Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
Comprised of former Flying Burrito Brothers members Rick Roberts (vocals, guitar) and Michael Clarke (drums), former Spirit member Mark Andes (bass), guitarist Jock Bartley, guitarist/vocalist Larry Burett, and keyboard player David Muse, Firefall’s members largely met on tour with other bands or in Boulder, Colorado, U.S. Following Firefall’s formation in 1974, the group began performing in local clubs and bars, and produced a promotional demo tape in 1975.
A subsequent performance at The Other End in New York led the group to sign with Atlantic Records who issued Firefall’s self-titled debut album in May 1976. Led by the single “Livin’ Ain’t Livin’”, the record earned positive reviews and ultimately earned gold certification. The album’s second single, “You Are the Woman”, became a smash hit single reaching the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, following which the band toured in support of Fleetwood Mac.
Released in July 1977, the band’s sophomore album “Luna Sea” featured collaborations with Cuban percussionist Joe Lala and future Eagles member Timothy B. Schmit. Rising to No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and aided by the No. 11 single “Just Remember I Love You”, the record was once again followed by non-stop touring. Thanks to their touring with Fleetwood Mac who were at the peak of their success, Firefall also became extremely popular, however tensions had risen between the substance users in the group (Rick, Larry and Michael Clarke) and the non-substance users (Bartley, Andes and Muse).
The band’s third album “Elan” proved their most successful to date earning platinum certification, however following its release Firefall’s popularity began to dwindle. Despite attempts at changing the band’s sound, Firefall burned out, with Bartley forming Firefall Acoustic in 1994 for the album “Messenger”. Under the same moniker the group released the tribute album “Colorado to Liverpool: A Tribute to the Beatles” in 2007, following which Bartley continued to tour as Firefall alongside musicians Steven Weinmeister, Sandy Ficca, Bil Hopkins, and Chris Ball.
Live reviews
Colorado country rock Firefall have enjoyed impressive career longevity since their formation over four decades ago and although the lineup changes have been frequent there has remained a consistent enjoyment of the music and performance throughout the career. Their history is complex and vividly interesting so I would encourage you to go and take a look although for the sake of this review we will discuss solely on their live performance.
As the quintet featuring original bassist Mark Andes took off across the US in the summer of 2015 there was huge demand to see the group perform live by fans of all ages. Although the group has not recorded new material for years due to the ever changing lineups, their discography has remained a talking point in decades after their original success and they are cited by contemporaries as an influencing factor. It is perhaps due to their genre hopping sounds or the fact the group have a total skill for playing instruments live that would win over even the most discerning bystander. The hits receive cheers but it is the entire show that leaves the crowd impressed and hoping for an original reunion in the future.
sean-ward
Firefall made some great music when I was in high school but I didn't expect the kind of performance that we saw Saturday night. They were EXCEPTIONAL! Forty years later and these guys didn't miss a lick. The wife and I are still singing Firefall songs this morning! If they were playing nearby tonight, I think we'd go and see them again. The band came out and met with us locals at intermission and after the show. Not only were they great musicians, they were nice guys too. Please come back to Fairfield, OH again sometime soon!
terry-elkins
The first time we saw Firefall was probably over 20 years ago at an Arts and Crafts show in Irving, TX, and really liked them. Then the next time we saw them was at One World Theatre (OWT) here in Austin about three years ago. Although we enjoyed the concert, it seemed to me, that they had just "thrown together" the group w/o a lot of rehearsal. They were good, but not "great." On Friday night, they were "tight," and awesome. A thoroughly satisfying concert. OWT, please bring them back...
don-simpson-1
Firefall was the perfect addition to the Little River Band show! These are two of my favorite bands from the 70's and it was truly awesome to see them live together. I will go again and again when they come to Clearwater, Florida. Everyone sounded great and the liveliness of the show was wonderful! Thank you Firefall. Please come back to Clearwater, Florida!
angie-thomas-3
Very awesome show. We had front row seats and enjoyed every minute of it. Would see them again in a heartbeat. I have been a huge fan of them for years and can now scratch seeing them live off of my bucket list! Infinity Music Hall in Hartford is my fave place to see a show. Such a personal atmosphere.
sharon-croshier
I have been a Firefall fan for years.....they sound amazing live. I am a true Firefall "groupie". I can't wait for them to come back again (Hoping they come to Hudson Gardens this summer :)) They were the best part of my Valentines day !
Kathy
kathy-morgan-broden
First, the Marion Palace Theatre is absolutely gorgeous. Firefall was good. The Sax & flutist was just outstanding. The Pure Prairie League was tremendous. Only problem I had was they both only played an hour. Not anywhere close too long enough.
Very few bands are better in person that their recorded music. Firefall is one of those rare bands that are 100 times better live! They were fantastic. The guitar, saxophone, drum and flute solos were amazing. It was a fun, wonderful evening!
Karronek
great tunes from a great band made for one very enjoyable evening....everybody sounded great and to mingle with them during intermission was really cool..definatly will see them again if they come back to this area...these boys can kick it
jeff-saquella
Videos (1)
