Honoring the Past, Rocking the Present with FireHouse and Trixter in North Tonawanda, NY

***Firehouse – West Herr Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda, NY***

Friday night at the West Herr Riviera Theatre was a celebration of nostalgia, passion, and heartfelt tribute as FireHouse and Trixter delivered a night to remember. From the first note to the final encore, both bands reminded fans why their music still resonates decades later.

***Trixter – West Herr Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda, NY***

FireHouse, now led by vocalist Nate Peck, brought the house down with a powerful set that honored the legacy of original frontman CJ Snare. Peck, who initially joined the band during Snare’s medical leave, has since taken over full time following CJ’s tragic passing. While Snare will always be missed, Peck has stepped into the role with respect and incredible vocal ability. His performance on FireHouse staples like “All She Wrote“, “Shake & Tumble“, and “Don’t Treat Me Bad” was nothing short of phenomenal. New material such as “Mighty Fine Lady” blended seamlessly with the classics and showcased that the band still has creative fire.

One touching moment stood out when a fan held up a banner that read “you have done CJ proud,” a sentiment clearly shared by the audience. Despite the venue being seated, few people stayed in their chairs. The crowd was fully engaged from start to finish, singing along and dancing throughout the entire set. FireHouse knows how to work a room, and they delivered with both energy and heart. During their most iconic ballad, “Love of a Lifetime“, the band invited a couple on stage to dance and sing along, turning the song into a shared celebration of love and memory.

Trixter opened the evening with a high-voltage set that proved they are still a vital presence on stage. With original members Steve Brown and PJ Farley handling guitars and vocals, and new drummer Ben Hans anchoring the rhythm section, the band delivered a tight and energetic performance. From the first chords of “Give It to Me Good” to the crowd-pleasing “One in a Million“, they brought back the spirit of 90s rock in full force.

Brown and Farley’s shared vocal duties created a rich and dynamic sound, and the chemistry between the three musicians was evident in every song. Highlights included “Human Era“, “Tattoos and Misery“, and “Surrender“, with fans singing along and clearly soaking in every moment. The performance was not only musically strong but emotionally uplifting, filled with rock star charisma and genuine gratitude toward the audience.

To close out the night, both bands joined forces on stage to perform a charged rendition of “Crazy Train” in tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. With so many bands honoring a man and his legacy that touched so many of us, the tribute felt deeply personal and communal. While some might hope for more variety in tribute selections, this performance still packed a punch and served as a fitting finale. The crowd roared in approval, united by a shared love for the music and the memories it carries.

Both FireHouse and Trixter gave fans an unforgettable night. With heartfelt tributes, new music, and classic hits delivered with passion and precision, it was a reminder of why live rock still matters. I look forward to seeing them both again soon.