Jack Russell, lead singer of the band Great White, speaks to reporters after a deadly fire at The Station nightclub Feb. 21, 2003, in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The band's guitarist Ty Longly was missing at the time. "We hope Jims family takes comfort that his star will forever shine on!". On the final night as the festival came to an end, after a set by Moroccan singer Abdelaziz Stati, 11 people were crushed to death. Great White dropped a bombshell on us Monday . View of the front door and parking lot. TMU participates in various affiliate and advertising programs, including, but not limited to, Amazon, Ticketmaster, and others, and earns from qualifying purchases. Just seconds after 80s sensation Great White took the stage, pyrotechnics ignited a fire that . They would be burned alive, identified days later only by dental records or tattoos. This was supposed to be a monument to remind state officials, local officials, elected officials what happens when you dont do your job. And he met his wife in the fire and they had a beautiful son. At the time of the fire, the group that was on the road was called JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE. He and his pal, Michael Ricardi, were the hosts of "Jim and Mikeys Power Hour" on the college radio station WNRC. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The outlet reported that the surviving band members were never charged. A fire breaks out at a Great White concert in Rhode Island, killing 100 people, including the band's guitarist, Ty Longley. Former Great White frontman Jack Russelllater admitted he was haunted by the events that occurred that night. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Two survivors later died in the hospital as a result of their injuries. "If he wants to help, stay away, shut your mouth.". Combined with the panic of the crowd and the deadly poison in the air, it was practically a miracle that anyone got out at all. Throughout the park, each of the fire's victims are honored by name, while tributes also thank the first responders for their life-saving efforts that night. Great White- Back to the Rhythm. "Everyone would look at this differently if Jack Russell would stand up and say, Im sorry,'" Gina Russo, a concertgoer who was burned in the fire, explained to the Boston Globe. And his comment was, 'If this wouldn't have happened, I wouldn't have met the love of my life. Survivor Joe Kinans courage, and even humor, in the face of the horrific challenges he faced recovering serve as powerful reminders of the endurance of the human spirit.. Some suffered cardiac arrest. Sherman lost two cousins in the fire. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Those sparks then ignited cheap packaging foam that was used as soundproofing. 401-462-7111. All in all, it took less than five minutes from the point of ignition for the club to be entirely consumed by flames, and panicked concert goers struggled to escape the . It remains Americas deadliest rock concert. Next: Worst Concert Mishaps and Tragedies, Great White Announce Andrew Freeman as New Singer, Great White Still Love Jack Russell, Says Mark Kendall, Great White Singer Will Never Apologize for Controversial Show, Great White Apologize for Concert With No Masks or Distancing, Jack Russell Calls New Great White Documentary Cathartic, Great White Come Full Circle With New Album: Exclusive Interview, Great White Singer Terry Ilous Teases New Solo LP With Cover of Led Zeppelins Whole Lotta Love': Exclusive Premiere, Memorial Park Dedicated to the Victims of the Great White Concert Fire to Open, Jack Russell Still in Therapy Over Great White Club Fire. Once you're logged in, you will be able to comment. There, an underpass that led to the concert grounds became clogged with people who entered the tunnel despite no one being let into the festival at the time. governor unveils proposed $55.5B state budget, Hunter who killed dogs thought they were coyotes, The War on Alzheimers: The Battle Continues, 2022 Rewind: Our favorite stories from last year, From Homeless to Hope: An Educators Journey, Parents threaten lawsuit to block closure of Prov. Great White's Jack Russell Discusses the Station Nightclub Fire, When asked if he felt horrible about the tragedy in a 2013 interview with Rover Radio, Russell answered, "Of course I do." Great White's songs would never again be played by Rhode Island radio stations. On February 20th, 2003 in West Warick, Rhode Island, tragedy struck during a Great White headlined concert. And it was just horrific, man. And, just when it couldn't get worse, they played Rhode Island. On February 20th, 2003, the deadliest rock concert in U.S. history took place at a roadhouse called The Station in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The crowd rushed to the front of the stage, with people squeezing together so tightly that many couldnt breathe. This site uses cookies by us and our advertising partners to deliver relevant advertising on our site, personalized content and to perform analytics. Weeks after the fire a charred handwritten notebook page was recovered from the Station nightclub ashes that contained rows of names and above them were the words Guest List., Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. The leader of a rock band is accused of tampering with a flamethrower at a concert, which caused the deaths of 23 people. "He went to get more information. He was 21. En cliquant sur Accepter tout, vous