[94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. How is it our responsibility if they gave us the wrong foam?". [21], Among those who died in the fire were Great White guitarist Ty Longley, and the show's emcee, WHJY DJ Mike "The Doctor" Gonsalves. [48] The capacity for the Station was either 258 or 404, depending on how the building was being used. [21] A total of 462 people were in attendance, even though the club's maximum licensed capacity was cited as 404.[2]. [92], Russell left Great White in 2010. he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." The tragedy happened during a set of the hard rock band, Great White. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. JEFF DERDERIAN [crying]: Many people didn't make it out and that is a horror that will haunt my family and I for the rest of our lives. [61] Michael Derderian received fifteen years in prison, with four to serve and eleven years suspended, plus three years' probationthe same sentence as Biechele. Patrick Lynch: The defendant had every right to go to trial and say, hey, if it's this mysterious fax that it's trying to be referenced today, 18 years later, hey, this is important. Patrick Lynch: I don't think there's any question that had that door not been up a significant number of people would have survived. According to the band: "The name White Death represents Winter, death, suffering and desolation. [94] Kendall's version of Great White was to perform at the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut alongside Stryper and Steven Adler on March 25, 2023, but the venue indefinitely postponed the concert on March 2, citing its proximity to the twentieth anniversary of the fire. According to the band: "The name White Death represents Winter, death, suffering and desolation. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. [29] The initial death toll was 96 people; Four more individuals died in the hospital in the weeks following, bringing the toll to 100. [90] Russell planned to donate the proceeds to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, but the organization asked to be disassociated from the concert, citing the animosity still felt by many of the survivors and surviving families. [30] Longley reportedly died after returning to the building to retrieve his guitar. [21] The flames were initially thought to be part of the act; only as the fire reached the ceiling and smoke began to bank down did people realize it was uncontrolled. And I stood up. Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele also faced the same charges. [2], Prior to the fire, the Station often hosted concerts by 1980s hard rock groups and tribute bands. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. 18 Years After Station Nightclub Fire, Author Examines New Evidence Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Michael Derderian also spoke via phone to an investigator. WebSparked by a pyrotechnics display set off by their tour manager, the blaze ended up killing 100 people, including the bands guitarist Ty Longley, and badly injuring over 100 more. Both the brothers had other jobs. "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. He says he managed to escape through the front door before a stampede of people got stuck in the narrow hallway and blocked the exit. Also there that night was Bates College student Phil Barr, who was home for winter break. One of them is never say die, never give up. Patrick Lynch: Looking back on it I would say they ran it as a side business, an attempt to maybe make some extra money with the callous, utter disregard for those that work there and assemble there. Jim Axelrod: The fire spread so quickly because rather than fire-retardant sound foam, on the wall of the club was highly flammable packing foam. [13], In February 2003, Great White was on an eighteen date concert tour, and they had been using a pyrotechnic display during their performances that some club owners had denied them permission to use, citing safety concerns. At least 64 others were also sued, including the state of Rhode Island citedforthe fire inspector's failure to report the flammable foam during multiple inspections. The morning after the fire, the lead singer of Great White, Jack Russell, claimed the brothers had given the band permission to set off the fireworks. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. Please enter valid email address to continue. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. Great White Play [39], At the scene of the fire, Butler gave this account of the tragedy:[41]. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Inspection records showed that just three months before the fire, the Derderians had been cited by the local fire marshal for having a secondary, interior door by the stage that opened inward, which violated regulations. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. And that's when I noticed the black on my arms. and I just kind of went down on my face. [56], The sentence drew mixed reactions in the courtroom. Purchase and sale had been signed. Michael Derderian: Zero. Patrick Lynch: I don't think anybody in anything that they did wanted anybody to die that night or get injured. And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. Scott James: You have four exits. