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With the 2008 addition of percussionist Steve Winczewski, the Rocket Fuel Haulers (RFH) have completed their transformation from a unique, fun-loving quartet, into a full-blown party band. According to guitarist/vocalist Jeff Forner, “Steve brings a wealth of experience to the band. He’s played with bands in Lansing and done studio work with bands in California.” The Rocket Fuel Haulers bill themselves as West Michigan’s favorite party band. If the size and enthusiasm of crowds at their recent performances is any indicator, it appears they are living up to their billing.
In addition to Forner and Winczewski (who joined RFH in February 2008), the band is comprised of Andy Patterson on guitar and vocals, Melissa Fuehring on keyboards and vocals, and John Adams on bass and harmonica. According to Adams, what sets RFH apart from other bands are the “strong vocals of Jeff, Andy and Melissa. They are all very talented and some of the duets they do are just simply awesome. People’s heads turn when they hear some of their duets for the first time.” He also said people appreciate the harmonica, keyboard, and the fun-loving stage presence that all band members exhibit on stage. “We’ve been accused, more than once, of having too much fun while we perform. The fact is it’s contagious. People see us having fun, and it makes it more fun for them.”
Some of their more popular songs are originals, such as their highly popular “Rocket Fuel Hauler” theme song. “It’s a great feeling to look out and see people actually singing along to a song you wrote,” said Patterson. The band also plays what Patterson referred to as “an eclectic mix of Rock and Roll, blues, and country tunes. We play what we think people want to hear, whether it’s Johnny Cash, The Doors, The Beatles, Jimmy Buffett, or Bob Seger. We pretty much play it all.” In addition to "Rocket Fuel Hauler," RFH showcases other popular original tunes including "Half a Double-Wide Trailer," a raucous Country song, "Run With Me Tonight," a classic Rock & Roll number, "Fan Your Little Flame", a tune that has a little bit of country blues in it's soul, and "Voodoo Girl," a southern blues tune that brings a taste of New Orleans to RFH performances. With frequent requests to "liven up" the West Michigan party scene, RFH performs primarily in the West Michigan region.
RFH has humble beginnings in Oceana County, specifically in Walkerville, where Adams, Forner and Patterson were colleagues at Walkerville High School. “After several years of putting together songs for school events, we decided to get serious,” Adams stated. The three instantly recognized a distinct chemistry and their first band "DiseduK8ed" came to life. The band performed publicly in and around Oceana County, for about two years, before inviting Fuehring to join in. Two years later and Winchewski came onboard and RFH was instantly transformed into a band that continues to surprise, amaze, and garner new fans along the shoreline of West Michigan.
“The finishing touch is really Dean,” stated Fuehring. “He really knows what he is doing and our sound and look has never been better.” Fuerhing was referring to Dean Hodges, who drives up from Chicago to handle the sound and lighting duties when ‘The Haulers’ perform. According to Forner, “Dean has a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge when it comes to live performances. He knows what needs to be done to make us sound our best.”
RFH, due to personal obligations, tries to limit their performances to once-per-month. Sometimes, however, they give in to the demand and perform more often. “It’s really quite flattering,” said Fuehring. “It seems like wherever we play, the first thing they want to know is when can we come back and play again. Bar owners also like our crowds. We bring a good crowd that likes to have fun, but they don’t cause problems. Some bands have a reputation for bringing people who cause problems. We pride ourselves in the fact that ‘our people’ know how to have fun and behave.”