Concert Review
FireHouse
Trixter
Saturday August 16, 2025
West Herr Riviera Theatre
North Tonawanda, NY
Review/Photos:Joseph Suto
FireHouse last played in town at The West Herr Riviera in March of 2024. The same lineup returned this past Saturday with a little larger crowd than last time. But what a difference a year makes. The crowd for not only FireHouse but also for the opening band Trixter stood and sang and danced for much of the show. Usually at the seated venue the artists have to urge many to get out of their seats but not on this night.
FireHouse got things cooking with “Rock You Tonight” before they scooped up the traditional dishes of “All She Wrote” and “Shake & Tumble”. The band served up a healthy portion of their debut release that featured nine tracks played in full. While that is all fine and dandy I would love to see more from Hold Your Fire and some of the later releases. “Trying to Make A Living” from 3 was a surprise.
The last time FireHouse appeared in 2024 vocalist Nate Peck was only filling in for original vocalist C.J. Snare while he was recuperating from some surgery. It was always assumed Snare would be back a few months down the road. Sadly a mere week later Snare passed away. What we saw from Peck last year was a competent, more than capable fill-in. Now that he has been announced as the lead singer full-time he seems more at ease and little more natural in performing the band’s material. Considering the difficult circumstances at first as expected, the band has really stepped things up.
FireHouse 2025 included vocalist Peck, bassist Allen McKenzie and original members guitarist Bill Leverty and drummer Michael Foster.
Trixter opened with a solid 45 minute set taking one all the way back to their MTV days. Of course the band included the songs that all cracked into the top-100 on the Billboard singles charts. They ended with Give it to Me Good”. Trixter still features original members bassist PJ Farley and guitarist and current vocalist Steve Brown who took over in 2021 after original vocalist Pete Loran left. Drummer Ben Hans signed on in 2021 and has remained since.
As a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, Trixter came out to join FireHouse on stage for a run through of what else? “Crazy Train” of course. Personally would have loved to see them do a different song but beggars cannot be choosers I suppose. A pretty darn good version and it was in honor of the Prince of Darkness. Would love to see both of these bands back in the future as both put on solid shows and kept the crowd rocking all night long.
FireHouse Photos
Trixter Photos
Set List
FireHouse
Rock You Tonight
All She Wrote
Shake & Tumble
Oughta Be A Law
When I Look Into Your Eyes
Lover’s Lane
Mighty Fine Lady
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Don’t Walk Away
The Star-Spangled Banner
Egypt/Haywire
Overnight Sensation
Trying To Make A Living
Love Of A Lifetime
Reach For The Sky
Don’t Treat Me Bad
Crazy Train (Tribute to Ozzy w/Trixter)
Trixter
Bad Girl
Heart Of Steel
Tattoos & Misery
Road Of A Thousand Dreams
Line Of Fire
Human Era
One In A Million
Surrender
Rockin’ Horse
Give It To Me Good
