Virginia Fuel, which was established in March 1998, celebrated our 10th year in 2007 with the "Virginia Fuel Freedom Festival" which was held on July 7, 2007. This was our most successful event. This party was not only a jam session (with our cover band, Damage, Intoxicated supplying the music), but also a reunion. There were some special guests at this party including: Paul Judd (Virginia Fuel Founder/former Chapter Head); Joanna Corwin (former Social Director & Chapter Head/2nd official Virginia Fuel member); Nyk Englander (former Chapter Head/early Virginia Fuel member); and Mike Skog (early Virginia Fuel member). These four special guests all had either moved out of state or stepped back from Virginia Fuel. But, they all came back to celebrate the 10th year of Virginia Fuel!!!

(L to R) Mike, Paul, Nyk, Jimbo, Jeff and Joanna

Damage, Intoxicated, performed 2 sets (see setlists below). This version of Damage, Intoxicated included Matt (guitar/vocals), Landon (guitar), Bobby (guitar), Don (guitar), Greg (drums), Tom (drums) and George (vocals) -- Jeff and Joie also contributed some vocals. High(low)lights included: Creeping Death, Master of Puppets, Sanitarium, Harvester, Orion, Fade to Black, King Nothing, Fuel and Bellz. Towards the end of setlist #2, the vocal performance of some Fuelers were pretty darn funny. Damage, Intoxicated did some songs that didn't sound that great, but were funny nonetheless -- Loverman, Die, Die My Darling, Last Caress, Scotty Doesn't Know and 2x4. This jam was unique because all of the songs were recorded. Members of Virginia Fuel can download each song (mp3 format) by clicking HERE.

We also had limited edition 10-year Virginia Fuel posters for sale. Only about 40 were made. We also has a huge Virginia State flag that was signed by everyone and sent to the MetClub in hopes of it being hung up on the walls of HQ.

And since this was a special party/reunion/jam, we also had special prizes to give away which included: an autographed drumstick from Lars, an autographed and framed 1996 Metallica/Lollapalooza Rolling Stone issue, and an autographed Jaymz shift knob.

Thank you's:

Many thanx goes to Joie (for arranging the food, doing everything associated with the Virginia Fuel 10-year poster, and getting her hands on a HUGE Virginia State flag); thanx goes to Paul, Joanna, Nyk and Mike for coming back to this monumental Fuel event; thanx to Nyk for hosting and recording the music; thanx to Toby and the MetClub for supplying the prizes; thanx to all participants of Damage, Intoxicated; and thanx to everyone who showed up.

(L to R) Matt, Greg (drums), Bobby, George and Don

(L to R) Landon, Greg and George

Final Thoughts...(a la Jerry Springer)

From Paul: "Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who turned out for the 10 Year Fuel Party. It was great to see old faces and meet some of the new blood. Sorry I couldn't hang out as much as I wanted to but the time I was there was definitely quality time. Sure makes me wish I still lived in the Old Dominion! Congrats to all of you for having the most bad-ass Local Chapter in the MetClub!! And who knows, I just might pop in sometime when you least expect it! Thanks again!"

From Joanna: "Wow... 10 years, eh? Where did the time go, and how come we don't do that more often? What a fantastic event! Thanks to all who contributed and to also to those who just showed up and had fun! Next time I think it needs to be a several day festival. We'll turn Nyk's yard into a tent camp and call it 'Fuel-Stock.' I really love you all! Mr. & Mrs. Judd, don't be strangers!"

From Nyk: "As usual (if you can call years in between 'usual'), it was awesome to have hosted a Fuel party. Besides being able to catch up with people I hadn't seen in ages, it was a blast having the live show here and being able to record it for posterity. I know I listen to the last half of the 2nd setlist to help me through those days that just plain suck.

Just as in the past, my place looked BETTER after the party than it did before. Thanks to everyone for schlepping out here into the country for the event, making it eventful and making it a real pleasure for the host!

I was amazed at how little some people had changed (in a good sense) and pleased at how the 'family' has grown throughout the years. Speaking of which, congrats to our little Paul and Nila for now having a little Paulette in the oven. I'm just upset the baby wasn't conceived at the party as well. I guess I can't have it all.

I'm still having a hard time shaking "Loverman" from my brain. Thanks to you for that, Jeff, you bastard. At least I like that song now... ;)

Keep on keepin' on, Fuelers! As always, mi casa, su casa!

Cheers!"

From Mike: "It was great to see the ones that have been around forever, and it was great to meet some new members. I can't believe how much Fuel has grown. As always, the band was fantastic, but I still maintain that the best part of Fuel gatherings is sitting around and talking with people who share the same passion as I do. I'm proud to be one of the first members of Fuel, but most of all, I'm just proud to be a member of the best chapter out there. I'm ready for the next 10 years!!"