acceptez que Yahoo et nos partenaires traitent vos informations personnelles et utilisent des technologies telles que les cookies pour afficher des publicits et des contenus personnaliss, et des fins de mesure des publicits et des contenus, dtude des audiences et de dveloppement de produit. "I lost a lot of friends that night a lot of friends. mobile app. At least 96 people burned to death here in a matter of minutes Thursday night as a roaring fire sparked by a heavy metal rock band's pyrotechnic show consumed an old, wood-frame . GREAT WHITE guitarist Mark Kendall spoke to the "Sally Steele Rocks! A memorial park now occupies the space on Cowesett Avenue where the club once stood, a place where friends and families of the victims, along with survivors, go to remember those lost. Nous, Yahoo, faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo. The band was popular during the late 80s, when their cover of Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" became a Top 5 hit in the United States. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! It wascompleted in May 2017and dedicated to those impacted by the fire. Great white pin. , RI reports $1.6M in back pay recovered since 2020, Prosecutor who charged Alahverdian buys UK castle, Whos in the mix to replace Congressman Cicilline, Moses Brown defeats South Kingston in girls Sweet, Portsmouth hangs on to beat Barrington, advances, DI champion Juanita Sanchez cruises to Elite 8, Bay View dominates Mount St. Charles, advances to, La Salle defeats East Greenwich, advances to Elite, Honoring Black History: Sharing Our Stories, 2/24/2023: Rep. Cicilline; special election preview, R.I. native on the newest season of Survivor, Join Cardis in supporting the Gamm Theatre, In the Kitchen: Steak Fries with Parmesan and Black, Alexandras Too shares the latest styles and trends, In the Kitchen with Bob Burke from Pot au Feu, In Memoriam: Victims of the Station Nightclub Fire, Mom of woman killed by driver renews push for change, Tesla to cut costs of next generation cars in half, Peoples Savings Bank building bought for $2.2M, PC Friars, Xavier to battle for 2nd in Big East, RI lawmakers seek to legalize magic mushrooms, Prov. In less than 90 seconds, most of those who hadn't already made their escape would be . Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. People die, Kane said. "Honestly, I haven't been asked a question about the fire in I can't remember how many years now," he said. You could just see the perpetual smile on his face. [And they told me], 'But you can't say it. Jimmy Gahan was ecstatic when he was offered the opportunity to interview Jack Russell, the lead singer of Great White. (Bill Greene/The Boston Globe via Getty Images). Then, it grew quieter and quieter. During a recent appearance on the New Orleans radio station Bayou 95.7, Twisted Sister's Dee Snider reflected on the Great White concert fire tragedy and said that the band's frontman, Jack Russell, is utterly devastated and sorry for what happened.. As you might know, the Great White concert fire happened on February 20, 2003, just seconds after Great White took the stage to perform. So he had to be really unbiased, which he really was he just told it. Kinan was severely burned in the Station nightclub fire. The Great White Nightclub Fire Explained. Pearl Jam later referenced the incident in the song Love Boat Captain with the line Lost nine friends well never know., Dec. 3, 1979 Cincinnati, OhioDeaths at concert: 11. The fire starts during the band's opening number, "Desert Moon," when pyrotechnics ignite the soundproof insulation at the . "I think it's ruining all the positive strides that we're now making to heal here in Rhode Island," Jody King, whose brother Tracy was a bouncer at the Station, told the Associated Press in 2015. The truth is ugly but should never be forgotten. "I've seen so many video tapes of pyro shooting off in that club with the foam bigger stuff than we had and it never happened," Jack told Psycho Babble TV." The reminders are constant, involving a certain number, 41, Nicks favorite and lucky number. As people drive by, they should be reminded to do the right thing and make sure the people that we hire, do the right thing.. The Story of the Great White Concert Fire Tragedy. "America's Deadliest Concert: The Guest List", a documentary about the infamous GREAT WHITE concert fire nearly two decades ago that killed a hundred people and injured hundreds more, will receive its premiere on Reelz on February 20. ", Five years ago, Russell told Psycho Babble TV about the upcoming documentary: "What it is is partly my life story, as a kid growing up, and then it goes off into the fire, unfortunately, and the aftermath of that, and testimonies not testimony, but talks by the victims and their families and how it affected them.". Russell sued his onetime bandmates in 2012 over their continued use of the GREAT WHITE name after Jack had taken a leave of absence from the band for medical reasons. