The building was mistakenly thought to be exempt from fire codes requiring sprinkler systems. But it's really moving. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Sparks from a pyrotechnic display caused soundproofing material around the stage to burst into flames minutes into the Great White concert. At least one relative of a Station fire victim was angered by Russell's plan to make a documentary about the incident and discuss it in the upcoming book. For many of those passionate fans, what appeared to be their very luckiest day turned out to be their last. It also provided scholarships for students to attend Nichols, among other colleges. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of all cookies. "He was totally into sports, but he always had this connection to music," James explained. Local company Stanley Tree Service hung lights for 100 minutes to honor every person killed and injured. This is an IMPORTANT rock doc that EVERYONE needs to watch. But what should have been a joyous night ended in tragedy. Metallica 80s Rock Band Battle Jacket (almost done) Not for sale or trade. He's actually from that town. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Legal Statement. Once they did, there was a mass exodus, but most tried to leave the way theyd entered. Jimmy Gahan died in The Station nightclub fire. 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. To comment on a BLABBERMOUTH.NET story or review, you must be logged in to an active personal account on Facebook. The fire starts during the band's opening number, "Desert Moon," when pyrotechnics ignite the soundproof insulation at the . Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. I spent the next 50 weeks in the hospital. A formal ceremony is in the works for the 20th anniversary of the fire. Kane says he and his family miss Nick as much as ever, but theyre not shy to say they feel his presence. We just want Give us a lot of lights, maybe a little fog on the ballad and girls backstage. He sent a handwritten letter of apology to each of the families affected by the fire. (Douglas McFadd/Getty Images). November 12, 2015. The chaos started when Scott, the festivals founder and headliner, took the stage. 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. 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. I'm very close with everybody in Rhode Island. Sadly, its far from the first time that people have died at a concert or music festival. He died. Several people made their way toward the exits hed pointed out while others didnt take the threat seriously. Their stories embody courage and deliver inspiration while others depict a much darker aftermath. The guy filming was doing so for a piece on nightclub safety if you can even believe the irony of that . PLAYBOY STAFF TRIED TO WARN HUGH HEFNER THAT PLAYMATE DOROTHY STRATTEN WAS IN DANGER BEFORE MURDER: DOC, Joe Kinan was discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital after receiving a hand transplant. In the end, Great White's manager, who set up the pyrotechnics, plead guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter against the advice of his attorney. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. Nov. 5, 2021 Houston, TexasConcert deaths: 9. The crowd rushed to the front of the stage, with people squeezing together so tightly that many couldnt breathe. Road managerDaniel Biechele set off the pyrotechnics during the opening number, as planned. 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. Its important for people to remember today though not just because the loved ones who have passed or were injured. He was 21. 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. The entire event was a perfect storm of bad planning. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. One of the most horrific tragedies ever in rock happened 20 years ago today, when the pyrotechnics fired during the first song of a Great White club show in West Warwick, Rhode island, set fire to the foam over and around the stage, setting the club ablaze, killing 100, and injuring 200 more. 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. "It's been a long, long time. 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. James said the foundation gave the family a sense of comfort and purpose during their grief. 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.' 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. They would be burned alive, identified days later only by dental records or tattoos. "During the first few days, we were just in complete shock," he said. (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'. Kendall later said he was asked to join Russell and his solo band on the tour to help boost attendance. '", According to Russell, at least one "really beautiful" thing came out of the tragedy. The resulting conflagration killed 100 persons and grievously injured many others. 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. 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. A trailer for the film is available below. A fire enveloped netting near the ceiling and quickly spread. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister performs during Phoenix Rising! Its central characters struggle to cope in the aftermath of tragedy some gracefully, and some less so. 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. Christmas Day is supposed to be happy and pleasant, a time to gather with loved ones for a chill and relaxing celebration. Other known facts are that the club was never sanctioned as such and never received a fire inspection. The Great White Concert Fire: Deadliest Rock Concert In American History. In less than 90 seconds, most of those who hadn't already made their escape would be . MTLEY CRE'S NIKKI SIXX OPENS UP ON SOBRIETY, WHY HE LEFT CALIFORNIA FOR WYOMING: ITS HOME. Just seconds after 80s sensation Great White took the stage, pyrotechnics ignited a fire that raced up the walls and across the ceiling of the packed venue. Amid the chaos, Ricardi couldnt see his friend but was hoping that Gahan was right behind him. 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. Partially in return for this openness and admission of responsibility, many of those same families publicly supported his early parole, which was granted about halfway through his sentence. [And they told me], 'But you can't say it. And I'm, like, 'But I am sorry.' That was the last time I saw him. The resulting conflagration killed 100 persons and grievously injured many others. the band playing at a Rhode Island nightclub where 100 people perished in a fire was NOT Great White. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images). Chapters 6-18 deal with the events immediately leading up to the Great White concert of February 20, 2003 and the fire itself. With no fire suppression system in place and the extreme high temperatures generated by the burning foam, in practically no time, the situation reached what's called "flashover," the point in a fire when all flammable materials in an enclosed space hit flashpoint and start releasing flammable gases. Station nightclub fire scene, viewed from above. 