Complete List Of Firehouse Band Members

From their origins as Virginia club rockers to becoming one of the last great successes of the hair metal era, FireHouse carved out a distinctive place in rock history during their four-decade career spanning from 1984 to the present day. The band reached stardom during the early 1990s with charting singles like “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” “All She Wrote,” and “Reach for the Sky,” as well as their signature power ballads “Love of a Lifetime,” “When I Look into Your Eyes,” and “I Live My Life for You.” At the 1992 American Music Awards, FireHouse won the award for “Favorite New Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist,” chosen over Nirvana and Alice in Chains, marking their peak moment during the transition between hair metal and grunge. The band has sold over 7 million albums worldwide and maintained remarkable stability in their lineup throughout most of their career, with the original core remaining intact for over three decades.

Originally composed of vocalist/keyboardist C.J. Snare, guitarist Bill Leverty, drummer Michael Foster, and bassist Perry Richardson, the band maintained its original members with the exception of Richardson, who departed in 2000. The history of FireHouse can be traced back to 1984, when Leverty’s band White Heat needed a drummer and after over 20 auditions, Michael Foster answered the ad and impressed Leverty with his skill, leading to his immediate hiring. When the band wasn’t on tour, Leverty and Foster would visit rock clubs, and it was at one of these clubs where they caught sight of a band called Maxx Warrior, featuring C.J. Snare as vocalist and Perry Richardson as bassist. This chance encounter would lead to the formation of one of the most enduring lineups in hard rock history.

FireHouse’s success story is unique among their contemporaries, as they managed to achieve sustained popularity even as musical tastes shifted dramatically in the 1990s. While the band’s success had waned in the United States by their third album’s release in 1995, they brought them more success overseas than ever before, particularly in Asia where they became massive stars in countries like Japan, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. Snare remarked that despite drastic changes in the industry, FireHouse was the only band of its genre that managed to have a Top 40 hit as late as 1995 without having to make drastic changes to their sound. This international success allowed them to maintain an active touring schedule and continue releasing albums well into the 2000s, making them one of the few hair metal bands to successfully transition from the MTV era to the digital age.

C.J. Snare

Carl Jeffrey Snare, known professionally as C.J. Snare, served as FireHouse’s lead vocalist and keyboardist from the band’s formation in 1989 until his death on April 5, 2024, at the age of 64. Born on December 14, 1959, in Washington, D.C., Snare was classically trained as a pianist in his youth and was first chair tenor in the Pennsylvania State Choir by the time he was a teenager. His classical background provided him with the technical foundation that would later allow him to deliver the soaring vocal performances that became FireHouse’s trademark, while his keyboard skills added an additional melodic dimension to the band’s sound.

Snare’s path to FireHouse began when he was performing with a band called Maxx Warrior alongside bassist Perry Richardson. Leverty and Foster were impressed with Snare’s vocal ability and became determined to unite the bands. As soon as Maxx Warrior broke up, Leverty sent Snare some of his songs and asked him to sing on his tape. After hearing the results, they brought Snare in to be the band’s lead singer for a show in Virginia several weeks later. Snare later recalled that after performing live with them, he felt like this was the right band for him, cementing the partnership that would define his career.

Throughout FireHouse’s career, Snare co-wrote most of the band’s songs, demonstrating his abilities as both a performer and creative force behind their success. He was an integral songwriter from the start, bringing in great songs and ideas while working closely with guitarist Bill Leverty. People don’t know, but he’s a maestro keyboardist. The guy has so much talent and creativity, not to mention a real knack for catchy melodies and lyrics. He’s a complete artist in every sense of the phrase. Snare’s seven songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100, four of which were top 40 hits, including the band’s biggest success “Love of a Lifetime,” which reached No. 5 in 1991.

In September 2020, Snare was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, beginning a battle that he faced with remarkable positivity and determination. Despite his illness, he continued performing with the band until health issues forced him to step back in 2023, with American Idol contestant Nate Peck filling in as temporary vocalist. Snare had been expected to return to touring in summer 2024, and just a week before his death, he posted on social media: “Feeling Stronger Everyday! I’ll be back on stage with FireHouse before you know it.” His sudden passing from cardiac arrest was described by his bandmates as unexpected, marking the end of an era for one of the last great voices of the hair metal generation. Following Snare’s death, Nate Peck was officially announced as the band’s new frontman, continuing FireHouse’s legacy.

