CJ Snare, a founding member and lead singer of the hard rock/glam metal band FireHouse, tragically passed away.
Carl Snare, known professionally as CJ Snare, was a singer, songwriter, and record producer with over forty years in the music industry.
Who was CJ Snare, the singer for FireHouse?
CJ Snare was best known as the lead singer of FireHouse, an American hard rock band formed in 1984 in Richmond, Virginia. Born Carl Jeff Snare on December 14, 1969, in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, where he attended Lock Haven High School. After high school, he moved to Orlando, Florida, and studied theater at Rollins College before switching his focus to music. Snare was a classically trained pianist and played keyboards in various bands.
While in college, he moved to North Carolina and met Perry Richardson, a bassist. The two were previously in a band called Maxx Warrior before forming FireHouse in 1984. Bill Leverty (guitar) and Michael Foster (drums) later joined the band. FireHouse signed a major record deal with Epic Records in 1989 and won an American Music Award for Best New Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Group in 1991.
Snare co-wrote most of the band’s songs, with seven reaching the Billboard Hot 100, including “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” “All She Wrote,” and “I Live My Life for You.”
Besides FireHouse, Snare was involved with another band, Rubicon Cross, and occasionally performed with Scrap Metal. In recent years, he worked as a producer and mixing engineer.
What caused CJ Snare’s death?
On April 7, 2024, CJ Snare’s daughter, Heather Snare, announced that her father had died of heart failure on April 5, 2024. Snare was 64 years old and had been battling health issues for some time. Diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in September 2020, he underwent a life-saving operation in 2021. However, in October 2023, he had to take a break from FireHouse for another surgery, with Nate Peck temporarily replacing him as lead singer. Despite plans to rejoin the band for their summer tour in 2024, Snare passed away unexpectedly.
FireHouse expressed their sorrow in a Facebook post, describing Snare as a “rock and roll warrior” and highlighting his significant contributions and talent. They extended condolences to his family, friends, and fans, acknowledging his impact on the music world.
Did CJ Snare have a wife and children?
CJ Snare was not married at the time of his death but was in a long-term relationship with Katherine Little. She wrote a heartfelt tribute to him, reflecting on their “8+ wonderful years” together. Snare leaves behind three children: Heather Nicole, the lead singer for the band Audio Exchange; Connor; and Hunter.
Heather shared a touching tribute to her father on Instagram, expressing her deep loss and gratitude for his influence. Connor and Hunter have not made public statements about their father’s passing as of April 7, 2024.
Snare’s family and fans mourn his passing, remembering him for his strength, positivity, and enduring legacy in the music industry.