fueltinverviewOFF

Fuel Chats About 'Jesus,' Aerosmith, And The Offspring

(5/11/99, 1 p.m. PDT) - In an exclusive chat with LAUNCH yesterday (May 10), up-and-coming modern rock act Fuel spoke freely about the meaning behind its current single, "Jesus Or A Gun," touring with Aerosmith, and the success of the Offspring.

Guitarist/ songwriter Carl Bell admitted that sometimes his songs can be a little too revealing. "It is a little uncomfortable sometimes to have people know so much about you on the inside," he said. "There is a feeling of nakedness sometimes. If I'd have known that 'Jesus Or A Gun' would become a single, I don't know if I'd have written the same song, because it is so personal."

Later, Bell revealed that the song, from the band's 550 Music album Sunburn, is about choices. "It was written at a time when I was struggling as an individual, and the band was struggling as a band," he said. "If you listen to the chorus, you'll [hear] the lyrics, 'Everything is trying to drag me down, but I'll rip the sky from the ground' and that to me is the positive side of the song.

"It's saying that problems can be overcome and you can come out stronger because of the struggle to overcome those problems," he added. "I hope you can come away with somewhat of a positive spin on a rather dark song."

On a lighter note, the band succumbed to a chatter's request and picked Spice Girls-like nicknames for themselves. "My name would be Slick Spice," said Carl. "[Guitarist] Brett [Scallions] would be Bambi Spice. [Bassist] Jeff [Abercrombie] would be Pink Spice, he just has a pink tone to him, he's just pink, man. [Drummer] Kevin [Miller] is the oldest, so he would be Old Spice."

On the touring front, Bell revealed that the band enjoyed its recent stint opening for a veteran rock act. "We had a great time when we toured with Aerosmith," he said. "And it's nice to see how the vets do it and those who have longevity." Scallions later added that through touring the band "made good friends with Local H and Silverchair."

The band, however, didn't have such kind words for another band. "One thing is, I can't understand how in the hell Offspring is selling how they are," Scallions said. "The songs are so hokey, novelty crap...I can't stand it. To me, when I hear those songs, I think, O.K., they just took the first single off the last record."

Look for a complete transcript of the Fuel chat soon on LAUNCH.com. Features on Fuel, Local H, Silverchair, and the Offspring are available now. A transcript of an exclusive chat with Local H is also available.