Bill Leverty

William G. Leverty II has served as FireHouse’s guitarist and primary songwriter since the band’s formation, making him one of the most consistent creative forces in hard rock over the past four decades. Born on January 30, 1967, in Richmond, Virginia, Leverty received his first guitar from his parents when he was four years old, though he didn’t take playing seriously until age 14. Around this same time, he began studying music theory in high school, providing him with the technical foundation that would later allow him to compose FireHouse’s most memorable songs and guitar parts.

Leverty’s musical journey began in earnest in 1984 when his band White Heat held auditions for drummers. It was during these auditions that he met Michael Foster, a meeting that would evolve into a lifelong friendship and musical partnership spanning over 40 years. The pair developed their sound through extensive touring throughout Virginia and surrounding states, playing club dates that served as both income and training ground for their later success. Their booking agent used alcohol sales per person as the barometer of success, and if you increased the audience’s drinking, you’d be asked back, which became their measure of whether they were any good.

As FireHouse’s primary songwriter, Leverty has been responsible for writing many of the band’s hit songs, often collaborating closely with C.J. Snare to create the melodic hard rock sound that made them famous. His guitar influences include Stevie Wonder and Led Zeppelin early on, followed by Eddie Van Halen, Ted Nugent, Michael Schenker, and Randy Rhoads. This diverse range of influences helped him develop a playing style that could deliver both powerful rock anthems and delicate ballad passages with equal effectiveness.

Throughout the 2000s, Leverty has also pursued an active solo career, releasing five albums: “Wanderlust” (2004), “Southern Exposure” (2007), “Deep South” (2009), “Drive” (2013), and “Divided We Fall” (2020). Despite his solo success, Leverty has stated that it would be “extremely selfish” to tour in support of his solo work while putting FireHouse on hold, demonstrating his commitment to the band that made him famous. Following C.J. Snare’s death in 2024, Leverty alongside drummer Michael Foster are the only original members still active in the band, carrying forward the musical legacy they helped create four decades ago.

Michael Foster

Michael Foster has served as FireHouse’s drummer since 1984, making him not only a founding member but also the longest-tenured musician in the band’s history. Born on December 9, 1964, in Richmond, Virginia, Foster began his musical journey at an remarkably early age when his mother gave him his first real drum set at age 5. His dedication to practice from such a young age, combined with his natural talent, led him to play in school bands and eventually learn music theory as well as other percussive instruments.

Foster’s audition for White Heat in 1984 became the stuff of band legend. After the band had auditioned probably about 20 drummers, Foster was the last one they heard. Michael came in — it wasn’t the best-looking drum kit in the world; it was green and didn’t really fit our look — but we were like, “Let’s just hear the guy.” And he had such a groove and he could swing – then we heard him sing. That sealed the deal for all of us. This audition not only launched Foster’s career but also cemented his friendship with Bill Leverty that has lasted over four decades.

Foster’s drumming style became the rhythmic foundation upon which FireHouse built their success. His ability to provide both power and groove made him perfectly suited for the band’s combination of hard rock anthems and melodic ballads. His parents were really into Elvis, so he had Elvis on all the time in the house, so he was rocking and rolling at a very early age. This early exposure to rhythm and blues influenced his playing style, giving him the loose, relaxed feel that distinguished him from more technically proficient but less musical drummers.

Beyond his role as FireHouse’s drummer, Foster has contributed backing vocals throughout the band’s career and even took lead vocals on one track during the “Prime Time” album, marking the first time he had ever sung lead on a FireHouse recording. He has also participated extensively in Bill Leverty’s solo career, playing drums on both “Wanderlust” and “Southern Exposure” albums, demonstrating the continued creative partnership between the two founding members. Following C.J. Snare’s death in 2024, Foster and Leverty remain the only original members still active in FireHouse, continuing to honor the musical legacy they began building four decades ago.

Perry Richardson

Perry Richardson served as FireHouse’s bassist from 1989 to 2000, providing the low-end foundation for the band’s most successful period and contributing to their rise to international stardom. Born on July 7, 1958, Richardson graduated from Conway High School in Conway, South Carolina, and went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina/Coastal Carolina in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. His educational background in business would later prove valuable as the band navigated the complexities of the music industry during their peak years.

