CJ Snare, Firehouse singer, dead at 64
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(Credits: Kate Patten)
The singer of Firehouse, CJ Snare, has died aged 64. His bandmates have confirmed the sad news in a social media post.
Snare was the frontman and recognisable voice of the American rock troupe. With hits like ‘I Live My Life For You’ and ‘When I Look Into Your Eyes’, the group formed in Virginia became a 1990s sensation.
With Snare at the helm, their success was international. Firehouse were especially popular across Asia, especially in Southeast regions such as Japan, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore. The group sold over seven million albums since their self-titled debut in 1990.
“Today is a sad day for rock’n’roll,” the band wrote on social media. “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,” they continued, acknowledging the shock of his passing. “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 arguably one of the best vocal talents of a generation, touring the world with Firehouse non-stop the past 34 years,” they wrote. “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 bandmates. You’re singing with the angels now.”
Snare’s partner, Katherine Little, confirmed that the singer had been battling cancer for several years behind the scenes. “In September of 2020, CJ was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. His initial prognosis was grim, but that didn’t stop him,” she wrote in a statement.
“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,” Little added.
“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,” Little continued.
“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.” She requested, “Please respect our family during this time of grief and keep us in your thoughts.”
Listen to ‘When I Look Into Your Eyes’ by Firehouse below.
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