. "We have a connection (to the military) because of who we are - we are the American Band; that's one of our little monikers," Brewer said. "Ever since our song We're an American Band came out that's what we've been known as.

"Additionally, our song closer to home was very popular with all of the guys who were returning from Vietnam right at the end of the Vietnam War. It became sort of an anthem for them to get out of Vietnam and come home. "

Combined, Brewer said those two factors have driven Grand Funk to perform for Soldiers on and off posts all across the country. Being America's Band connects them to America's troops, and that mentality makes them want to give back and say thank you.

Grand Funk Railroad mega-hits We're An American Band, I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home, Locomotion, and Some Kind Of Wonderful are still fan favorites - and fans can expect to hear them at the upcoming concert.

"We pretty much do a "the hits" (show) ... it's a real uplifting, high-energy Grand Funk rock and roll kind of show," Brewer said. "Come on out, be ready to smile, be ready to sweat, bring the family and have a good time!"

The Fort Benning Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is sponsoring the concert.

The concert will be May 9 at York field. Gates open at 6 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early to stake out a good spot. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Pets are not allowed, although service animals (with papers) are always welcome. Smoking permitted only in designated areas. For turn-by-turn directions to York Field, download the free GuideOn smart phone app.

Editors note: See next week's Bayonet and Saber for The Rocklight, Part 2: REO Speedwagon.