Fuse (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 in Rockford, Illinois, United States |
| Founder | Rick Nielsen |
| Headquarters | Rockford , United States |
Key people | Rick Nielsen, Joe Sundberg, Tom Petersson, Craig Myers, Chip Greenman |
| Products | Music albums |
Fuse was a rock group originating from Rockford, Illinois in 1967, created through the combination of two local bands: The Grim Reapers and Toast and Jam, led by Rick Nielsen. Under the guidance of manager Ken Adamany, the ensemble consisted of Rick Nielsen on keyboards and guitar, Joe Sundberg as vocalist, Tom Petersson handling bass, Craig Myers on lead guitar, and Chip Greenman playing drums. Several members eventually went on to establish Cheap Trick.
Formation and early performances
In 1967, Fuse came into existence by uniting The Grim Reapers (featuring Nielsen and Sundberg) with Toast and Jam (including Greenman, Myers, and Petersson), with Ken Adamany managing the group. They released a single on Smack Records containing the tracks "Hound Dog" and "Crusin for Burgers." After gigs in Chicago during 1968, Fuse secured a contract with Epic Records. The label promptly booked studio time at Columbia Studios, resulting in the recording of their album Fuse, which debuted in early 1970 and was later reissued in 2001.
1970: Release of Fuse album
Recorded in late 1968 under producer Jackie Mills, the album did not achieve commercial success. Critic Richie Unterberger from Allmusic characterized it as "a typical or slightly subpar late-1960s hard rock record," highlighting its elements that foreshadowed 1970s metal and art rock through its dramatic vocals, dual guitar interplay, and classical keyboard influences.
Rick Nielsen expressed dissatisfaction with the album, stating, "Tom Petersson and I were part of a Midwest band named Fuse. The other members were all amateurs; they’re probably doing menial jobs now. Tom and I had the determination and optimism to pursue our goals, so we left the band and spent time in England.... That Fuse material is terrible. We don’t endorse it." Petersson echoed this sentiment: "The band’s live performance was far superior to what the album suggests. When it came out, we were disappointed. The producer was incompetent."
Later period
Due to their lack of breakthrough success, Fuse brought in Thom Mooney and Robert "Stewkey" Antoni—the remaining members of Nazz—in 1970 to replace Sundberg and Greenman. For approximately six to seven months, they toured the Midwest using either the name Fuse or Nazz depending on the venue. In 1971, with Brad Carlson (later known as Bun E. Carlos) taking over drums from Mooney, the band moved to Philadelphia and adopted the name 'Sick Man of Europe'. After completing a European tour in 1973, Nielsen, Petersson, and Carlson formed Cheap Trick alongside Randy Hogan.
Members
- Rick Nielsen (Guitar, Keyboards)
- Tom Petersson (Bass)
- Joe Sundberg (Vocals)
- Chip Greenman (Drums)
- Craig Myers (Guitar)
Albums
- 1970: Fuse
References
- Cheap Trick: Smart, Sleek and Debonair; Ira Robbins, Trouser Press, February 1978.