"The heat of 'Sunburn' was on Fuel when a local music store and radio station sponsored the band's CD release party Monday night"

"The event happened to coincide with the NCAA basketball championships."

"Before the party in celebration of Fuel's national debut, the band and its managers were nervous about the potential turnout."

"'I'm on pins and needles,' said vocalist Brett Scallions. Numerous plugs had been provided by WQXA 105.7 FM radio station."

"When 'Sunburn' went on sale at midnight at Media Play, it was obviously the band had survived its first trial by fire as a national act."

"'This is the moment I've been waiting for all my life,' said Scallions, as he launched into the song 'Jesus or a Gun.'"

"At least 600 fans stood at the back of the store watching and cheering during the live show. Posters of Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak and R.L. Stine made a curious backdrop for Scallions, guitarist Carl Bell, bass player Jeff Abercrombie and drummer Kevin Miller. The band's pulsing beat and violent exhortations in 'Jesus or a Gun' inspired about 50 fans into dancing frenzies."

"A mosh pit in a bookstore, no less."

"'I try to stay out of it, but I like being up front,' said fan Dan Troxell of Harrisburg."

"He wore his Metallica T-shirt to the free concert."

"Matt Parry of Lancaster was also among the mostly college-age crowd."

"'I like their sound. I think they'll be big,' said Parry, 20."

"'Porcelain,' an independent CD Fuel released 18 months ago, has sold at least 10,000 copies. On its heels was 'Hazleton,' a four-song prelude to its full-length debut."

"After the band's 30-minute set, about 450 individuals waited on a line snaking from the front to the back of the 52,000 square-foot-store in Lower Paxton Twp. The bought CDs, complete with autographs from each band member."

"'We do midnight madness for big releases like the Beatles and Hootie & the Blowfish. By far, this is the biggest midnight madness we've had,' said Stuart Rhoades, a Media Play manager."

"John Howie was impressed after seeing Fuel for the first time."

"'I hope their success gives more attention to other local bands, kind of like what happened with Live,' said Howie, co-owner of The Wire coffee house in New Cumberland."

"Their electrifying concert also featured the new video for 'Shimmer' shown on monitors throughout the store. The video debuted last weekend on MTV's '120 Minutes' and 'The Box,' the Video Jukebox Network, a music channel that lets viewers do the programming by ordering their favorite videos."

"Many fans sang along to the songs 'Shimmer' and 'Bittersweet.'"

"'I saw them at Spring Fest at Ski Roundtop. It was fun.' said Jen Wherley, 18, of Etters."

"The group is gearing up for more shows on the festival circuit with modern rock artists Green Day and Scott Weiland, the Stone Temple Pilots singer who is embarking on a solo career."

"Before they hit that circuit, Fuel is presenting club dates. The band will perform Friday at Shakey's, 312 Mill St., Hershey. Openings will be provided by Clove and Cider. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cover charge is $5. For information readers may call 533-9824."

"Only three years ago, Scallions, Abercrombie, Bell and then drummer Jody Abbot moved to the midstate from Tennessee. They paid dues as the house band at the Mariott, Swatara Twp., and Wanda's Deck & Beach Club, Hampden Twp."

"When they return to perform in local clubs, Scallions feels at home."

"'We owe a big part of our success to the people and clubs in this area,' said Scallions in a recent phone interview from Media Five Entertainment offices in Bethlehem."

"It remains a mystery what transpired between band members and Abbott, who was replaced by Kevin Miller in November. Abbott toured with Fuel for nearly five years and took part in the making of the new CD."

"'Thing just weren't working out. As a band, we had to move forward,' said Scallions."

"Abbot has declined to comment while his attorney is negotiating the situation."

"In the meantime, the band is getting on with the business of becoming stars."

"On Monday, the foursome sat at a table and signed CD covers, posters, and T-shirts for excited fans."

"'We're so happy and thrilled that someone would want our autograph,' said Scallions."

"The went through at least three boxes of pens."