Richardson’s introduction to what would become FireHouse occurred through his band Maxx Warrior, where he performed alongside future FireHouse vocalist C.J. Snare. When Leverty and Foster attended one of their shows, they were impressed with both Snare’s vocal ability and Richardson’s bass playing. The three-member group took their tape to Perry Richardson, the ex-bassist for Maxx Warrior, who said he liked it but had made a six-month commitment to the band that he was a member of at the time. True to his word, when the commitment was fulfilled, Richardson joined his new bandmates as they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and began recording demos in Leverty’s bedroom.

Richardson’s bass playing was integral to FireHouse’s sound throughout their most successful period, appearing on all their major albums from their self-titled debut through their live recordings. His style complemented the band’s approach of combining hard rock power with melodic sensibility, providing a solid foundation that allowed Leverty’s guitar work and Snare’s vocals to shine. While with the band, they sold over 7 million albums worldwide and won an American Music Award in 1991 for “Favorite New Artist Heavy Metal/Hard Rock.” Richardson was also inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1995, recognizing his contributions to the music industry.

Sometime in 2000, the band parted ways with bassist Perry Richardson due to personal conflict. The exact nature of these conflicts was never publicly detailed, but the departure marked the end of an era for the classic FireHouse lineup. After leaving FireHouse, Richardson demonstrated his musical versatility by playing bass for country music performers Craig Morgan and Trace Adkins, showing his ability to adapt to different musical genres. In recent years, Richardson has found a new musical home as the bassist for legendary Christian metal band Stryper, continuing his professional music career more than two decades after leaving FireHouse.

Allen McKenzie

Allen McKenzie joined FireHouse as bassist in 2004, becoming the band’s longest-serving bass player after Perry Richardson’s departure and providing stability during the band’s continued touring and recording activities. McKenzie came to FireHouse with impressive credentials, having been “Geddy Lee” in what was considered the best Rush tribute band in the country, demonstrating his technical proficiency and ability to handle complex bass parts. His background in tribute work made him particularly well-suited for joining an established band with a large catalog of well-known songs that required faithful reproduction in live settings.

Before joining FireHouse, McKenzie had just finished a tour as the bassist in Jane Lane’s solo band, showing his experience with professional touring and recording. When FireHouse found themselves in need of a bassist after Bruce Waibel’s departure, Bill Leverty contacted McKenzie based on his reputation in the music community. McKenzie’s response was enthusiastic, and the fit was immediate, with his flawless bass playing and powerful backing vocals becoming what the band described as their “secret weapon for decades.”

McKenzie’s addition to FireHouse came during a period when the band was focusing heavily on their international touring, particularly in Asia where they maintained massive popularity. His technical skills and professional approach made him an ideal fit for the demanding schedule of international touring and the expectations of audiences who knew FireHouse’s catalog intimately. His backing vocals added an additional dimension to the band’s live sound, complementing C.J. Snare’s lead vocals and providing the harmonic depth that characterized their studio recordings.

Throughout his tenure with FireHouse, McKenzie has participated in their continued recording activities and extensive touring schedule. His contributions helped maintain the high musical standards that fans expected from FireHouse while allowing the band to continue evolving their sound. Following C.J. Snare’s death in 2024 and the addition of new vocalist Nate Peck, McKenzie’s experience and professionalism will be crucial in helping the band navigate this transition period while honoring their musical legacy and continuing to serve their dedicated international fanbase.

Bruce Waibel

Bruce Waibel served as FireHouse’s bassist from 2000 to 2003, providing a crucial bridge between the Perry Richardson era and the band’s later lineup changes while contributing his extensive professional experience to their continued success. Waibel brought impressive credentials to FireHouse, having played in The Gregg Allman Band for over 10 years, where he recorded on the “I’m No Angel” and “Just Before The Bullets Fly” albums. He had also toured with The Marshall Tucker Band for 5 years while Gregg Allman was not on the road, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical contexts.

Leverty met Waibel in Sarasota, Florida, and was immediately impressed with his bass guitar skills. When the band had an opening for a bassist due to Richardson’s departure, Leverty contacted Waibel and asked him to join the band. The fit was excellent, and with Waibel, they recorded their next album, “O2,” which has been called their best album ever by fans and critics from all over the world. Leverty described it as a return to their melodic hard rock roots with a 21st century twist, and Waibel’s contributions were integral to achieving this sound.