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. 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. Just seconds after 80s sensation Great White took the stage, pyrotechnics ignited a fire that raced up the walls and across the ceiling of the packed venue. Great White Concert History. Jeffrey was spared jail time and sentenced to community service and probation. "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. A fire at a rock concert in a West Warwick, Rhode Island, nightclub kills 100 people and seriously injures almost 200 more on February 20, 2003. . Questions about true responsibility for the tragedy would remain . I just remember him smiling and then heading off while he floated on cloud nine. 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. (Courtesy of James Gahan), "I cant even begin to tell you how elated he was," James recalled to Fox News Digital about the 21-year-old. It is an object lesson in the tragic potential of poor decisions. He died. "He was on cloud nine. The Station fire was a perfect storm of human error that became one of the worst nightclub tragedies in US history. The gerbs, essentially souped up spark throwers, were set up in a line, with the two in the center pointed straight up and the ones on each end angled diagonally, launching sparks directly into the club's acoustic foam wall panels. (Bob Breidenbach-Pool/Getty Images). Any unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable law. The fire started by pyrotechnics ignited during a Great White concert at the Station, a rock club in West Warwick, R.I., resulted in the deaths of 96 people and injuries to 200 more. BLABBERMOUTH.NET uses the Facebook Comments plugin to let people comment on content on the site using their Facebook account. The Station Nightclub Fire, America . Not a guilty apology, but because I just, "I mean, I feel horrible that it happened," he continued. Seen through the human lens of victims, survivors and their families, the fire and milestones of healing physical and emotional scars all come into focus in this poignant television event, shares Steve Cheskin, SVP of Programming at REELZ. Gahan and Ricardi decided to stick around for the show. It could fairly be said that music and rock culture drew one hundred innocent people to their deaths in The Station fire. "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. It was something that I hoped that people would remember, just because of the nature of it and the fact that we need to take care of ourselves when we're out at places; we need to be conscious of our safety. The nightclub was known for heavy metal music, and that evening the headliner was metal band Great White. The event was also canceled in 2009 in Bochum due to the inability to host so many spectators. 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. Right as the show started around 11 p.m., the band set off some pyrotechnics that lit the overhead sound foam . He probably wasn't drinking, and was recently aware of the dangers involved in being in a packed club like that. Comment. General admission seating made up 80 percent of tickets sold, which was said to be a contributing factor to the rush for entry as fans clamored for a good view of the show. At around midnight, James said, one of his sons roommates headed to the family home. But I didn't know anyone in [Jack's solo] band; I just met 'em for the first time [on that tour].". Weeks after the fire, the actual charred, handwritten guest list was recovered from the club's ashes. "America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List" premiers Feb 20th on @ReelzChannelhttps://t.co/uQPOE13agm, Dee Snider (@deesnider) February 5, 2022. This was a tragedy of a magnitude not seen before in Rhode Island. Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD. . Reels will be looking back at the tragic 2003 Station Nightclub fire that broke out during a Great White concert that claimed the lives of 100 people, including guitarist Ty Longley, in their new . The leader of a rock band is accused of tampering with a flamethrower at a concert, which caused the deaths of 23 people. Biechele pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in the tragedy. The sum total of all settlements was slightly . We pretty much knew at that point it was just going to be a question of identification.". Eight people were ultimately pronounced dead, and dozens more rushed to the hospital in what was officially classified a mass casualty incident. And it's really, really informative, and it delves into people's lives.". Dec. 30, 2004 Buenos Aires, ArgentinaDeaths at concert: 194. 1,144 Concerts. "It may not be the best thing in the world for me, but it's very cathartic," he said. "And I even called the manager, I go, 'You're calling it 'Jack Russell's GREAT WHITE'?' The lead singer of Great White is making a documentary about the tragic 2003 fire that killed 100 people at a concert in Rhode Island Charles Krupa/AP. It all started around 11 p.m. when the rock band Jack Russell's Great White took the stage and the group's tour manager, Daniel Biechele, set off four large fireworks called gerbs. In 2010, it was hosted in Duisburg. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister performs during Phoenix Rising! 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.. The pyrotechnics quickly became disastrous as materials caught on fire and the air became thick with toxic smoke. Feb 20, 2023. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. He was 21. The Event Center at Turning Stone Resort Casino - Verona, NY. A similar measure was among 10 recommendations for improvements to fire codes released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. "The film contrasts Jack Russell's post-fire journey, in a search for redemption, with survivor Joe Kinan's rebirth, courage and inspiration. 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. The Station nightclub fire happened more than 14 years ago, and on Sunday, a memorial park was dedicated to the victims of the fire. 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. The Massachusetts native was a celebrated high school athlete when he turned to music as a disc jockey at Nichols College. , 2003 and the fire, the actual charred, handwritten guest list was recovered the. At a Rhode Island characters struggle to cope in the world for me, but because I just ``... Shock, '' James explained band Battle Jacket ( almost done ) not for sale or trade nov.,. Formal ceremony is in the tragic potential of poor decisions NIKKI SIXX OPENS UP on SOBRIETY, WHY he CALIFORNIA... Deal with the events immediately leading UP to the hospital in what was officially a. 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