Original Fuel drummer Jody Abbott has died

Jody Abbott, original drummer for alternative rockers Fuel, died on July 20 after living with Huntington’s disease for several years. His death was announced by the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) on Friday July 29.

Abbott co-founded Fuel in 1989 in the town’s native Pennsylvania. He played drums on the band’s first four EPs — little joy (1994), Fuel (1994), Porcelain (1996) and Hazelton (1998). Small the Joy was the original name of the band Fuel. Abbott and Fuel split up in 1998 before the band hit it big with their debut album, Sunburn. This effort contains the late ’90s alternative radio hits “Shimmer” and “Hemorrhage (In My Hands)”.

Towards the bottom of this page, read a statement from the HDSA, followed by a video of former Fuel singer Brett Scallions discussing Huntington’s disease.

Pictured above, alongside Jody, is his widow, Amy Abbott. Amy has become an advocate for people living with Huntington’s disease. “Get involved in your community,” she told those affected. “Look for a support group. Volunteer for a fundraiser. There’s so much knowledge out there and it’s important to talk to people who have been through this.”

Amy added, “They can empathize, understand and offer support when needed. I learn something new every time I attend an HD event, visit Jody’s neurologist or attend at a support group meeting.”

Huntington’s disease is a progressive, mostly inherited brain disease that can affect movement, mood, and thinking skills. Famous American songwriter Woody Guthrie died of complications from the disease in 1967, before medicine knew of the genetic link.

Loudwire sends condolences to Amy and the Abbott family. Learn more at hdsa.org.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is sad to announce that Jody Abbott, former drummer for the bands Fuel and Breaking Point, died on July 20 after a long battle with Huntington’s disease, a fatal genetic disease that affects nerve cells in the brain. who is described as suffering from ALS, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at risk of inheriting the disease.

Former Fuel Singer Brett Scallions Opens Up About Huntington’s Disease