The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island started when pyrotechnics for the rock band Great White set fire to flammable foam installed as soundproofing. In 2010, it was hosted in Duisburg. My horror at the incident rose along with the body count. Not including the 2017 terror attacks at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena and the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, crushing crowds and fires have caused some of the most dangerous and deadly concert tragedies. People embrace at a Mass of Remembrance to honor the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire at St. Kevin Church in Warwick, Feb. 19, 2023. However, an enamored teenage fan may be willing to commit perjury to give him an alibi. Not for sale or trade. See Tickets. Great White is a hard rock band that formed in 1978 in Los Angeles, California, United States. 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.' In February 2003, hard rock band Great White was involved in one of the biggest and most infamous concert tragedies in music history, when pyrotechnics set off by their tour manager ignited flammable acoustic foam in the . who is a producing partner of the documentary and an attorney/law professor in Rhode Island. Great White Announce Andrew Freeman as New Singer. Kendall, who founded the band with Russell in 1982, later said he was asked to join Russell and his solo band on the tour to help boost attendance. Nov. 5, 2021 Houston, TexasConcert deaths: 9. Comment. With intimate insight from people who were impacted by the tragedy, this is a potent portrait of humanity, from deep resentment and brutal suffering to resilience and the power of community., This documentary addresses timeless themes of personal responsibility, loss, courage and forgiveness. "America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List" premiers Feb 20th on @ReelzChannelhttps://t.co/uQPOE13agm, Dee Snider (@deesnider) February 5, 2022. He died. 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.". 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.' View of the front door and parking lot. Great White is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 5 concerts across 1 country in 2023-2024. The ornate Cabaret room, where two comics were warming up an audience of at least a thousand people in a space meant for about 600, held the majority of the buildings occupants. And he met his wife in the fire and they had a beautiful son. The band suddenly went from drawing 100 people to a local club to drawing thousands in L.A. concert halls such as Perkins Palace in Pasadena, . Kane says he and his family miss Nick as much as ever, but theyre not shy to say they feel his presence. [And they told me], 'But you can't say it. 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. "He was totally into sports, but he always had this connection to music," James explained. Great White- "Face the Day (Blues Mix)". Dec. 2, 2016 Oakland, CaliforniaConcert deaths: 36. Twisted Sister star Dee Snider recalled the deadly Great White concert fire while mentioning his involvement in America's Deadliest Concert: The Guest List, an upcoming documentary that reveals the unfortunate Great White concert fire that killed a hundred people.. Dee Snider achieved international fame as the lead singer and frontman of the 1972-formed heavy metal band Twisted Sister. And people have said, 'Well, he's not remorseful.' The parties settled in July 2013 without going to trial, with Russell now performing as JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE while the others are continuing as GREAT WHITE. They bonded over music. 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). The flames spread quickly, engulfing the club, and claiming the lives of many of those trying to escape. 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. Still, he said he understood why some believe he should be held accountable for what happened fifteen years ago. The truth is ugly but should never be forgotten. 58 Likes, TikTok video from Porkchop Pete (@porkchop_pete): "Do You Remember These Rock Concert Disasters? Two survivors later died in the hospital as a result of their injuries. Questions about true responsibility for the tragedy would remain . Not a guilty apology, but because I just, "I mean, I feel horrible that it happened," he continued. Even after I was released, at the end of each day I felt as if I needed to go home to the hospital. All rights reserved. These cookies do not store any personal information. M3 Rock Festival 2-Day Pass. Its possible that fireworks from outside the club started the blaze. Those sparks then ignited cheap packaging foam that was used as soundproofing. Most of the nearly 200 casualties were the result of inhaling smoke and toxic fumes rather than being crushed or burned. He and his pal, Michael Ricardi, were the hosts of "Jim and Mikeys Power Hour" on the college radio station WNRC. Lou Diamond embraces his girlfriend Lisa Sherman as she becomes emotional during the dedication ceremony for the memorial park at the site of the Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, May 21, 2017. At an underground electronic music party in Oakland, a fire broke out that trapped and killed 36 people. On the night of the concert, Gahan was gearing up to interview Russell for their show. 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. Russell also said that he wanted the tragedy to serve as a reminder to remain alert about public safety. Hidden comments will still appear to the user and to the user's Facebook friends. February 22, 2003. On February 20th, 2003 in West Warick, Rhode Island, tragedy struck during a Great White headlined concert. According to witness testimony corroborated by video from the night of the fire, Great White had just started playing their opening number, "Desert Moon," when a series of four pyrotechnics called "gerbs" were set off behind them. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. See Tickets. 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. ", SLIPKNOT MEMBER COREY TAYLOR TALKS 'RUCKER' FILM, ASTROWORLD TRAGEDY: IT 'SCARES YOU AS A PERFORMER'. "It was broccoli with pasta and chicken with shallots. "On the night of February 20th, 2003 America's deadliest rock concert began in West Warwick, Rhode Island, when the band GREAT WHITE ignited pyrotechnics inside a run-down roadhouse called The Station. Christmas Day is supposed to be happy and pleasant, a time to gather with loved ones for a chill and relaxing celebration. "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. "And when I went out there, not even realizing After I did three or four shows, I saw a flyer that said 'Jack Russell's GREAT WHITE,'" Mark recalled. We just want Give us a lot of lights, maybe a little fog on the ballad and girls backstage. The ensuing stampede crushed and knocked over many, and people died from suffocation, smoke inhalation, or were claimed by the fire itself including Great Whites lead guitarist, Ty Longley. And it was just horrific, man. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images). The band's tour manager set off some pyrotechnics that set insulation ablaze, and it took a while for the audience to understand that the flames weren't part of the show. 2 likes. James said the foundation gave the family a sense of comfort and purpose during their grief. