CJ Snare, the lead singer of glam metal band FireHouse, died on Friday (April 5) at the age of 64 after a long battle with colon cancer. His daughter Heather told him TMZ that the vocalist's official cause of death was cardiac arrest.
Snare was the lead singer of FireHouse from their formation in the late '80s to the present, although he had stepped away from the band to undergo stomach surgery last 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 sadness that we let the world know that we have lost our brother: CJ Snare, the rock and roll warrior, lead vocalist and founding member of FireHouse. CJ Snare passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday evening, April 5, 2024. He was a young man of 64 years. As you all know, CJ was expected to return to the stage with the band this summer after recovering from surgery. We are all in complete shock at CJ's untimely passing. CJ was arguably one of the greatest vocal talents of a generation, and he toured the world with Firehouse non-stop for the past 34 years. Our deepest condolences to the entire Snare family, Katherine Little, friends and all our beloved fans around the world. 'Reach for the sky' CJ! You will be forever missed by your family, friends, fans and bandmates. You're singing with the angels now.
Beginning with their 1990 double-platinum self-titled debut album, FireHouse scored several hits. That LP produced the power ballad “Love of a Lifetime,” which peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100. Their next album, 1992. Stop the firescored gold thanks to another hit ballad, “When I Look Into Your Eyes.”
Snare's partner of eight years, Katherine Little, wrote the following on Facebook:
“I write this with a heavy heart and it is extremely difficult to find the right words. CJ left this world on Friday, April 5. I have spent over 8 wonderful years with this man and I love him to the core. In September 2020, CJ was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. His initial prognosis was discouraging, but that didn't stop him. We went to get a second opinion and in September 2021 he had an operation that saved our lives and gave us these last years with him. He was incredibly positive throughout this entire illness. He was so strong. He never lost hope. All he wanted was to be the CJ you all know and love. Last spring he started having more problems and he underwent another surgery in October 2023. This last surgery left him very weak and unable to live a full life. I have been by his side since day 1 and I would have never given up on him. CJ leaves behind three wonderful children who are very special to me. Life will never be the same. I'm not prepared 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 writing Snare in the Morning. “Just heartbroken with the news of the passing of our rock n roll brother CJ Snare. Many wonderful memories of NR and Firehouse playing together. CJ's sweet soul and big smile always brightened the day no matter what was going on. Blessings CJ and sing it loudly in which my brother stars.”
The fire station has scheduled shows from April 13 to early November. It's unclear how Snare's passing will affect the band's touring plans.
Our deepest condolences to CJ Snare's family, friends and bandmates during this difficult time. Check out a couple of FireHouse's biggest hits below.
I am heartbroken by the news of the passing of our rock n roll brother, CJ Snare.
Many wonderful memories of NR and Firehouse playing together.
CJ's sweet soul and big smile always brightened the day no matter what was going on.
Blessings CJ and sing it loud to the stars my brother 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Xa3RMgtisb
– Jack Blades (@JackBlades) April 7, 2024
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