C.J. Snare, Lead Singer For Hard Rock Band FireHouse, Dies At 64

• On April 5, Carl “C.J.’ Snare died at the age of 64.
• His death is attributed to cardiac arrest, four years after he was diagnosed with cancer.
• He was a lead vocalist and songwriter for FireHouse, partly responsible for several of their chart-topping hits.

On April 5, Carl “C.J.” Snare died. News of his “unexpected” passing came from a social media post from the band FireHouse’s official Facebook page. The statement also confirmed that Snare was 64 at the time of his death, which is attributed to cardiac arrest. His passing comes four years after he was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer.

Snare was a singer and songwriter who co-wrote most of the hits for FireHouse, a glam metal, hard rock band for which he was also the lead vocalist. Seven of his songs made it to the Billboard Hot 100 Charts; five progressed to the Top 40. Snare also performed for his other band, Rubicon Cross, on occasion.

FireHouse and the world of rock mourn the death of Carl “C.J.” Snare

“Today is a sad day for Rock N Roll,” reads the official statement from FireHouse announcing the death of Snare. “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.

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The statement further reflected that “As you are all aware, CJ was expected to be back on stage with the band this summer after recovering from surgery.”

Indeed, after he was diagnosed with colon cancer back in September 2020, Snare went on hiatus from performing with the band three years later. Before his death, he returned intending to perform for their Summer 2024 shows.

Remembering Snare as a brother of the band

FireHouse, which celebrates the 40th anniversary since its formation this year, mourned the passing of a one-of-a-kind talent in the music world, calling Snare “arguably one of the best vocal talents of a generation.” In a reference to one of their celebrated charting singles, the band bid him, “Reach for the Sky,” adding, “You will be forever missed by family, friends, fans and your band mates. You’re singing with the angels now.”

Snare was born on December 14, 1959, in Washington, D.C. He formally launched his music career in 1980, four years before FireHouse formed. Back in late March, the singer had shared an Instagram post with his followers assuring them, “Feeling Stronger Everyday,” and that he was focusing on making a full recovery before performing for them this summer.

Snare is survived by his partner, Katherine Little, as well as three children: two sons and one daughter.

Rest in peace, C.J. Snare.

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