Waibel’s experience and professionalism made him an ideal addition to FireHouse during a transitional period. His background with Southern rock legends provided him with the musical maturity and touring experience that helped the band maintain their high standards while exploring new musical directions. The band toured extensively with Waibel, including participation in the Metal Edge 2002 tour with Dokken, Ratt, Warrant, and L.A. Guns, where his bass playing helped FireHouse hold their own among their hard rock contemporaries.

Tragically, Waibel’s time with FireHouse came to an end when he decided to part ways with the band after the twelve-week tour to spend more time with his family. In 2003, Waibel died unexpectedly at age 45, marking a sad end to what had been a productive and musically fulfilling period for both the bassist and the band. Guitarist Bill Leverty expressed the band’s sadness over his death in a statement shortly after the news broke, acknowledging the positive impact Waibel had made during his brief but significant tenure with FireHouse.

Dario Seixas

Dario Seixas served briefly as FireHouse’s bassist in 2003, representing one of the shortest tenures in the band’s history while contributing to one of their most critically acclaimed albums. The Brazilian bassist joined FireHouse following Bruce Waibel’s departure and played bass on the band’s 2003 album “Prime Time,” which was engineered, produced, mixed, and mastered by Bill Leverty. Despite the brief nature of his involvement with the band, Seixas’s contributions to “Prime Time” were significant, as the album received great reviews from the press and showcased some of the best performances in the band’s catalog.

“Prime Time” proved to be a showcase for all the band members’ abilities, with Michael Foster’s drumming being described as the best he had ever recorded, and C.J. Snare’s voice remaining as amazing as ever. Seixas’s bass work provided the foundation for these performances, contributing to an album that demonstrated FireHouse’s continued creative vitality despite the various lineup changes they had experienced. The recording process was described as enjoyable, with everyone going the extra mile to make the recording the best it could possibly be, and Seixas’s professionalism was crucial to achieving this atmosphere.

However, Seixas left the band shortly after the completion of “Prime Time,” making his tenure one of the briefest in FireHouse’s history. The reasons for his departure were not widely publicized, but his exit left the band in need of another bassist just as they were preparing to promote their new album. His departure prompted the band to announce publicly that they were in need of a bassist, beginning the search process that would eventually lead them to Allen McKenzie.

Despite the brief nature of his involvement with FireHouse, Seixas’s contributions to “Prime Time” remain part of the band’s recorded legacy. The album stands as a testament to FireHouse’s ability to work effectively with different musicians while maintaining their distinctive sound and high musical standards. His work on the album demonstrates the professional level of musicianship that FireHouse has consistently demanded from all their collaborators throughout their career.

Nate Peck

Nate Peck joined FireHouse as lead vocalist in 2023, initially serving as a temporary replacement for C.J. Snare during his health struggles before being officially named the band’s new frontman following Snare’s death in April 2024. A former American Idol Season 21 contestant, Peck brought both vocal talent and performance experience to his role with FireHouse, demonstrating his ability to handle the demanding vocal requirements of the band’s extensive catalog while respecting the legacy established by his predecessor.

Peck’s introduction to FireHouse came during a difficult period when C.J. Snare was dealing with serious health issues related to his colon cancer diagnosis. The band needed someone who could step in temporarily while maintaining the vocal quality and stage presence that FireHouse audiences expected. Peck’s background as an American Idol contestant had prepared him for high-pressure performance situations and demonstrated his ability to handle challenging vocal material, making him a logical choice for this sensitive role.

When Snare passed away unexpectedly in April 2024, Peck found himself in the position of transitioning from temporary fill-in to permanent replacement, a role that carries both tremendous opportunity and significant responsibility. A month after Snare’s death, FireHouse announced that Peck would officially be taking over as the band’s new frontman, marking the beginning of a new era for the veteran hard rock band. This transition represents one of the most significant changes in FireHouse’s four-decade history.

Peck’s challenge going forward will be to honor the vocal legacy established by C.J. Snare while bringing his own artistic personality to the role. FireHouse’s extensive catalog of hits requires a vocalist capable of delivering both powerful rock anthems and delicate ballads with equal effectiveness, and Peck’s early performances with the band suggest he possesses these abilities. His role in continuing FireHouse’s legacy will be crucial as the band moves forward without one of their founding members for the first time in their history, carrying the responsibility of maintaining the musical standards that have sustained the band’s international popularity for over three decades.

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