The co-founder and leading vocalist of the renowned rock band FireHouse, C.J. Snare, has passed away at the age of 64. The band confirmed his death on their official Facebook page on Friday, April 5, 2024.
FireHouse, a notable presence in the glam metal scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, was founded in the mid-80s. The band’s line-up included Snare, drummer Michael Foster, bassist Perry Richardson, and guitarist Bill Leverty. Their debut album, released in 1990, earned them widespread recognition and achieved double platinum status in the United States. Their popular singles like “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” “Love of a Lifetime,” and “When I Look Into Your Eyes,” highlighted Snare’s unique vocal style.
Despite the shift in musical trends from glam metal to grunge during the 1990s, FireHouse retained a devoted international fan base, especially in Asia. The band continued to tour and perform at hard rock festivals. Their versatility was evident in their 2011 album “Full Circle,” which included re-recorded versions of their classic hits, reflecting the band’s sustained popularity.
Carl Jeffrey Snare, in addition to his role as the lead vocalist, played the keyboards on seven of FireHouse’s albums. This highlighted his musical adaptability and his crucial contribution to the band’s sound that harmoniously combined hard rock with power ballads.
Snare’s health issues became public knowledge in September 2023 when he took a temporary break from the band to recuperate from abdominal surgery. He shared his recovery progress and eagerness to return to the stage with his fans through social media updates in March.
However, Snare’s health challenges were more serious than what was commonly known. His daughter revealed that he had been battling Stage IV colon cancer since September 2020, a fight that ultimately led to his death from cardiac arrest. This information underscored Snare’s determination and commitment to his music as he continued to perform and engage with his fans despite his diagnosis and the difficulties of his treatment.
In a touching tribute to their bandmate and friend, FireHouse expressed their sorrow and extended their condolences to “the Snare family, Katherine Little, friends, and all our valued fans across the world. “Reach for the Sky, CJ! Your family, friends, fans, and bandmates will forever miss you. Now, you’re performing with the angels.”
Snare leaves behind three children, and his departure is deeply mourned by his family, the band, and fans worldwide, marking the end of an era for a music legend.
