C.J. Snare, the lead singer of the 80s hair metal band FireHouse — behind hits like “Don’t Treat Me Bad” and “Love of a Lifetime” — died unexpectedly Friday. He was 64.
The band mourned Snare’s passing as a “sad day for Rock N Roll” in a statement on Facebook Sunday.
“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,” it read. “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,” the statement read adding that everyone in the group was “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 nonstop the past 34 years,” the statement added. “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,” the post concluded referring to their 1992 song of the same name. “You will be forever missed by family, friends, fans and your bandmates. You’re singing with the angels now.”
Several fans of the group also shared their shock over Snare’s sudden passing.
“A living legend! Loved your music, and so glad to have worked with you and met you,” one person commented on the Facebook post. “Your music and voice is my inspiration, my condolences and respect to the family, Rest well my friend. Your voice inspired generations!
“This is so sad. CJ was one of the most kind-hearted beautiful people I ever met. He was like family. A huge loss to the world, wrote a second person.
“No words. This is so terrible and my heart goes out to his loved ones. He was a friend and a true talent,” a third person lamented.