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Great White toured with Guns N' Roses, hit the charts, and dissolved in a blur of betrayal and substance abuse. Musicians United to Benefit the Victims of the Station Nightclub Fire Feb. 25, 2008, in Providence, R.I. (Marc Andrew Deley/WireImage), "We will never know how many lives will be saved by this law," the Falmouth Fire and Rescue Department announced in a statement. Questions about true responsibility for the tragedy would remain . The foam used in the club's walls wasn't just remarkably flammable. On the night of February 20, 2003, more than 400 music fans packed into the small Station nightclub. James donated his sons CDs to WNRC. the guest list is a strikingly visual film. [And they told me], 'But you can't say it. Official "America's Deadliest Concert: The Guest List" description: "Fates of the innocent and guilty collide in a small New England town when pyrotechnics from an 80's rock band spark America's deadliest rock concert. But I didn't know anyone in [Jack's solo] band; I just met 'em for the first time [on that tour].". The Station nightclub owners Michael (center) and Jeffrey Derderian (right) listen to victim impact statements with attorney Richard Egbert Sept. 29, 2006, during their sentencing trial at the Kent County Courthouse in Warwick, Rhode Island. Not for sale or trade. Hopefully, this story will make us all change our lives just a little bit so we never have another Station nightclub disaster., Dee Snider, Twisted Sister frontman, once played the Station nightclub and many others just like it in cities and towns across the country, as was common for many rock and metal bands of the 80s era. Russell said that the flames from the pyrotechnic display spread to foam decorations around the stage. Representing the families of the deceased, lawyer John Barylick negotiated a $176 million civil settlement from, as he put it, "the persons and corporations responsible for the fire.". In January of 2010, the clubs owners, the foam manufacturers of the hazardous and toxic building insulation, Anheuser-Busch, Clear Channel Broadcasting, and the town of West Warwick settled for $176 million to be distributed among the survivors of the fire and the children and families of those who perished. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images). As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. Hidden comments will still appear to the user and to the user's Facebook friends. The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick started when pyrotechnics for the rock band Great White set fire to flammable foam installed as soundproofing. The crowds mood inside the Station went from celebration, to curiosity, to concern, to absolute terror within about a 20-second span. (Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images), Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines February 18, Ali Wong says she's 'best friends' with her ex-husband: 'It's an unconventional divorce', 'Champions' star Woody Harrelson: SNL monologue controversy caps storied personal journey, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry suffered Hollywood 'miscalculation' with explosive tell-alls: experts, Jussie Smollett files appeal argument in hate crime hoax conviction, Michael B. Jordan apologized to his mom before steamy Calvin Klein underwear ad was released, Kristin Cavallari jokes shes 'heartless' for breaking up with guys over text: 'I know thats horrible'. Jack largely blamed these injuries on his alcohol and painkiller addictions as well as the prednisone drug he was prescribed. That's pretty much the end of GREAT WHITE. Not a guilty apology, but because I just, "I mean, I feel horrible that it happened," he continued. "My heart aches for all the families and friends of the victims whose lives will forever be changed by this terrible tragedy," he was quoted as saying on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. I mean, it's like a plane crash it takes all these little things to fall in line for that one big thing to happen. When something like this happens, you always wonder if you told the people around us if you loved them enough. BLABBERMOUTH.NET reserves the right to "hide" comments that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate and to "ban" users that violate the site's Terms Of Service. ", CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER. Not for sale or trade. Great White Announce Andrew Freeman as New Singer. A fire enveloped netting near the ceiling and quickly spread. It was reported that the venue was engulfed in flames within minutes. The resulting conflagration killed 100 persons and grievously injured many others. In the afternoon before the concert, Bellino said, Russell met many Great White fans in the West Warwick area and added their names to the guest list for the show that night. User comments or postings do not reflect the viewpoint of BLABBERMOUTH.NET and BLABBERMOUTH.NET does not endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of, any user comment. On the night of February 20, 2003, more than 400 music fans packed into the small Station nightclub. BLABBERMOUTH.NET reserves the right to "hide" comments that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate and to "ban" users that violate the site's Terms Of Service. And it's really, really informative, and it delves into people's lives.". 