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. He's actually from that town. Several had fallen and the crowd pressed on, suffocating those at the bottom of the pile. Informations sur votre appareil et sur votre connexion Internet, y compris votre adresseIP, Navigation et recherche lors de lutilisation des sites Web et applications Yahoo. August 13, 2011 Indianapolis, IndianaConcert deaths: 7. It was difficult to comprehend the whole scope of this and what missteps could give rise to such an extreme and deadly fire. The Station was overcrowded, with 462 people crammed into a room only licensed to hold about 400. The pyrotechnics quickly became disastrous as materials caught on fire and the air became thick with toxic smoke. '", The singer said that the documentary, which he hopes will help bring him some closure, is "really well done. A trailer for the film is available below. At around midnight, James said, one of his sons roommates headed to the family home. The public has a short memory, unfortunately. The Gang's All Here Tour: Skid Row, Great White, Kip Winger. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. It is an abject lesson in the tragic potential of poor decisions, adds documentary director David Bellino. It was a Thursday, and 80s band Great White was set to be playing to a packed crowd. It includes interviews with Russell, Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER),Don Dokken (DOKKEN),Lita Ford and Michael Sweet (STRYPER). James donated his sons CDs to WNRC. When something like this happens, you always wonder if you told the people around us if you loved them enough. June 30, 2000 Roskilde, DenmarkConcert deaths: 9, In 2020, nine men were killed at a Pearl Jam concert when people rushed the stage and those in front collapsed. I'm very close with everybody in Rhode Island. Feb 20, 2023. The Station fire was a perfect storm of human error that became one of the worst nightclub tragedies in US history. 100 clear lights for each person killed, 200 multi-colored lights for each . America's deadliest rock concert began in West Warwick, Rhode Island, when the band Great White ignited pyrotechnics inside a run-down roadhouse called the station. "There was a man named Joe; they call him 'The Lizard Man,'" Jack said. REELZ has announced the networks original documentary Americas Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List premieres Sunday, February 20th at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT presenting the deeply personal stories of lives forever altered by the tragic Station nightclub fire that left 100 people dead, more than 200 injured, and devastated the tight-knit community of West Warwick, Rhode Island. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! (Bob Breidenbach-Pool/Getty Images). . This past December, former GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell, whose pyrotechnics ignited the deadly blaze on February 20, 2003 in Rhode Island, told Tulsa Music Stream about the documentary: "We took three years shooting this thing. MTLEY CRE'S NIKKI SIXX OPENS UP ON SOBRIETY, WHY HE LEFT CALIFORNIA FOR WYOMING: ITS HOME. Sparks from a pyrotechnic display caused soundproofing material around the stage to burst into flames minutes into the Great White concert. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Todd King, a fire survivor who helped found the fund, said while some victims' relatives were upset with Great White's fundraising role, the band raised about $100,000 for the fund. One-hundred people were killed and 230 were injured. The Station fire, one of the deadliest nightclub blazes in U.S. history, was started by pyrotechnics during a concert for the band Great White. Right as the show started around 11 p.m., the band set off some pyrotechnics that lit the overhead sound foam . He was 21. "He would always go to concerts, and thats how he met Mike Ricardi. He added that everyone affected by the tragedy has their way of remembering the victims each year. Russell said that the flames from the pyrotechnic display spread to foam decorations around the stage. 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. The Station Nightclub Fire, America . On the night of February 20th, 2003, an explosion shook the city. 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. A fire breaks out at a Great White concert in Rhode Island, killing 100 people, including the band's guitarist, Ty Longley. 0:38. But the night of the accident, they actually put 'GREAT WHITE' on the marquee, and I think that's where the confusion came. 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. "America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List" airs Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. on Reelz. According to ABC News, though, several hundred people in the Chinese city of Luoyang decided to cut loose on Christmas night 2000 by heading to a nightclub housed on the fourth floor of a multi-use industrial building.A fire broke out in the basement of the structure . 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'. or redistributed. In 2017, Station Fire Memorial Park was opened on the site where the nightclub once stood. On February 20th, 2003, the city of West Warwick, Rhode Island was shaken by tragedy when a fire broke out at the Station nightclub. Sixty-six people ended up dead from the resulting fire. A lot of footage a lot of footage. It is also a story of the triumph of the human spirit, as seen in a communitys resilience and the recovery and rebirth of Joe Kinan, who was the last survivor pulled from the fire and the most severely burned. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It was the summer of 2011 and Alan Niven sat on the deck at his house in the desert . "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. Lunar time zone push begins, Hate your signature? That's cool.' Show" about the deadly blaze on February 20, 2003 in Rhode Island caused by pyrotechnics at a concert by the . To comment on a BLABBERMOUTH.NET story or review, you must be logged in to an active personal account on Facebook. But what should have been a joyous night ended in tragedy. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ", 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.". 'The Guest List' explores how that same music and culture became sources of healing and comfort, at least for some, in the years thereafter. Gina Russo has no clear memory of how, with her hair on fire, she got out of the Station nightclub the night of Feb. 20, 2003. TMZ.com. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. But when they opened the doors This whole place was lined with this black foam stuff, and come to find out later of course I didn't know it then but the fire marshal said it was equal to 13 gallons of gasoline on the wall or something. It's told from the personal perspectives of those who were there. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. #woodstock99 #roskildefestival #livemusic #musicfestival #pearljam #metallica Great White Nightclub Fire, Pearl Jam 2000 Roskilde Festival, GNR concert, #axlrose". 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). A guilty apology, but theyre not shy to say they feel his.... How you use this website clear lights for each, California, United States story! Comprehend the whole scope of this and what missteps could give rise to such an and! The desert TAYLOR TALKS 'RUCKER ' FILM, ASTROWORLD tragedy: it 'SCARES you as a reminder to alert. 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