C.J. Snare, FireHouse's Lead Singer, Passes Away at 64

C.J. Snare, FireHouse's Lead Singer, Passes Away at 64
Remembering C.J. Snare, the iconic lead singer of FireHouse, who has passed away at 64. His legacy in rock music will forever be cherished.

C.J. Snare, the charismatic lead singer and founding member of the hard rock band FireHouse, passed away unexpectedly on Friday night at the age of 64. The band shared the devastating news on their official Facebook page on Sunday, April 7, expressing their “complete shock” at Snare’s untimely death. Snare’s daughter told TMZ that he died of cardiac arrest after a long battle with cancer.
“Today is a sad day for Rock N Roll,” the band wrote in their statement. “It is with great sorrow we are letting the world know we have lost our brother: CJ Snare, the rock and roll warrior, lead vocalist, and a founding member of Firehouse.” They described Snare as “arguably one of the best vocal talents of a generation” and noted that he had been touring the world with FireHouse non-stop for the past 34 years.
FireHouse's Journey to Success
FireHouse was formed in Richmond, Virginia, in 1984 by Snare, guitarist Bill Leverty, drummer Michael Foster, and bassist Perry Richardson. The band signed with Epic Records in 1989 and exploded into the mainstream with their self-titled debut album in 1990, which sold more than two million copies and went double platinum. The album featured the hit singles “Don’t Treat Me Bad” and “Love of a Lifetime,” both of which reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Throughout the early 1990s, FireHouse enjoyed a string of successful singles, cementing their status as one of the most popular hard rock bands of the era. In 1992, they released their second album, “Hold Your Fire,” which included the top 20 hit “When I Look Into Your Eyes.” The band continued to tour and record throughout the decade, releasing a total of eight studio albums over the course of their career.
Snare’s powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence were a key part of FireHouse’s success. He was known for his ability to deliver both high-energy rock anthems and emotional power ballads with equal skill and passion. His contributions to the band’s music and live performances helped to establish FireHouse as one of the most beloved and enduring acts of the hair metal era.

A Valiant Fight Against Cancer

In September 2020, Snare was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, according to his partner of eight years, Katherine Little. Despite the grim prognosis, Snare remained positive and determined to fight the disease. He underwent life-saving surgery in 2021, which gave him and his loved ones hope for the future.
However, Snare’s health deteriorated again in early 2023. He underwent another surgery in October that left him “very weak,” but he remained optimistic about his recovery. “He was so incredibly positive during this whole disease,” Little said. “He was so strong. He never lost hope. All he wanted was to be the CJ that you all know and love.”
Snare’s battle with cancer was a testament to his strength and resilience. Even as he faced the most difficult challenge of his life, he remained focused on his music and his fans. In March 2023, he posted on Instagram that he was “Feeling Stronger Everyday!” and promised to be back on stage with FireHouse before fans knew it. Sadly, he would not get the chance to fulfill that promise.
A Lasting Legacy in Rock and Roll
Snare’s passing has left a void in the hearts of his bandmates, family, friends, and fans around the world. His FireHouse bandmates expressed their grief and shock at the news, with guitarist Bill Leverty writing on Facebook that he was “absolutely devastated.” Bassist Perry Richardson, who left the band in 2000, said he was “completely heartbroken and at a complete loss for words.”
Fellow musicians also shared their memories and condolences. Jack Blades, the lead singer of Night Ranger, praised Snare’s “sweet soul,” “great smile,” and “golden voice.” He wrote, “Blessings CJ & sing it loud in the stars my brother.”
C.J. Snare’s legacy as a talented vocalist, dedicated performer, and beloved friend will live on through his music and the memories he created with FireHouse and their fans. He is survived by his three children and his partner, Katherine Little. As the band wrote in their tribute, Snare is now “singing with the angels,” but his impact on the world of rock and roll will never be forgotten.

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