C.J. Snare, Lead Singer of FireHouse, Dead at 64

C.J. Snare, the lead singer of the glam metal band FireHouse, died Friday (April 5th) at the age of 64 after a long battle with colon cancer. His daughter Heather told TMZ that the vocalist’s official cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Snare was the singer of FireHouse from their late ’80s formation until the present day, although he had stepped away from the band to undergo stomach surgery this past summer. American Idol contestant Nate Peck had been filling in on vocals, but Snare was expected to rejoin the band this summer.

Firehouse posted the following on Facebook:

“Today is a sad day for Rock N Roll. 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. CJ snare passed unexpectedly at home Friday night, April 5, 2024. He was a young 64 years old. As you are all aware, CJ was expected to be back on stage with the band this summer after recovering from surgery. We are all in complete shock with CJ’s untimely passing. CJ was was arguably one of the best vocal talents of a generation, touring the world with Firehouse non stop the past 34 years. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Snare family, Katherine Little, friends, and all our beloved fans all over the world. ‘Reach for the Sky’ CJ! You will be forever missed by family, friends, fans and your band mates. You’re singing with the angels now.

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Beginning with their double-platinum self-titled 1990 debut album, FireHouse scored a number of hits. That LP yielded the power ballad “Love of a Lifetime,” which peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100 chart. Their next album, 1992’s Hold Your Fire, went gold on the strength of another hit ballad, “When I Look Into Your Eyes.”

Snare’s partner of eight years, Katherine Little, wrote the following on Facebook:

“It is with a heavy heart that I write this and it’s extremely difficult to find the right words. CJ left this world on Friday, April 5th. I’ve had 8-plus wonderful years with this man and I love him to his core. In September of 2020, CJ was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. His initial prognosis was grim, but that didn’t stop him. We went for a second opinion and in September of 2021, he had a life-saving operation that gave us these last years with him. He was so incredibly positive during this whole disease. He was so strong. He never lost hope. All he wanted was to be the CJ that you all know and love. Last spring, he started having some more issues and he had another surgery in October 2023. This last surgery left him very weak and unable to live a full life. I’ve been by his side from day 1 and I would have never given up on him. CJ leaves behind three wonderful children that are all so very special to me. Life will never be the same. I’m not ready to face this. There is so much to say but words are incredibly difficult right now. Please respect our family during this time of grief and keep us in your thoughts.”

Night Ranger singer Jack Blades is among those morning Snare, writing. “Just heartsick with the news of our rock n roll brother CJ Snare’s passing Many wonderful memories of NR & Firehouse playing together CJ ‘s sweet soul & great smile always brightened up the day no matter what was happening Blessings CJ & sing it loud in the stars my brother.”

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FireHouse have shows scheduled from April 13th through early November. It is unclear how Snare’s passing will affect the band’s tour plans.

Our condolences go out to C.J. Snare’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit a couple of FireHouse’s biggest hits below.

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