On Stage at The Coach House: Fuel

By Steve Breazeale

Brett Scallions admits he was somewhat hesitant to relive the past.

Several years ago, the former Fuel frontman and guitarist had been touring with the legendary Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek of The Doors, but felt like he needed to change things up. And while searching for a new creative path, Scallions decided a return to his past was the way to start fresh.

Scallions and fans are glad he made the choice.

Scallions has reignited and reimagined Fuel, the band that brought him to international prominence. He is the lone original member in the current iteration of the band, which first earned major attention with their 1998 debut album, Sunburn.

Fuel’s latest album, Puppet Stings, was released in 2014 and features all new members, including former Puddle of Mudd drummer Shannon Boone and Scallions’ longtime collaborator and fellow guitarist, Andy Anderson. Fuel will be appearing at The Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano on May 27. Tickets are $23, and doors open at 6 p.m.

Fuel took off following its platinum sophomore release, Something Like Human, which featured the hit single “Hemorrhage (In My Hands).” Scallions eventually split with the band, but now, after an eight-year absence, he’s returned. Weary of sounding like a recycled version of their former selves, Scallions wanted the new version of Fuel to take chances and explore new sounds on Puppet Strings, while also staying true to its post-grunge roots.

“This record has some more blues as well as punk rock sounds,” Scallions said. “We wanted elements that hadn’t been there before, but above all, we wanted to make a solid record.”

Scallions said Fuel will perform songs from across its catalog while on tour.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com.