Interview by Kelly
Originally posted June 2003
For roughly thirteen years and seven albums, FireHouse has stayed true to their roots. With their multi-platinum debut in America, an American Music Award, and a follow-up album that was a hit worldwide, FireHouse was on top. The 90s brought a new music trend. Remember the age of flannel and misery? The Powers That Be in American music were having none of any kind of positive melodic music. Even so, FireHouse still managed to have a top ten hit in the States during that time. The late 90s really slammed the door on the melodic rock genre. Fortunately for FireHouse, most countries around the world are not so musically trend-oriented, and their incredible success has continued overseas.
In the new millenium, FireHouse parted ways with original bassist Perry Richardson, and most recently, with his replacement, Bruce Waibel. Currently in the studio recording album #8, FireHouse continues to be one band that knows what they love to do, and won't change for anyone!
FireHouse guitarist Bill Leverty has been one of my favorite musicians since I got their Self-Titled debut album in 1991 (I won it in a dance contest at my senior class "all night party!"). I met Bill in 1998 and he was as gracious as I had hoped. I took that knowledge and took a chance - and it paid off, he agreed to an interview! Enjoy!
K: Tell me about the new FireHouse album. How is it coming along?
B: It's coming along real well. It'll have a little bit of a harder edge to it than our older albums I think. We're recording it in my studio and we're all very happy with the way it's sounding.
K: FireHouse has been labeled by some as a "ballad band." Do you think this has been to the band’s detriment or has it worked in your favor? How has the "hair band" label effected you?
B: The ballad band label has had a positive and negative effect. The positive effect is that we have had 2 songs ("Love Of A Lifetime" and "When I Look Into Your Eyes") that have made it into the top 10 and people all over the world love those songs and many have even gotten married to them!! We also had a ballad called "I Live My Life For You" that made it into the top 25 in '95 when the grunge era was peaking. The negative effect is that we might have alienated some of the hard rock people, especially in the industry, when Epic released our ballads so early without promoting any of our harder rock songs. If they had done that, I think that we would still have a song or two being played on classic rock stations which would then help us more with our touring today. I like the fact that we are known for SOMETHING, but we usually put one ballad on an album of 10 songs, so if people only know us for 10% of our music, they're missing the larger 90%.
K: I do feel the melodic rock scene is finally starting to make a little comeback, thank god! What do you think? Are people finally ready for a little music in their music?
B: I see it changing ever so slightly for the better, but not fast enough for me. I would like to see some of the huge rock artists like Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Van Halen, etc., have multi-platinum sales on their newest albums which would REALLY help the smaller rock bands.
K: Tell me about the night that you won your American Music Award in 1991. What was that like?
B: We were all on cloud 9. We just couldn't believe it. I was so honored that night that the fans appreciated our music that much to vote us best new hard rock band of '91.
K: The feud with and departure of bassist Perry Richardson has been covered to death in interviews. I won’t ask you what happened ("musical and personal differences"). I will ask if there have been any new developments in that story? Is there anything you’d like to clear up regarding things that were said during that time, about you or otherwise? 
B: Nothing new to report.
K: What happened with Bruce Waibel, your most recent bassist?
B: He decided that he didn't want to tour any more. This kind of thing happens and we wish him th every best. He's a great guy. By the way, he played on my solo CD which will be ready this fall. He did an amazing job.
K: Tell me about your new bassist, Dario Seixas. Who is he, how did you find him, and how is he fitting in with FireHouse? What is he bringing to the band that no one else has?
B: He's originally from Brazil, currenly living in Los Angeles. Robbie Crane, bassist of RATT, told us about him. He's very talented and brings a worldly musical influence into the band. Although his passion is hark rock, he grew up in Brazil, so he's got a very diverse style.
K: You have been working on a solo CD. What kind of musical direction will that take? When do you think it will be done? I know the new FireHouse CD is your priority.
B: My solo CD is a collection of songs that I have written over the years that just weren't right for FireHouse for one reason or another. Most of the songs have a southern feel like the song I sing on the FireHouse O2 album, "I'm In Love This Time". There are also a couple of hard rock tunes that are more like FireHouse, but with me singing. I hope people will check it out. If you want me to let you know when it's ready, email me at bill@firehousemusic.com and I'll send you an email letting you know it's available.
K: In an interview, you said (and I do agree!) the Rolling Stones are the "greatest rock and roll band of all time." Was Keith Richards a musical influence on you? What is your favorite Stones song? Favorite Stones album?
B: Actually, the Stones weren't a big influence of mine, and before I saw them live (in 1981 on Keith's birthday) I didn't have a full appreciation of their greatness. After that show, I realized that they will always be the greatest. It's the songs and how they deliver them live...... truly magic.
K: I know you also love Aerosmith (and again, I agree!). What have you learned from Joe Perry’s guitar playing? What is your favorite Aerosmith song and album?
B: Aerosmith was a huge influence and I highly rate both Whitford and Perry as master musicians. My favorite Aerosmith album is their first one and my favorite song is "One Way Street". I've learned from them that bluesy rock and roll is timeless.
K: You’re also a George Lynch fan. Have you heard the new L/P record he’s put out with Jeff Pilson? What do you think of it?
B: I haven't heard it yet, but I'm sure it's nothing shy of excellence. Both Lynch and Pilson are in a class all their own. I've been meaning to pick up that cd, but I've been locked in the studio. As soon as I get out, I'm going to pick it up.
K: In reading your interviews, there was obviously no love lost between you and Dana Strum of Slaughter (things like Dana trying to sabotage your shows, etc.). Even I have a bad Dana Strum story! I figure if even I have had a bad experience with this guy, he must truly be a pretty awful human being. And it does hurt me to say that about anyone. Any thoughts?
B: I agree.
K: As a fellow musician in the melodic rock genre, what is your take on the Great White / Rhode Island fire tragedy? Who do you think is ultimately to blame? With a name like "FireHouse," have you ever used pyro?
B: My take is that it is the most tragic event that has ever taken place in the history of rock music. 100 people have lost their lives and many more suffer from their injuries. I hate to put the blame on anyone, especially the band. They were only trying to enhance their show. My guess is that the city will have to take take some of the responsibility for not inspecting and/or allowing the club's sound proofing foam which has been reported to have been extremely flamable. 
Now for some fun questions!
K: What is your favorite country to visit on tour (other than the U.S.)? Why?
B: Japan - SUSHI and awesome fans.
K: What are the nicest / coolest / craziest gifts you’ve ever gotten from fans?
B: music is my favorite.
K: How often do people ask if your band is named after "that KISS song?" It isn’t, right?
B: Every now and then. Actually Michael came up with name. He was going to be a fire fighter, so the name actually came from the fire department.
K:What’s your favorite flavor of Kool-Aid?
B: Pinot Nior
K: Favorite M&M color?
B: all of 'em.
K:If you could invite any three people to dinner, to enjoy conversation with, who would they be and why?
B: Jesus Christ, my wife, and my daughter.
K: What advice do you have for kids trying to get into the music business today?
B: Run for the hills!!! If that doesn't work, just make sure you write the best songs you can and try to be flexible.
K: Any parting words for your fans?
B: Thank you so much for over a decade of support. We love making music and you people make it possible by buying our CD's and coming to shows. Hope to see you all this summer on tour.