Bill Leverty Interview: FireHouse, Deep South and Three Decades of Hard Rock

Since emerging with its self-titled debut in 1990, FireHouse has remained one of hard rock's most enduring success stories. Driven by hit singles such as "Don't Treat Me Bad", "Love of a Lifetime" and "When I Look Into Your Eyes", the band sold millions of albums worldwide while earning the 1991 American Music Award for Best New Hard Rock/Metal Artist. Albums such as Hold Your Fire, 3 and later releases helped establish FireHouse as one of the defining melodic hard rock bands of its generation.

In 2009, while promoting his solo album Deep South, guitarist Bill Leverty spoke with Rockum's Gino Alache about FireHouse's remarkable career, the stories behind some of the band's biggest songs, his passion for blues and Southern rock, the changing music industry and the possibility of new FireHouse material.

Gino Alache: FireHouse has enjoyed tremendous success over the years. What are your strongest memories from those early days?

Bill Leverty: My biggest memories come from the incredible success we experienced at the beginning. Recording our first album in New York, filming our first music video, going out on our first tour bus and, of course, winning the 1991 American Music Award for Best New Hard Rock Band. Those were exciting and unforgettable times.

Gino Alache: I heard an interesting story. Is it true that Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora suggested leaving "Love of a Lifetime" off the album?

Bill Leverty: That's true. They didn't like the original demo very much, so we went back, changed a few things and reworked it. The rest is history.

Gino Alache: Is there any possibility of hearing a new FireHouse album in the near future?

Bill Leverty: Yes, I'd say there's a very good possibility.

Gino Alache: Which FireHouse album have you listened to the most over the years?

Bill Leverty: I've enjoyed all of them, but I've probably listened to Prime Time the most because it's the newest one to me. I also still listen to 3 quite a bit.

Gino Alache: Your latest solo album, Deep South, captures both the spirit of the blues and the sound of Southern rock. How would you describe it?

Bill Leverty: Thank you very much! I think that's actually a very accurate description. Many of those songs are more than one hundred years old, but their spirit is still alive. I tried to give them my own interpretation while exploring the roots of Southern American music—blues, gospel and country. Some songs have a stronger rock approach, while others stay closer to their traditional origins. It's a very eclectic album.

Gino Alache: Your first solo albums, Wanderlust and Southern Exposure, were largely instrumental. Why did you decide to sing more on Deep South?

Bill Leverty: Wanderlust actually featured vocals, while Southern Exposure was my instrumental project. After that I wanted to do something different. I found these older songs, many written in minor keys, that really suited my voice. I love singing, so making a vocal album felt like the right step at this point in my career.

Gino Alache: Who have been your greatest musical influences?

Bill Leverty: There are many, but five of the biggest would be Steve Morse, Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck, Randy Rhoads and Michael Schenker.

Gino Alache: As both a guitarist and songwriter, what inspires you creatively?

Bill Leverty: Music inspires me in every possible form. Sometimes it's a guitar, sometimes it's a vocal melody, a drum sound or even a saxophone. Beyond music itself, my family, friends and everyday life experiences provide the inspiration that eventually becomes songs.

Gino Alache: How has the American rock scene changed since the 1980s and 1990s?

Bill Leverty: Today there are actually more clubs and places to perform than before, but music competes with many other forms of entertainment like video games, hundreds of television channels and the Internet. Back then, people simply went to more concerts.

Gino Alache: If you could change one thing about today's music industry, what would it be?

Bill Leverty: I'd like people to stop stealing music.

Gino Alache: What has been the most unforgettable moment of your career?

Bill Leverty: The day Michael Caplan from Epic Records told us, "Guys, you're ready for a record deal."

Gino Alache: What advice would you give to young musicians?

Bill Leverty: Become a complete musician. Study music theory, practice every day and, above all, have fun doing it.

Gino Alache: Would you like to leave a message for your fans?

Bill Leverty: Thank you very much for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you'll check out my solo albums at leverty.com and continue supporting FireHouse as well. I hope to see all of you very soon!

Gino Alache: Thank you very much for your time, Bill.

Bill Leverty: Thank you, Gino.