NASHVILLE |FROM: TODD BRODGINSKI/MAGGIE WANG
FUEL
INVADE LOS ANGELES WITH THREE
SOLD-OUT SHOWS AT THE WHISKY,
APPEARANCE ON ‘LATE, LATE SHOW’
AND VIDEO SHOOT FOR NEW SINGLE ‘INNOCENT’;
CURRENT SINGLE ‘HEMORRHAGE (IN MY HANDS)’
STAYS AT #1 ON MODERN ROCK CHART
FUEL made their presence strongly felt in Los Angeles recently with three sold-out shows at the Whisky (11/14-16); an appearance on CBS’ “Late, Late Show With Craig Kilborn” (11/15); and a live performance on KROQ’s “Kevin & Bean Show” (11/15). The group’s second CD SOMETHING LIKE HUMAN (released September 19 on Epic Records) was recently certified gold amid massive radio success of “Hemorrhage (In My Hands),” which is perched at #1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock singles chart for the fourth consecutive week.
The Whisky shows (with supporting acts Nickelback and Full Devil Jacket) were greeted with enthusiasm by fans (which included Rachel Hunter, Winona Ryder and members of the New York Islanders) and media alike. The audience sang along to FUEL‘s massive 1998 hit “Shimmer,” while the Los Angeles Times said in a review, “The hits were catchy, but the band was easily at its best when it was loudest. At those moments, Fuel wasn’t just another band of anonymous hit-makers. They were a rock band connecting with its audience.” The Hollywood Reporter added, “Fuel’s strength lies in its songwriting: Rather than going for an all-shred-all-the-time approach, the band adds dynamics, emotion, an experimental edge and nuance to its aggressive rock base.” In a preview of the L.A. shows, the Daily News’ Fred Shuster said, “Darkly aggressive in places, the disc moves from hard-edged rockers like ‘Down’ and ‘Last Time’ to more reflective moments such as ‘Slow’ and ‘Bad Day.'”
Meanwhile, the group–JEFF ABERCROMBIE, bass; CARL BELL, guitars, vocals; BRETT SCALLIONS, lead vocals, guitar and KEVIN MILLER, drums–will remain in Los Angeles to shoot a Nigel Dick-directed video (Guns ‘n Roses, Oasis, R.E.M.) for “Innocent,” the follow-up single to “Hemorrhage (In My Hands).” Interestingly, some radio stations have taken to calling the song “In My Hands,” fearing “Hemorrhage” might be offensive to their listeners. “We live in a country where you can buy a gun over the counter just about anyplace you want to go,” says BELL. “But you can’t say ‘hemorrhage’ on the radio-it’s a medical term, for God’s sake.” At the same time, FUEL are grateful for the huge radio support.
Singer BRETT SCALLIONS adds that he thrives on FUEL‘s live performances: “It’s the greatest experience ever. We’ve done over 500 shows, and each one is a thrill. There’s nothing like the energy of a live rock concert.” The Times review described SCALLIONS as the quintessential rocker: he “emerged in full rock-star regalia-a white, floor-length coat, a cowboy hat, shades, leather jeans and a Boz Scaggs T-shirt.”
FUEL will wrap up their current tour December 17, including a round of selected radio show holiday concerts. An announcement regarding another major tour to kick off in early 2001 is expected soon.
