FIREHOUSE @ Green Bay Distillery – Green Bay, WI
February 14, 2019
Photos by David Urmanski
Website: www.FireHouseMusic.com
www.Facebook.com/FireHouseMusic
BAND MEMBERS: FIREHOUSE
CJ Snare – Vocals & Keys
Bill Leverty – Guitar & Vocals
Michael Foster – Drums & Vocals
Allen McKenzie – Bass & Vocals
BAND BIOGRAPHY:
FireHouse has been rockin’ for over 25 years. Their music has taken them all over the world and has produced Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum records in the United States and countries abroad. In 1990, their first album, entitled FIREHOUSE, was released. The band’s first single, “Shake & Tumble”, had impressive radio success. The band then released “Don’t Treat Me Bad”, which became their first top ten hit. This was followed by “Love of a Lifetime”, which also entered the Top Ten, reaching the #3 spot on the United States charts.
This string of hits vaulted their first album to double platinum status in the United States. At the 1991 American Music Awards, FireHouse found themselves standing before the nation accepting the award for Best New Hard Rock/Metal Band, chosen over Nirvana and Alice in Chains. The band’s second album, HOLD YOUR FIRE, was released in 1992. It produced the hits “Reach For The Sky” and “Sleeping With You”. Another top ten hit, “When I Look Into Your Eyes”, peaked on the United States charts at #6. This album earned the band platinum sales in the USA and over a million more worldwide.
In 1995, FireHouse released their third album on Epic Records, simply titled 3. Once again, FireHouse produced another Top Forty Hit in the United States with “I Live My Life for You”. It was with this album that FireHouse made their first trip to Southeast Asia for a promotional tour. Earlier American hits like “Don’t Treat Me Bad”, “Love of a Lifetime” and “When I Look into Your Eyes” had climbed the charts in Asia. “Here for You”, the second single from 3, had also become a hit. The band then continued their promotional tour in South American countries such as Brazil and Argentina.
Their fourth album, GOOD ACOUSTICS, was released in 1996 and quickly went gold in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, and Philippines. GOOD ACOUSTICS contains unplugged versions of the group’s greatest hits, as well as four new songs. This album produced foreign hits such as “In Your Perfect World”, “Love Don’t Care”, and “You Are My Religion”. The band returned to Southeast Asia for another promotional tour at the end of 1996. Then, in February 1997, FireHouse embarked on their first concert tour of Southeast Asia playing sold out shows for fans in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Japan. During May and June they toured the United States before returning to Southeast Asia in July for an unprecedented twenty five city sold out tour of Indonesia.
In 1998, FireHouse toured the United States on the first Rock Never Stops tour, which also included Slaughter, Warrant, Quiet Riot, and LA Guns. October of 1998 featured the Asian release of FireHouse’s fifth CD, CATEGORY 5 on Pony Canyon Records. The album quickly climbed to #4 on the Japanese charts, and supporting promotional tour of Japan followed. Category 5 was officially released in the United States in 1999.
FireHouse continued touring through the winter and spring of 1999, including 3 more sold out shows in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. On April 22, 1999, the band recorded their live show in Osaka. The result – the first ever live album by FireHouse. BRING ‘EM OUT LIVE was released in Japan in December 1999 and in the United States on Spitfire Records in July 2000.
The turn of the century brought the release their seventh album, titled O². It has been released in Southeast Asia on Pony Canyon Records, and in the US on Spitfire Records. This album had notable success despite the changing style of popular rock music. During this time, the band decided to part ways with original bass player, Perry Richardson. O²’s remarkable bass playing was supplied by Bruce Waibel. Bruce brought to the band his phenomenal bass playing along with is equally impressive sense of humor. We truly regret to say that in September 2003 Bruce has passed away. He will be greatly missed as a friend and talented musician.
FireHouse headed back into the studio in early 2003 to write and record their 8th album, PRIME TIME. As music changes over time, FireHouse continues to evolve their musical style, yet at the same time hang onto their hard rock roots. Album number 8 is no exception. You can expect to hear what FireHouse is famous for, soulful, melodic hard rock.
In 2003, Allen McKenzie joined the band as bassist and background vocalist. Allen’s incredible vocal power and range coupled with his extraordinary bass playing help make FireHouse sound better than ever. In 2007, FireHouse went back into the studio and re-recorded 10 fan favorites and band favorites, and released them on the album, FULL CIRCLE. The album FireHouse fans a unique look at how the songs have evolved over the years and taken on a life of their own. Fans of bands come and go, but FireHouse has a unique following of core fans that cannot be compared to any other. Thanks to all of you for your many years of support and for coming out to ROCK with us on the road! We Love You All!
CONCERT REVIEW RATING SCALE:
1 = Poor
2 = Average
3 = Good
4 = Excellent
5 = Extraordinary
FIREHOUSE CONCERT RATING: 5
THE VENUE: THE GREEN BAY DISTILLERYAs Northeast Wisconsin’s premiere dining destination, located in the heart of Green Bay directly across from Ray Nitschke Field and within walking distance of Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Distillery is a family-friendly, sports-focused restaurant featuring 66 menu items – all with genuine Wisconsin flavor. Aside from great food and a friendly atmosphere, Green Bay Distillery host dozens of concerts annually and is the perfect venue for weddings, meetings, fundraisers and private events. Address: 835 Mike McCarthy Way - Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin 54304 Phone: (920) 393-4403 Website: www.GreenBayDistillery.com
