Firefall fans still love classic hits

A group of musicians who recorded several radio favorites in the 1970s are coming to Shelby.

Firefall is known for classics such as “Just Remember I Love You” and “You Are The Woman.” Through the years, they recorded 11 chart-topping singles and continue to tour with three original members.

They perform at 8 p.m. Friday, April 27 at the Don Gibson Theatre, 318 Washington St., Shelby. Tickets cost $32.50, available in person at the box office, online at dongibsontheater.com or by calling 704-487-8114.

For a generation of pop and light rock music fans, music at the concert should bring back memories. Even though the group is rock ‘n’ roll, they seemed to achieve the most success with love songs.

Original member David Muse says he’s been in and out of the group a few times, and played with the Marshall Tucker Band for eight or nine years.

He said it’s nice to be traveling with Firefall and performing with old friends. He said they’re like brothers and have been through a lot together.

“I feel fortunate just to be able to keep doing what I’ve been doing all my life, have people still appreciate it and pay to come out and hear you play. You start realizing you’ve been a part of their life,” Muse said.

The group plays its biggest songs in concert, touching on most hits that charted the best, he said.

“A lot of people come to the show thinking it’s going to be this love song type of evening. We’re a rock ‘n’ roll band. There’s a lot of energy. It’s a pretty dynamic show we put together,” he said.

In addition to Muse, Firefall performs with other original members Jock Bartley and Mark Andes. Joining them are longtime drummer Sandy Ficca and singer and guitarist Gary Jones.

Bartley sings and performs lead and acoustic guitar. Muse sings and plays a variety of instruments including keyboards, flute, saxophone and harmonica. Andes sings and plays bass guitar.

Firefall has entertained audiences for more than 40 years. In addition to “You Are The Woman” and “Just Remember I Love You,” their hits include “Strange Way” and “Cinderella.”

As a single, “You Are The Woman” has been played on commercial radio more than 7 million times. It’s also appeared in TV shows and movies.

You can reach Wade Allen at 704-669-3331 and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/wadeallenstar.