“We’re an American Band,” the biggest hit from classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad, doubles as a statement of purpose for the group that has been coming to your town and partying down since 1969.

Although critics at the time were quick to dismiss the group’s meat-and-potatoes rock, they ended up having the last laugh, not only becoming one of the top-selling bands of the 1970s but also enduring for decades to come, with the current version of the band still filling concert halls.

“We’re an American Band” comes from the 1973 studio album of the same name, Grand Funk’s seventh. It may be the band’s best-known song, but it wasn’t their first hit; 1970’s “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” gave the band their first appearance on the top 40.

The band broke up from 1976-1981 and again from 1983-1996, but the return of the original lineup in 1996 proved that fan interest was still strong. Today, original members Don Brewer and Mel Schacher keep Grand Funk alive, as much of an all-American band as ever.

The Orleans, 8 p.m. Jan. 10-11, starting at $39.95 plus tax and fee. 702.365.7075