The 1990s brought a decade filled with glam, grunge and punk. While grunge and punk didn’t provide much in the way of ballads, the glam bands did. One of the most popular glam bands of the decade was FireHouse. Their hard driven rock music and monster ballads formed many a soundtrack in the lives young rockers. FireHouse brought all those memories and energy to Braun’s Concert Cove in Akron, NY, this past Friday, and put on a show that anyone in attendance is sure not to forget.
Opening the night with the hard driving “Shake & Tumble,” I was impressed with C.J. Snare’s range. With his voice being one of the most easily recognized in rock music, it was impressive that the years have had no ill effect on it. He sounded just as he did 20 plus years ago. It was clear that every fan appreciated that as well, as they continually applauded his efforts.
FireHouse still has 75% of the original members intact with singer C.J. Snare, guitarist Bill Leverty, and drummer Michael Foster. Bass guitarist Allen McKenzie joined the band in 2004. With the chemistry these guys possess, you would think they played together for a lifetime.
As they rocked their way through their set, Snare took the time to interact with his fans and express his appreciation for them. Responding to calls for “Reach For The Sky” and “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” he chuckled and simply replied, “yes, yes, we’ll get to them.” It felt almost personal that one of the biggest names in 1990’s rock was having conversations with his fans.
One thing that stood out during this show was that each member of the band took a turn on lead vocals. Leverty sang “Holding On,” Foster sang the hard hitting “Door To Door,” and McKenzie sang on an excellent cover of AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell.” All of them sounded like they intended to sing and not like “cheap filler” to give the singer a break.
As they got to end of their set, they did an abbreviated encore. They never left the stage as they said their thank yous and blasted right into the anticipated “Reach For The Sky.” The raucous ovation they received was only outdone by the one they got for their closing song “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” which had everyone in attendance singing along right to the end.
As the band took a bow, Snare told everyone he would stay as long as it took to meet and shake hands with them. As I left, I saw the line at the merchandise table and saw him doing just that.
Set List:
Shake & Tumble
All She Wrote
You’re Too Bad
Rock On The Radio
Holding on (Bill Leverty on vocals)
When I Look Into Your Eyes
Door To Door (Michael Fosteron vocals)
Hold Your Fire
Walk Away
Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover – Allen McKenzie on vocals)
Overnight Sensation
Love Of A Lifetime
Reach For The Sky
Don’t Treat Me Bad
We would like to thank Ross Catalino from Back 2 Back Entertainment for the credentials to cover the show.
