Tesla Pays Tribute To CJ Snare With “Love Song”
via Paul Luzio / Youtube
A hush fell over the Las Vegas crowd at the House of Blues on April 10th. Sacramento rockers Tesla were about to take the stage. But before the energy soared with their signature sound, a moment of poignant tribute unfolded.
Guitarist Frank Hannon announced a dedication to FireHouse’s frontman, C.J. Snare, a close friend and someone the music world had just lost.
The anticipation for Tesla’s electrifying performance was momentarily suspended, replaced by a shared sense of respect and remembrance.
Tesla Honors CJ Snare with Acoustic Performance
During their recent concert at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, Hannon took a moment to honor the memory of Snare, the lead singer of Firehouse.
Before launching into a song, Hannon shared with the audience that he and fellow guitarist Dave Rude would be playing a heartfelt acoustic piece. He then dedicated the song to Snare, calling him a “sweetheart” and expressing his condolences.
This touching tribute took place during Tesla’s residency at the House of Blues, part of their Tesla: The Las Vegas Takeover event. While the concert series focused on the band’s electrifying live shows, this moment highlighted the strong sense of community within the rock music scene.
Remembering a Talented Singer and Friend
The music world mourned the loss of Snare on April 5, 2024. He passed away at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with cancer. Diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2020, Snare took a break from Firehouse in 2023 for surgery. While reports from TMZ suggest his death resulted from cardiac arrest, the impact of his illness is undeniable.
Snare’s talent and kindness resonated with his peers. Tesla, who shared the stage with Firehouse on their 1991 Psychotic Supper tour, paid tribute on social media.
They fondly remembered Snare as a “very kind man and a great singer,” highlighting the camaraderie within the rock community. Snare’s passing left a void, not only for Firehouse fans but also for fellow musicians who cherished his friendship.
Despite his illness, Snare remained committed to music. He even planned to rejoin Firehouse for their summer 2024 tour. This dedication to his passion serves as a testament to his enduring spirit and love for performing.
Snare Was a “Rock and Roll Warrior”
FireHouse took to social media to express their profound grief over the unexpected passing of their beloved lead singer, CJ Snare. Despite Snare’s battle with cancer, his death came as a shock to the band.
“We are all in complete shock with CJ’s untimely passing,” they wrote in a heartfelt statement. They described Snare not only as a talented musician, but also as a close friend and a source of strength within the band. Their words painted a picture of Snare as “the rock and roll warrior,” highlighting his unwavering dedication to music for over three decades.
The statement concludes with condolences offered to Snare’s family, friends, and the band’s devoted fanbase around the world. It’s a poignant reminder of the widespread impact Snare had on the music industry and the hearts of countless fans.
A Legacy of Rock and Roll
Though FireHouse hasn’t released a studio album of new material since 2003’s Prime Time, their impact on the rock scene remains undeniable. The band exploded onto the scene in the early 90s with a string of hits that cemented their place in music history.
Songs like “Reach For The Sky”, “Don’t Treat Me Bad”, and the iconic power ballads “I Live My Life For You”, “Love Of A Lifetime”, and “When I Look Into Your Eyes” became anthems for a generation.
Their success wasn’t limited to catchy tunes. At the 1992 American Music Awards, FireHouse even took home the award for “Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist”, a remarkable feat considering they were nominated alongside giants like Nirvana and Alice in Chains. This win solidified their place as a force to be reckoned with in the hard rock landscape.