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." Michael Derderian: We do understand that anger and that's that's why we're here with you. The TIAs required automatic fire sprinklers in all existing nightclubs and similar locations that accommodate more than 100 occupants, and all new locations in the same categories. About 40 seconds after the song began, Great White stopped the show and all but one member of the band escaped through the stage door exit. And a quarter of those people didn't get to go home ever," says survivor Linda Saran, who was severely burned in the fire at The Station nightclub. Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. WebAnswer (1 of 7): are you stupid do you know how to go back and read a timeline of events or court dockets? As of September 2008, at least $115 million in settlement agreements had been paid, or offered, to the victims or their families by various defendants. [99] 41 and a film based on O'Neill's play They Walk Among Us were aired by Rhode Island PBS in February 2013 in conjunction with the tenth anniversary of the fire. [89] The band raised $185,000 for the Station Family Fund during the tour. The brothers say they are still haunted by the events of that horrific night. [9] The lack of usable exits was also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. Years After Station Nightclub Fire, Author Examines And so, when the fire inspector came in and said that that door had to come down the door, the door did come down. WebNEW YORK DAILY NEWS Mar 08, 2016 at 5:59 pm Expand Great White lead singer Jack Russell and the band perform moments before The Station nightclub is engulfed in flames Phil Barr: I loved it. Ty Longley was the guitar player and vocalist for Great White when he was killed as part of The Station Nightclub fire on February 20, 2003. Barr was located between the stage and the front door. Linda Saran: When I first went out the window, I landed on the stairs. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. The Station was a nightclub that was located on the corner of Cowesett Avenue and Kulas Road in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The Great White Station Fire: 10 Years Later Great White was part of the lawsuit. [35], The fire, from its inception, was caught on videotape by cameraman Brian Butler for WPRI-TV of Providence, and the beginning of that tape was released to national news stations. This is the time to leave. [89] "I don't think I could ever sing that song again," said Russell. I have to find him. Linda Saran: My hospital roommate, he and I took turns driving the respiratory therapist crazy in some ways it's almost like being in war together. Michael Derderian: But that door became impassable almost within seconds because clearly there's foam that's burning at 800 or 1,500 degrees. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. For years, he worked in Boston for Channel 7. Jim Axelrod: Who's responsible for that foam going up on the wall? Scott James: And the nightclub operator there was so angry when he saw what had happened in Rhode Island, he went public, and he even made public the contract that he had with Great White that showed there was no evidence of fireworks that were going to be part of the show. Kat Teurfs is the associate producer. That was his gift. Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. The pyrotechnics were gerbs, cylindrical devices that produce a controlled spray of sparks. He arrived early around 8:30 p.m. Phil Barr: There really weren't that many people around early in the night. Updated on: October 24, 2021 / 2:07 AM They should have blamed more. This is the main bar where you can get your drinks. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? EXCLUSIVE: Great Whites lead singer denies guitarists account of The Station nightclub fire: What happened and You see on your left the horseshoe-shaped bar. The fire was now out of control; it had spread along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling intended to dampen sound. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. That exit door would soon be To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. Phil Barr [teary-eyed]: Getting another opportunity to live my life came with enormous responsibility. And why wasn't the foam company charged? Sparked by a pyrotechnics display set off by their tour manager, the blaze ended up killing 100 people, including the bands guitarist Ty Longley, and badly injuring over 100 more. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. I went around back. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. THEY DID NOT START THE GOD DAMN FIRE THEY SET EVERYTHING UP Jody King: They blamed three. Flames can be seen on the back wall. The Great White Station Fire: 10 Years Later - Loudwire That exit door would soon be engulfed in flames. [7][8] They were best known for their 1989 cover of Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy", which reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. [77], A benefit memorial concert was held in February 2008 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence and featured performances by Tesla, Twisted Sister, Winger, Gretchen Wilson, and John Rich. Jim Axelrod: When the foam came, was there anything on the packaging that indicated that it was highly flammable? It was really everything to me at that time. Michael Derderian: He's completely out of it. ", Scott James: They had their moments. Jeff Derderian: That door was opened immediately and that's where the band went out. And that song reminds us of that night. Patrick Lynch: while troubling, concerning, maddening it doesn't mean that somebody should be charged or can be. That was in like the 80s. I could have missed my daughter's high school graduation, the birth of her children. there are other people who should be responsible. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. They were friends. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. [104] The legislation would create a tax incentive for property owners to install fire sprinkler systems. [21] Twenty seconds after the pyrotechnics ended, the band stopped playing and lead singer Jack Russell calmly remarked into the microphone, "Wow that's not good. There was a table in the way at the door, and I pulled that out just to get it out of the way so people could get out easier. WebThe drummer for Great White, the rock band associated with a deadly Rhode Island nightclub fire, was involved in a three-vehicle accident a few hours before a concert Saturday in Great White & The Station Nightclub Fire Tragedy - YouTube I had no control over my muscles. 2003 deadly fire at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, Great White, Jack Russell, and Mark Kendall, National Institute of Standards and Technology, "The Station nightclub fire 10 years later: Healing continues as West Warwick, Rhode Island, takes next step in recovery", "The Station Fire: Timeline of a tragedy", "Station tragedy leads to tougher fire code", "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 1", "Beyond grief: Trying to make sense out of the Station tragedy", "Tragedy Catches Up to a Metal Band Past Its Prime", "Great White Fireworks Set Off a Controversy", "The Station nightclub fire: What happened and who's to blame for disaster that killed 100? I'm going to do this. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. Scott James: They only have about 60 seconds to get out of the building if they're going to live. It did not. This is solid gasoline. And the following year he was able to accomplish the impossible and rejoin his swim team. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. [48], Following the tragedy, Governor Donald Carcieri declared a moratorium on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people. [4] No occupants were in the building during the 1972 fire, but the interior was significantly damaged. Jim Axelrod: The brothers say," wait a minute, we ordered sound foam. In all, over two hundred injuries were reported, and a hundred people lost their lives. He got a tire iron from his car, smashed the glass, and started pulling people out. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. One guy did crawl out. It was like what? First of all, I don't know you would, how would you how would you accomplish the detail and the amount of new information in a news conference or, you know, a commercial or something that we would try and do on our own. They want to talk to you." Among the casualties was Great White guitarist Ty Longley, who reportedly ran back into the burning building in an attempt to rescue his guitar. You know people didn't react instantly. undisputable. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. [62], In a letter to the victims' families, Judge Darigan wrote that he accepted the deal because he wanted to avoid "Public exposition of the tragic, explicit and horrific events experienced by the victims of this fire, both living and dead. The blaze began when the band Jack Russell's Great White took the stage and their tour manager set off four large fireworks. It fuels you. [95] When Russell launched his version of the band in 2012, Kendall's group responded that Russell had no right to use the name. [9] Jeffrey Derderian said the door was also installed due to noise, and they had removed it as asked, but sometimes re-installed it if the venue was going to be loud that night, and it was used by the band to escape the building during the fire. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam and say the club was inspected by their insurance company, and multiple times by the local Fire Marshal Denis Laroque. [21] The fire spread throughout the building and was completely engulfed within six minutes of the pyrotechnic ignition. "Taking responsibility for your actions goes a long way," she says. [25] Fire departments in Warwick, Coventry, and Cranston rendered mutual aid to the fire site. Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. But she refuses to live in the past. And I turned around, I said, "Get out, get out, get to the door, get to the door!" I kicked out a side window to try to get people out of there. there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. Why had the fire spread so quickly? And he's like he don't know. An off-duty police officer standing outside had heard her kicking at the window. Flames soon appeared on the walls on either side of the stage and spread quickly along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling, intended to dampen sound. As Great White started their first song, their tour manager Daniel Biechele set off four large fireworks called gerbs. He don't know. At first, there was no panic. : In 2021, 48 Hours described the total civil payments to the victims and families as $176 million. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. [4] In 1985, it was converted to a pub, which closed sometime in the late 1980s, and a nightclub was opened in its place in 1991. Barr says when he came to, he felt excruciating pain near the base of his spine and burning on his face.