Hey, what’s happenin’? All kinds of stuff, right? In fact, there’s always so much goin’ on that I can’t get to everything I want to. Before I talk about anything else, I’m going to get right to the musical event that everyone is talking about - and believe me, I won’t miss this one. You guessed it - the appearance of national recording artists FUEL at the home of rock ‘n roll, The Purple Moose this coming Wed., Sept. 15. How exciting! The new edition of Fuel is on tour promoting their new CD Angels & Devils. I did a little research, as you can, too, at www.fuelrocks.com, and I’ll share some with you here.
    Fuel burst on the scene in 1998 with Sunburn and hit “Shimmer.’ In 2000 they released Something Like Human featuring hits “Innocent” and Hemorrhage (In My Hands)” that went double platinum. Successful tours opening for such groups as Aerosmith, Kid Rock, Creed and 3 Doors Down led to their 2003 Natural Selection on which “Falls On Me” was a megahit. To date the band has sold 35 million copies with three Top 10 singles.
    This heady climb to success was interrupted in 2004 when lead singer Brett Scallions and the band decided to amicably part ways (drummer Miller also left). Toryn Green briefly filled the lead vocalist slot but Brett Scallions has recently returned with guitarist Yogi (Buckcherry/Wallflowers), bassist Brad Stewart (Shinedown) & drummer Ken Schalk (Candiria) for this tour.
    “There’s been a lot of turmoil within the band over the past few years and a lot of that is reflected in these songs,” says former guitarist and chief songwriter Carl Bell of Angels & Devils. “When change happens it brings out the best and the worst in people and I’d like to think that for us it was mainly the best.” Certainly the new songs reflect a lot of that turmoil and life changing events personally for Bell. I understand from friend Terri French (The Dispatch) that Bell is now writing for TV and has given his blessing to the band’s continuance. I’ve been listening to the cool new songs from Angels & Devils and I’m anxious to hear this amazing band right in our very own Purple Moose. Hurry and get your tickets before they’re sold out!
    Fans couldn’t say enough about the fabulous performance of 2U last week singing tons of U2 hits at Fager’s Island. what a band, huh? Fager’s continues to present excellent music with American Giant on Fri. night and The Rhythm Method on Sat. night. I checked out this group online, too, and discovered that they are veteran players from the Wilmington, Del., area who may not appreciate me calling them veterans, but you know, that just means that they are incredibly good. The more you play, the better you get, right? I think it’s cute that their bios show pictures of them when they were starting out, ‘91-’94. The group includes Steve Breske (drums), Andy Bonser (guitar), Dave Dziubczysnki (guitar), Mark Napolitano (bass) & Scott Leonhard (keyboards). Having played with many different bands and with a myriad of background influences, it will be interesting to see and hear what this band has to offer.
    The roar of motorcycles for Bike Week 2010 should begin by Wed. and clubs are lining up special entertainment for our free-spirit brothers and sisters who are coming to visit our fair town. I’ll get into their special weekend next issue but many are setting up special stuff for Thurs. such as Surreal beginning the weekend a day early at the Purple Moose.
    Dead Freddies is proud to present Great Train Robbery on Thur. with an encore performance slated for the following Sat. Now, Great Train Robbery has been around for years, but for me, a new energy has rejoined the group in the person of guitarist Will McIntyre. This incredible musician and stage performer is mesmerizing to watch as he is one with his guitar, producing seemingly effortless music. Founding member Dave Capozzoli (bass) is happy to have Will back in the fold along with Jeff Coulson (guitar) & Dwayne Adams (drums). Check ‘em out.
    Hot Line Rock will perform at 707 Sports Bar & Grille on Thur. and they’re excited to be offering two bands each day of Bike Week weekend, including the band they have this Fri., 7 Days Wasted. Micky Fins presents Tom Larsen Thur. & Fri.
    Seacrets presents two great bands this week: David Stone: The Johnny Cash Experience on Wed. and the amazing Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Tuesdays Gone on Thur.
    The Steer Inn will feature Thunderfoot on Thur. after a big weekend with rock group Vivid Season who will welcome Agent 99 to play with them on Fri. I know fans will want to hear the vocals of Kathy Denk & Marla Dixxon for this special performance. Then Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Salt Water Cowboys are slated for Sat.
    I want to thank Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill and all the musicians who came out for Music For Michael Day on Mon. I’d probably forget names if I try to list them all so check out the pictures on pages 28 & 29. The important thing is that Michael Tracey White will be remembered not just for his musical talents but for the influence he had on so many musicians  who play in our area, including his young son Noah (9) who is now playing drums at St. Francis following in dad’s (Bambam) footsteps.
    Have a great week and party safe!