'The Guest List' remains timely, years after the station fire tragedy, as young people will always be attracted to concert events while some bands, promoters, and concert venues remain tempted to cut corners for cheap spectacle. When burned, it also produced a spectacularly toxic smoke composed of hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, a lethal combination capable of rendering a person unconscious on inhalation. Many of the worlds deadliest concert disasters have one thing in common: massive crowds. Christmas Day is supposed to be happy and pleasant, a time to gather with loved ones for a chill and relaxing celebration. Russell exited GREAT WHITE in December 2011 after he was unable to tour with the group due a series of injuries, including a perforated bowel and a shattered pelvis. . Mikes title rings true. Russell exited GREAT WHITE in December 2011 after he was unable to tour with the group due a series of injuries, including a perforated bowel and a shattered pelvis. The bands tour manager set off some pyrotechnics that set insulation ablaze, and it took a while for the audience to understand that the flames werent part of the show. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This nine-day festival, according to Al Jazeera, was meant to promote the reputation of Morocco as a modern nation. Source: The Patriot Ledger. One member, guitarist Ty Longley, was killed in the fire. A fire claimed 100 lives during a Great White show on Feb. 20, 2003 at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. More than 200 others were also injured in a blaze caused by the band's pyrotechnic display. Photo: Getty Images. So [the movie] gave me the opportunity to talk about how I felt and for me to apologize. Comment. For what its worth, you have been in my prayers and always will be., Russell performed a benefit concert on Feb. 7, 2013 in commemoration of the tragedy, with all proceeds going to the victims families. More than 18,000 tickets were sold for The Whos concertat Cincinnati Riverfront Stadium, and there were only 25 police officers allotted for crowd control. February 22, 2003. At the time of the fire, the group that was on the road was called JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE. "One of Jimmys friends heard about what happened at the club," said Gahan. Keep telling those in your life how much you love them. '", The singer said that the documentary, which he hopes will help bring him some closure, is "really well done. It was the first procedure of its kind at the Massachusetts General Hospital Hand Transplantation Service. To do so, click the downward arrow on the top-right corner of the Facebook comment (the arrow is invisible until you roll over it) and select the appropriate action. Gahans father, James Gahan, also spoke out for the special. Sat-Sun. Eight people were ultimately pronounced dead, and dozens more rushed to the hospital in what was officially classified a mass casualty incident. The Station nightclub fire occurred 20 years ago on the evening of February 20, 2003 at a Great White concert in West Warwick, RI killing 100 people and injuring 230. He sent a handwritten letter of apology to each of the families affected by the fire. "I lost a lot of friends that night a lot of friends. "Because we've never used it before. Not for sale or trade. Throughout this journey we discover what many feel was legal injustice within local and state government. Road managerDaniel Biechele set off the pyrotechnics during the opening number, as planned. "It's been a long, long time. According to reports, Michael was released after earning time off for good behavior. The Jimmy Gahan Charitable Foundation, which James established with his wife, was instrumental in the radio station getting an upgrade, the Telegram & Gazette reported. A short time later, Russell was countersued by Kendall, rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Michael Lardie and drummer Audie Desbrow, claiming the vocalist's self-destructive behavior was damaging the GREAT WHITE name (they also alleged he was charging promoters less for his own touring version of GREAT WHITE). WARWICK, R.I. Sunday marks the 19th anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire in Warwick, Rhode Island. Once they did, there was a mass exodus, but most tried to leave the way theyd entered. I'm very close with everybody in Rhode Island. He was released from prison in March of 2008 after being deemed highly unlikely to reoffend. "There was a man named Joe; they call him 'The Lizard Man,'" Jack said. lawmakers want public vetting of teachers contract, Partially-treated sewage flowing into Blackstone, Petition seeks to change how town defines adult, Warren town manager advocates for coastal communities, Teachers hopeful despite vote to end education collaborative, Olive oil in coffee? The fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick began in an overcrowded club when pyrotechnics from Russell's GREAT WHITE ignited illegal soundproofing foam lining the club's walls. The strange and terrible true story of Great White, and the Station nightclub fire. The one-story building burned to the ground in about three minutes. The film is based in part on John Barylick's narrative non-fiction work "Killer Show: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert". With Jerry Orbach, Jesse L. Martin, S. Epatha Merkerson, Sam Waterston. View of the front door and parking lot. It was the first procedure of its kind at the Massachusetts General Hospital Hand Transplantation Service. Weeks after the fire, the actual charred, handwritten guest list was recovered from the club's ashes. Even after I was released, at the end of each day I felt as if I needed to go home to the hospital. The Event Center at Turning Stone Resort Casino - Verona, NY. But for Great White, that faux smoke serves as an unintentional reminder of a colossal tragedy synonymous with its name - a 2003 club fire that killed 100 people and injured 230. Try plastic surgery for autographs, Fan brings Olympian Mary Lou Retton to tears, RISPCA has nearly 30 guinea pigs up for adoption, February vacation events around Southern New England, How you can help those affected by Station fire, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Today, James said Ricardi has stayed in touch with the family. In 2021, the Derderians gave an interview to 48 Hours, explaining, for the first time, their side of what happened. In less than 90 seconds, most of those who hadnt already made their escape would be trapped inside. All rights reserved. The pyrotechnics quickly became disastrous as materials caught on fire and the air became thick with toxic smoke. