Interview with Bill Leverty:
July 1999

Q1)You guys have the best live vocals I have ever heard. It's rare that all the members of a band sing so well. Have any of you had experience with lead vocals before in other bands or have you all just practiced real hard at harmonizing together?

A1) We've all done quite a bit of singing over the years both as lead vocalists, and as background vocalists. When you've got someone as good CJ for a lead singer, you don't sing much lead. We do practice all the time.Q2) When you were forming Liquid Sunday, did you have it set that you would be the lead vocalist, or did you persue other options first?

Q2)Your style of music is not as popular anymore in the United States (although it is slowly making a comeback) as it is in Japan and other countries. Do you find that your web site has helped your fans stay in touch with what you have been doing and what's going on, or do you think the die-hard fan would get information through other sources anyway (i.e. magazines).

A2)The web is an extremely valuable tool for any band these days. I think that we can keep people informed well with our website: firehousemusic.com

Q3)Speaking of music styles. Are there any newer bands out there that you listen to?

A3)Jonny Lang

Q4) I like the fact that despite the changing music scene, you guys stay true to your music. You make each CD sound different, yet, maintain that Firehouse Sound. When you are writing songs, is there a deliberate direction that you want to take the songs, or do you just play what's going to make you feel good at the time?

A4)I just write what I feel.

Q5) A lot of your songs seem to have deep meanings and sometimes a Christian theme to them. I've alway wondered who was inspired to write these songs. Is there a basic chemistry used to write your songs? You know, are the lyrics written to the music or the music written to the lyrics or are they just great ideas that grow into great songs?

A5)They are really all developed so differently, but for the most part, they are ideas that are developed into songs.

Q6) Are there any songs on the upcoming live CD that you can tell me about that might be a surprise for fans?(Something un-released or a song that you don't usually play live).

A6)This cd is for our Japanese label, Pony Canyon. We had some more succes over there with songs like "Here For You", and "I Live My Life For You",
so they'll be on it. We also had success with "Bringing Me Down" off of Category 5, so that'll be on there too.

Q7) What types of bands did you play in before Firehouse? Knowing your background, have you ever played in a Christian Rock band?

A7)No, but I love Christian rock. I've played in a variety of other bands with styles ranging from rock, metal to blues, country, to dance, funk, to latin, jazz. I love just about all types of music.

Q8) What is your favorite Firehouse song(s)?

A8)Depends on the mood. I still think "Home Is Where The Heart Is" rocks.

Q9) Even though all of you play your instuments extremly well and can sing very good, none of you have ventured off to do a solo album or form your own band (like so many other artists do when times change). Do you think that this is one of the main reasons that you guys stay together and remain successful?

A9)I don't know. I think that everyone is really happy in this band. That's probably the biggest key to our longevity.

Q10) And finally Bill. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Do you ever forsee Firehouse making it into the RNR Hall of Fame?

A10)Well, the RnR Hall Of Fame would be GREAT, but if I'm playing my guitar night after night, I'll be happy.

Thank you so very much Bill for taking the time to do this for me. You have a love and patience towards fans that can only come from GOD. Thank you, and good luck on the rest of your tour.

Thanks Mike

You can e-mail Bill at: Leverty@aol.com
You can visit Bill's home web page at: www.leverty.com
And visit Firehouse's web site at: www.firehousemusic.com