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister performs during Phoenix Rising! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He probably wasn't drinking, and was recently aware of the dangers involved in being in a packed club like that. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Feb 20 2003, 400 music fans of Great White packed into the small Station nightclub. And after going through injury after injury, thats when the music took over. PAUL STANLEY Blasts MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE After She Complains Of Harassment, DAVE LOMBARDO To Tour U.K. With 'Progressive Grindcore' Band EMPIRE STATE BASTARD, MIKKEY DEE Is Open To Playing With KING DIAMOND Again: 'That'd Be Great Fun For Me'. See Tickets. Show" about the deadly blaze on February 20, 2003 in Rhode Island caused by pyrotechnics at a concert by the now-former GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell. "He was on cloud nine. We're constantly in contact on Facebook. Americas Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List explores the Station nightclub fire through gripping survivor accounts and family members and friends of victims who have memorialized their loss through pursuits ranging from an exhibit of commemorative body art to re-immersion in the rock culture that initially brought them and their loved ones to the Station nightclub. I persevere each day.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Jack largely blamed these injuries on his alcohol and painkiller addictions as well as the prednisone drug he was prescribed. "America's Deadliest Concert: The Guest List", a documentary about the GREAT WHITE concert fire, received its premiere this past February via Reelz. All defendants settled. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. May 23, 2009 Rabat, MoroccoDeaths at concert: 11. Still, he said he understood why some believe he should be held accountable for what happened fifteen years ago. Crowds were well past fire capacity the night of the Station Nightclub Fire, and 100 people died while watching the band Great White. Lawsuits were filed against several defendants including American Foam Corporation, Anheuser-Busch Inc. (which had advertised the concert as well as supplied beer), the Town of West Warwick (which had inspected The Station and not found it a fire hazard), and Great White. En cliquant sur Refuser tout, vous refusez tous les cookies non essentiels et technologies similaires, mais Yahoo continuera utiliser les cookies essentiels et des technologies similaires. At an underground electronic music party in Oakland, a fire broke out that trapped and killed 36 people. The entire event was a perfect storm of bad planning. Several had fallen and the crowd pressed on, suffocating those at the bottom of the pile. So it was kind of strange. It could fairly be said that music and rock culture drew one hundred innocent people to their deaths in The Station fire. He spent less than three years behind bars. The fire was started by pyrotechnics going off on stage while the band Great White performed. It was a horrible thing that happened. It includes interviews with Russell, Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER),Don Dokken (DOKKEN),Lita Ford and Michael Sweet (STRYPER). And they've gotta understand, when all this went down, my legal team, they said, 'You cannot ever say you're sorry, because it implies guilt.' More than 460 fans had crowded into the wooden, single-story, 4,480 -square-foot nightclub known as The Station in West Warwick, R.I., to enjoy a Thursday night show on Feb. 20, 2003. Disasters have one thing in common: massive crowds great white concert fire minutes Island, tragedy struck a! Man, ' '' Jack said February 20th, 2003, 100 people died and 200... Just, `` I lost a lot of friends, R.I. Sunday marks the 19th anniversary the! Those in your life how much you love them the lead singer of Great White packed into the Station... Facebook friends during the opening number, as planned records or tattoos Russelllater admitted was! And to the hospital in what was officially classified a mass casualty incident user and to perform analytics ultimately! Up for the tragedy would remain CLICK HERE to SIGN UP for the first time, their side what... Guitarist Mark Kendall spoke to the hospital in what was officially classified a exodus., thats when the music took over injury, thats when the music took.... Of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience it delves into people 's lives. `` identified! Is ugly but should never be forgotten it was the first procedure of its kind at the of... Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed to the user and to perform analytics concert fire.. To each of the fire say it deadliest concert disasters have one thing in:! 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